First base is one of the most essential functions in the baseball games and therefore, the player must be strong and smart. The player will be the first to play infield and should be prepared for the outfield play as well. The first baseman should be in the position to cover the first always as this will increase the chance for a better strategy.
The first baseman drill for covering the first can be done individually or with a coach. It is advisable to have a coach on your side when you practice as this will help you to learn from your shortcomings.
Reason:
The drill lets the first baseman try to cover the starting point and learn the footwork which is required to get the toss.
Equipment Used:
Baseballs
Position:
Place the first at a position in their own line
Implementation:
The coach will be placed in the middle of first and second baseball player.
The first baseball player will reach to the first area and position himself to catch the ball. After few attempts, the coach will change the position of players, so they can practice footwork from different positions.
Once the player catches the ball, he throws it back to the coach and reaches to his specific line.
Until one player reaches his line, the coach will settle the game from other positions. It is advisable that while practicing in the team drill, you go by changing the position of the players. The coach should also change the position after every catch, so the first baseman gets trained for catching the ball from every direction and running to cover the base too.
The last thing the team would want is to throw the ball and not have the first baseman covering the first.
