T-ball is a fun and engaging way to introduce young children to baseball. For many kids, t-ball is their first experience playing an organized sport. As a t-ball coach, you play an important role in shaping your players’ first impressions of baseball. Teaching the basic skills of throwing, catching, hitting and base running is key. Of all the positions in t-ball, first base has some unique skills that require special attention. With proper instruction, your first baseman can become an asset in the field.
The key to successfully teaching first base skills is breaking down positioning, catching, field awareness, and tagging into simple, repeatable steps.
Know the First Base Position
The first baseman must learn where to stand and when to move to different spots depending on the game situation. Start by teaching the ready position – feet shoulder-width apart, weight balanced, knees bent, glove out in front. The first baseman should stand with their lead foot touching the bag while watching the pitcher. Stress the importance of staying alert and paying attention to each pitch.
When the ball is hit, explain that first basemen have assigned coverage areas. For grounders hit to the right side, they must hustle to the bag to receive the throw from an infielder. On balls hit to the outfield or left side, the first baseman should break for the bag in case of an overthrow. Flyballs are the responsibility of outfielders and the pitcher.
Master Catching Throws
The first baseman’s primary job is to catch throws from teammates making plays. Start with simple underhand tosses and progress to soft overhand throws. Have players present their glove target by lining up their elbow and wrist. Stress extending the glove as a target and watching the ball all the way into the mitt. Take throws from knee level to above the head.
To build confidence catching throws, begin with short distances then slowly increase to 30-40 feet. Mix up the speed, accuracy and height of throws. Have players repeat the catch and tag drill continuously to refine their technique. Reinforce catching the ball out in front of the body with two hands then sweeping down for the tag.
Understand Defensive Coverage
An aware first baseman will learn situations when to stay at the bag versus coming off the base into the field. For example, with runners on base, they must keep a foot anchored to first base. If a ball is hit to the right side and no one is on base, they can move into the field to receive the throw.
During games, point out when the first baseman should charge a bunt or stay back. On overthrows, they must be prepared to catch the ball or chase it down to prevent extra bases. Remind them to pay attention to the coaches and shout cues like “Back!” or “Stay!” Teach first basemen to back up other infielders in case of errant throws. Instill the mindset of always being ready and expecting the ball to come to them.
Practice Tagging and Stepping on First
One of the first baseman’s main jobs is making outs by tagging runners or stepping on the bag. Introduce tagging by having players practice touching a teammate gently with the ball. Work on quick exchanges from the glove to the hand making the tag. Emphasize always keeping a foot on the base, reaching to tag the runner.
To get used to stepping on the bag for force outs, have them toss a ball to themselves then race to touch first base. Hit groundballs to third and short and have the first baseman receive the throw, touching first before the runner arrives. Stress going through the base, not stopping on top of it. Keep repeating tag and force out drills until it becomes second nature.
Be an Outlet for Infielders
For many plays, the first baseman will provide an outlet for other infielders to make a throw to record an out. Reps throwing and catching between first and second, shortstop and third base are key. Strengthen the bond between infielders by having them warmup together and incorporate throw-around drills into practice.
Design game scenarios to make the first baseman move into position to receive throws. For example, have the second baseman field a grounder then throw to first for the out. Keep both players active by making throws back and forth. Remind the first baseman to present a clear target and catch the ball using proper technique.
Position for Pick Off Attempts
One often overlooked responsibility is being in the right spot for pickoff throws from the pitcher or catcher. Make sure the first baseman knows to play off the bag when runners are on base, so they don’t get hit by the ball. Have players react to pickoff cues and get in position to catch pickoff attempts.
During live batting practice, mix in pickoff throws to first to simulate game conditions. Guide the first baseman to play behind runners taking big leads and be prepared as a target for any pickoff attempts. Keep them engaged on every pitch instead of just watching the batter.
Master “Hold or Throw” Situations
A common scenario first basemen will face is whether to tag the base for the out or throw to a different base. Introduce this concept by rolling grounders to the first baseman with a runner going to second. At first, allow them to simply step on first for the out. Then progress to throwing to second for a force out as the runner advances.
Use speedy runners or have the runner leave early to force the first baseman to make a quick decision whether to throw or tag. Keep reinforcing awareness of the situation like number of outs, score and position of runners. With practice, they will become adept at either tagging or throwing to the best base.
Maintain Focus All Game
First base requires sustained concentration and effort, even when the ball is not hit to them. Stress paying attention to each pitch and being prepared to react. Even when standing at the bag waiting, have them remind outfielders of the number of outs. Teach them to constantly communicate with teammates.
To keep first basemen active, incorporate basic footwork drills into practice like lateral shuffles side to side or drop steps. Throw tennis balls and have them react by fielding barehanded or catching in their glove hand. Keep them thinking and moving to hold focus longer. Changing activities and game scenarios will make practice fast-paced and fun.
With patience and repetition, your first basemen will master the fundamentals of fielding their position. Keep building their skills and you’ll have confident, capable young players in no time. Remember, you are setting the foundation for their future baseball success. With a positive approach and lots of encouragement, make first base a rewarding place to be. Play ball!
Perfect Throwing Mechanics
A first baseman must make accurate throws to other bases during game situations. Start by teaching proper grip – fingers on top of the ball across the horseshoe seams. Stress using the whole hand, not just the fingertips. The wrist should be straight and thumb underneath for support.
