Fielding at First Base
The First Base Putout
When playing first base, if a player fields the ball and can beat the batter to first he should do so. When the first baseman makes the play himself he greatly reduces the chance that he will make an error.
When the first baseman runs to the base for the out he should be sure to cleanly field the ball before moving towards the bag. When approaching the base he should avoid contact with the runner by touching the inside corner of the bag and not passing into the runner's path.
When the Pitcher Covers First Base
Sometimes the first baseman will be too far from the base to beat the runner to the bag. In this case the first baseman should throw the ball to the pitcher covering the bag for the out. Depending on the distance the first baseman is from the pitcher he may throw the ball overhand or underhand. Regardless of how the ball is thrown there are a few guidelines for the first baseman to consider.
First, the first baseman should always lead the pitcher with the throw. The idea is for the pitcher to catch the ball while running and then find and step on the bag. Do not wait for the pitcher to get to the base before throwing to him. It is important to get the ball to the pitcher well before he reaches the base.
Second, the first baseman should throw the ball to the infield side of the base. This way the pitcher will not stray into the base path causing a collision or difficult catch.
Third, remember that on underhand throws, the higher you lift your hand the higher the ball will sail. Usually, the ball should be released at about belt level. When throwing the ball underhand the first baseman's aim will be much better if he follows the ball after throwing. He should allow his trail foot to come of the ground and he should take a few steps towards first base.
Initiating a Double Play
On a ground ball the first baseman has two choices for starting a double play. He can either throw directly to second base then move back to first quickly to cover the bag on the return throw.
The second choice is to step on first base, then throw to second. Players must remember that once the first baseman steps on first base the force play at second is eliminated and the fielder covering second will need to tag the runner for the out.
The choice on which option the first baseman should take is based on their proximity to the first base bag. If the first baseman fields the ball close to the bag he should step on first and throw to second. If the ball is fielded away from the bag he should throw to second and then hustle over to cover first.