Playing First Base
When playing first base and not holding a runner on you want your players to play deep enough in the infield that they can cover a lot of ground, but they must play close enough to the bag to make it to the base and provide a target before another fielder is prepared to make a throw. The first baseman wants to be able to arrive at the base and get his feet into position so that the other players can make their throw with as little distraction as possible. If the third baseman must continually try to hit a moving target there will be errors more frequently.
The first baseman should also play close enough to the bag that he can field routine groundballs and beat the runner to the base. While the pitcher should cover the bag on a play to the right side of the field you don't want your first baseman to rely on the pitcher. First, because many times the pitcher forgets that it is his responsibility to cover the base. This is especially prevalent in youth baseball. Second, having the first baseman make a throw to the pitcher that is running to the bag invites the possibility of an error. The first baseman's best bet is to run to the bag whenever possible.
When the first baseman needs to hold the runner on the base he should place his right foot against the home plate side of the bag. A right hand throwing first baseman should line up his feet roughly parallel to the foul line. The left hand throwing first baseman can shift his left foot more towards the foul line. Either way, as the pitcher goes into his stretch the first baseman should be ready, in an athletic position (feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, weight on inside balls of feet), and present a good target for the pitcher. If the pitcher makes a throw to first base the first baseman should field the throw and make a sweeping tag across the second base side of the base. Make sure that the first baseman is in the habit of catching the ball THEN applying the tag. You will frequently see young players attempting to tag the runner before the ball has been firmly received.
If the pitcher delivers a pitch to home plate the first baseman should quickly shuffle towards second base and assume a good fielding position before the ball reaches the batter.
Go To: Receiving a Throw at First Base.