To get the feet and body aligned, have players take a step back with the glove-hand foot as they make a throw. Teaching to step toward the target helps momentum go into the throw. Make sure elbow is up during the throwing motion. Hip and shoulder rotation adds power as they release the ball.
Start with short, light throws of 15-20 feet to focus on technique. Provide feedback – “Keep your elbow up”; “Step toward your target”. Increase distance gradually as skills improve. Play catch games like throw & drop and bucket challenge to make learning fun. Throwing drills should be done daily to groove proper mechanics.
Emphasize following through straight toward the target on all throws. This ensures full energy transfers into the ball for accuracy. Stress keeping their eyes on the target through the whole throwing sequence from windup to release. Proper follow through prevents short-hopping throws. Celebrate great throws to reinforce mechanics.
Scoop and Stretch for Errant Throws
Even little league level baseball produces errant throws that bounce or sail wide of first base. The first baseman must be ready to field these balls to save hits and runs. Start by rolling grounders to the forehand and backhand side to work on scooping. Fielding with one hand down scoops the ball as it rises off the bounce into the glove.
Hit grounders with increasing velocity to improve reaction time and test scooping skills. Bounce throws in the dirt to force the first baseman to field the short hop. Make a game of errant throws and praising good scoop and stretch plays.
The first baseman will also need to handle throws tailing down the line or too high. Set up cones outside the baseline and have players stretch outward to catch balls. Throw high and wide to improve stretching range and teach them to lay out horizontally if needed. Let them make diving catches into soft mats to gain confidence. Celebrate run saving catches.
Repetition will give first basemen quick reflexes and flexible glove hands to scoop, stretch and snag errant throws. During games, point out formations like when outfielders should hit the cutoff man versus throwing to first. Sharpen instincts to anticipate stray throws and reinforce readiness to adjust. Solid scooping skills will save many potential baserunners.
Cover First on Bunt Defense
One of the trickiest plays for a first baseman is handling bunted balls. The key is being in the right spot and moving quickly with short steps. When a batter squares to bunt, teach the first baseman to charge in 5-10 feet from the bag towards home plate. Stress staying low in an athletic ready position. Their priority is fielding the ball, not touching first.
Roll grounders with different angles and speed to practice fielding barehanded or with the glove hand. Only have the first baseman focus on fielding the bunt for out number one before throwing to another base. Work on quickly underhanding balls to second or third for force outs.
Incorporate bunt coverages into situational gameplay. Call out bunt cues like “First baseman, bunt!” to promote reactions. Practice squeeze plays also with runners breaking from third, charging the first baseman. Vary speed and placement of bunts as players improve. Proper bunt defense will shut down rally killing bunts.
With practice, first basemen will gain confidence fielding bunts cleanly, making crisp underhand tosses and recovering quickly for any play. Stress patience allowing the ball to come to them. Celebrate bunts fielded and highlight great reactions. Skilled bunt coverage by alert first basemen will lead to rally killing double plays.
Stretch Reach for Errant Throws
Despite outfielder’s best efforts, many throws will sail high or wide of first base. The first baseman must maintain concentration and be prepared to react by stretching or laying out for errant throws. Begin working on lateral range by taking buckets of balls to each side of the base. Have players backhand balls and reverse pivot into throws to second base. Widen distance and angle balls away from their body. Praise full extension diving catches.
Also practice tracking and catching high throws overhead. Start with basic fly ball drill, then intentionally make longer, higher throw. Remind players to move quickly, turn their shoulder and glove to track the overhead balls. On extreme throws, teach them to lay out horizontally to make the catch. Soft mats allow for diving practice. Celebrate full extension catches.
Incorporate stretch reaches into defensive drills by rolling grounders just out of range to encourage quick reactions left and right. Mix in frequent errant throws and praise successful scoop and snag plays. Above all, first basemen should maintain energetic, uptempo play and be vocal supporters even when the ball isn’t hit to them. Making difficult scoops and stretch catches will pump up the whole team.
Conclusion
Teaching first base skills in t-ball requires breaking down key defensive concepts into simple steps. Focus on mastering the ready position, catching throws, understanding positioning, tagging, receiving throws from infielders and maintaining focus. With coach and parent support, a young first baseman will gain confidence and ability rapidly. Patience, encouragement and keeping drills fun are crucial. A first baseman who develops solid fundamentals will get the most out of their t-ball experience and gain skills that transfer to higher levels. Instilling teamwork, communication and love of the game are the real keys to successful first base play in t-ball and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important skills for a first baseman?
The key skills are catching throws from all angles, making force outs and tags, communicating with teammates, and paying attention on every pitch. Mastering the ready position and moving to field their position is also crucial.
What drills improve catching ability?
Frequent repetition catching throws from short distances while presenting a good glove target will quickly improve catching. Increase distance and challenge catchers as skills improve. Toss tennis balls randomly to react and field barehanded.
How can I teach awareness of game situations?
Use live practice scenarios like runners on base, bunts or shifted defense to train first basemen to react properly. Ask them questions each play to increase focus and reinforce learning coverages.
What are some good footwork drills?
Lateral shuffles side to side, back pedaling, drop steps in all directions, and crossover steps strengthen footwork. Have players react to verbal cues and get in fielding position. Making footwork fun with competitions improves engagement.
How can I maintain focus all game?
Keep players active by changing drills frequently, incorporate footwork/reaction skills and use verbal cues to stay alert. Challenge first basemen to communicate constantly and remind other fielders of outs. Praise focus to reinforce staying switched on.
