Softball is a very fast game and it is important that all fielders can play the game–especially on the "hot corners" which are first base and third base. Often, it is thought that you take a good hitter who is ÿa poor fielder and stick them at first base to "hide" them. This is not the case in fastpitch softball. Because of the fast pace of the game, the shorter field and the slap/drag bunt being a factor in softball, your first baseman has to be alert and athletic.

COVERING THE BAG

When running back to cover the bag, the first baseman always wants to drop step like an outfielder to get back. You never want to backpedal, risking tripping and falling backward. When you drop step to the bag, it is ALWAYS a sprint because you want to get set up at the base and be balanced when the throw comes to you. You never want to turn your back on the infield, so always drop step OPENING UP toward the infield. When receiving the throw, the foot that steps on the bag is always the opposite of the glove hand. This is because if the first baseman needs to stretch for a ball it is easier to get your body longer that way. Never step toward a thrown ball too early; you may not be able to catch ‘a ball off to the side. What you want to try to do is work on stepping on the ball.

Balance yourself at the bag, and as the throw comes, step toward the ball. Also, remember that the base is about 16 inches or so wide. Use all of that base! Don't lock your foot onto one part of the bag if a throw is off to one side or another. Slide your foot up and down the bag to give yourself more lateral area. (Make sure you keep your foot on the inside of the base, you don't want to risk your foot being stepped on!!!) If there is a need to stretch toward a ball, catch it with only the glove arm stretched out at the ball. It is easier to stretch one arm out at the ball than two arms forward.


COVERING BUNTS

Bunt defense wins and loses ballgames in softball. Be aggressive!!! My philosophy is to get in there toward the batter and take her bunt away from her. You want to try to get the lead-off runner as much as you possibly can, so when you see bunt, charge in there! If you a ¤re responsible for getting back on the slap to cover the bag, you have to make sure you remain in control and watch the batter's hands carefully. Work on your drop steps to practice getting back to the bag quickly if you cover the bag on the slap (which every first baseman should in my opinion!). When the bunt is hit in your direction you always want to field the ball with your bare hand whenever possible. Stay low and field the ball under your nose...don't reach for it. You don't want to reach and miss. Throw the ball from that low position to get rid of the ball quickly. That should look the same as your overhand throw just transferred down toward the ground since you are bent at the waist. Not side-arm, just throwing low and getting rid of the ball. Your catcher or shortstop should be yelling where to throw the ball so set your feet up to throw to the base they are yelling to throw to.

Make sure you know your runners. If you have a slow runner at the plate, then you k Ânow you have time to take a look at the lead runner before having to make a play at first base. If you are throwing to first, always reset your feet and make sure they are in a position to throw there. Many times you see a first baseman set up the feet to throw to second base, but don't have a play and throw to first but make a throwing error because they never reset their feet. If it is a drag bunt you are going to have to get rid of that ball QUICK. Anticipate and be aware!!!!
PICK-OFFS

I always like to drop back on every pitch for a possible pick-off (unless my second baseman is fading over) because I don't want that runner to feel too safe at the base and try to take a big lead-off. As a lefty first baseman, I always drop step back to my right and come to the front of the bag. For a right-handed first baseman, they like to drop step back to the left so they are not forced to backhand every thrown pick-off from the catcher. If the pick-off is called from the catcher, I will release e jarly from my fielding position and try to come back and block the base with my right knee (actually straddle the bag and drop down the right knee across the front of the bag). The tag should be a sweep through, coming and getting the ball and carrying it right through the front of the base. For the right-handed first baseman, it is hard to block out because the back is to the runner, but the sweep tag still applies.

DRILLS

My experience as a first baseman has always been a good one because of preparation. You need to have the best glove on the field. This means that anything you can reach, you should catch. Get to practice early and work on short hops, short hops, short hops!!! Start in your fielding position and drop step back and have a coach/teammate short hop you about 50 times per practice day: right at you, to the side, to your backhand. Have them throw h balls that take you off the bag so you can work on a sweep tag at the runner. Have them throw balls that are high and right at you and keep you honest. This will help you with your glove work and your footwork in stepping to where the ball is thrown.

Bunt defense should be practiced constantly. You should WANT the ball to come to you because you have practiced it so much. Have confidence in throwing out the lead runner. Live bunt defense is great practice because communication between yourself, the third baseman, the catcher, and the pitcher is key. Try not to let the pitcher get the ball. Be prepared and quick enough that you are the one getting the ball. Much of playing the "hot corner" at first base is preparation and confidence. With practice comes confidence because you have done it so much that it becomes second nature. Be aggressive and good luck!!!