OHIO COUNTY FASTPITCH HANDBOOK

THE FIRST BASEMAN : SKILLS & TECHNIQUES


 


           

           

           

          POSITIONING

        • Play as deep as you can (be able to get to 1st quick enough on grounders to other INF's), unless it is a bunt situation.  
        • Move closer to the line during the last 2 innings of a close game.
        • Receive throws to 1st by placing the heels of both feet on the base. Shift on throws to the sides. If the ball is thrown to your left, take a hop to your left and place the toes of your right foot on the base. If the ball is thrown to your right, take a hop to your right and place the toes of your left foot on the base.
        • Stretch only when needed. Do not stretch too soon and be unable to adjust to the throw. Land on your heel when you stretch to keep your back foot on base.

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          RUNNERS ON BASE

        • Stand with your feet slightly wider thany our shoulders when waiting for the delevery of the pitch.
        • With a runner only at 1st AND with runners on 1st and 3rd. Play behind the runner otherwise (unless playing "In").
        • Always expect the batter to hit to you. In every at bat, know the situation.
        • When the Pitcher releases the pitch to home, take quick slide steps toward 2nd.


          BUNTS

        • Charge any bunt near the 1st baseline.
        • Get back to 1st on bunts you are not fielding. If you have the play, Tell the 2nd Base, "I'VE GOT IT".


          WHEN THE BALL IS HIT

        • Try to field any hard hit ball to your right side.
        • Let slow hit balls to your right go and sprint to cover 1st. Let the 2B field it UNLESS she was covering 2nd on a steal attempt (you must go for it then).
        • Take the play unassisted whenever possible so you do not have to throw.
        • Be the cut-off man on all throws to home from Center-Field and Right Field.
        • Trail behind the runner toward 2nd on sure extra-base hits UNLESS there is a play to be made at home plate. Be ready to move from the trail position to the cut-off position near the mound if needed as the cut-off to home.
        • On throws to home plate using the tandem relay, listen to the Catcher lining you up while you try to line up the 2B or SS.

          VARIOUS SITUATIONS

        • Yell "COVER" to the Pitcher on all grounders hit near you or the hole. If you are going to make the play unassisted, tell the Pitcher, "I'VE GOT IT".
        • On throws to the Pitcher covering, show her the ball out of the glove quickly and toss it slightly in front of her, preferably chest-high.
        • Tag the runner when the throw pulls you off the base down the line toward home plate.
        • Yell "TAG" to the SS on a Double Play when you have tagged 1st for the first out.
        • Yell "GOING" when the runner is stealing 2nd.
        • Be very "vocal" on the field, always communicate to 2nd base and to right field..
        • Be ready to throw to 2nd or 3rd on any out at first.
        • Be ready to throw to 3rd or home plate after an IN-Fielder has made a throw to you on a ground ball with a runner on 2nd or 3rd (jump-pivot and be ready to throw).
        • Give the Catcher a good target "INSIDE" if she is in fair territory or "OUTSIDE" if she is in foul territory when making a throw to 1st.
        • Block all throws with a runner on 2nd so that the runner cannot score on a wild throw.
        • Back up the Pitcher by going to the mound on a wild pitch with a runner on 3rd because the Catcher will be throwing to the Pitcher covering home plate.
        • Find the fence first on pop flies and be ready for the ball to drift back toward the IN-Field.
        • 90% of all fielded balls by the 1B are 3-4 steps away. BE QUICK!


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