Softball Fielding Tips - Playing First Base

By Sheila Douty

When I was asked to write this article, I was excited to share some of my knowledge and experience with all of my fellow ballplayers and possible future elite softball players. I decided to provide the readers with tips on first base play as I often think it is one of the most overlooked positions in the infield. There is more to playing first than standing on a base and catching some balls…..that is if you want to be a good first baseman!

Let’s begin with the basics of softball, in determining where to stand while fielding. Determining how far from the baseline to stand begins with getting in your “ready” position, then taking a normal cross over step as if you were going to field a ball. It is important to try not to make that step farther than you would naturally step. Keeping the glove centered over the foul line with your glove to the ground. If you are unable to reach the foul line, start closer to the line in your ready position, but if your glove reaches past the foul line into foul territory you need to start further away from the line in your ready position.

Where you stand in regards to the distance from home plate is going to depend on the type of batter and the position of the base runners. If no one is on base with a strong batter up to bat (not a bunter/slapper), your should stand about 5 - 10 feet in front of the base facing home plate. With a slapper at the plate, you will need to be about 15 feet in front of the base. Remember that you must be close enough to be able to field a bunt if the batter drops it, but also far enough back to be able to get to first base if needed. If there is a runner at first or runners on first and second and no outs ( a sacrifice bunt situation), you want to be at least a third of the way to home plate in your ready position. As you move closer to the plate, keep your glove in front of your face instead of the center of your body in case the batter hits the ball instead of bunting it. Your reaction time will decrease with each step you take closer to the batter, so move towards the foul line.

At first base, your fielding duties will primarily take you one-to-two steps laterally in either direction, but most of your movements will be in a forward and backward direction, as your primarily fielding responsibilities include bunts and covering the base.

The most obvious duty of the first baseman is covering first base on balls hit to the infield. From the ready position, the first baseman must take a quick glance to where the ball is going, then immediately turn clockwise (towards the infield) and sprint to first base, place both heels against the base of the bag and directly face the fielder throwing the ball. It is best to stand with the glove comfortably extended out in front of you with the fingers extended upward at chest level, providing as big of target as possible. Also, verbal communication to your infielders is essential. This will help let the fielder know where you are without having to look up while fielding the ball. If the fielder bobbles the ball you can assist by yelling for her to not throw the ball, thereby preventing her from making another error. As soon as the ball is released and the throw is on its way, you should step towards the ball with the same foot as the side your glove is on while the other foot is placed against the edge of the base. Placing your foot up on top of the base will result in getting run over by the batter (Note: Safe base is not in use for this article) and slip off easily if you have to stretch towards the ball. Extend your arms away from our body instead of waiting for the ball to come to you.

In the case of a dropped third strike by the catcher, set up on the side of the baseline that the ball goes towards. If the ball goes straight back or to the right of the catcher (your left), you set up with your right foot on the foul line side of first base and yell to the catcher “outside, outside, outside” so that she throws the ball to you down the first baseline in foul territory. This prevents the catcher from having to throw through the path of the base runner. If the ball kicks to the left side of the catcher, you will set up on the front corner of the base in fair territory with your left foot on the base and yell to the catcher, “inside, inside, inside” so that she knows to throw the ball to you in fair territory. The more you communicate to your fielders, the easier you make it for them.

Communication is one of the hardest things because as soon as you start yelling, you immediately feel like everyone is staring at you. Since communication between all of the fielders is one of the most important aspects of any team sport, you need to get familiar with it.

Hopefully this gives you something to work on in your practices. Being a good first baseman requires learning the footwork and positioning. It will take a while before you are completely comfortable getting ready to take the throw without tripping over your feet and the base! Be patient - with time it will get easier and you will find you won’t have to stare at the base to know where it is.