The notion of sticking a weaker player at first base because it is an easy position to play couldn't be farther from the truth. First basemen have many responsibilities on the field aside from merely catching the ball. Positioning, footwork and good glove skills are important elements of playing first base effectively, as is thinking one step ahead of each play.
Step 1
Position yourself based on the hitter and pitching style of your pitcher when no one is on base. Move closer to the baseline for a left-handed pull hitter, and more toward second base for most right-handed hitters. Move deep enough to cover a lot of ground, but stay close enough to the base to get there when you need to.
Step 2
Make every play that you can if the batter hits the ball your direction. If the ball is headed to your right and you can get to it, field the ball and toss it to the pitcher as he covers first base. Judge the speed of the runner to determine what to do on plays in which you can either toss it to the pitcher or make the play yourself.
Step 3
Move to first base quickly if you are not going to field the ball. Place your throwing arm foot on the side of the base, and give a clear target to the infielder making the play. Step toward the ball as it gets to your glove on close plays. Keep your foot on the base until after the out.
Step 4
Stand about halfway between first base and home plate, near the pitcher's mound, when a batter hits the ball into right field and there may be a play at the plate. The catcher will yell for you to let the throw continue to him, or cut it off and try to throw out the runner who hit the ball. Stand just on the outfield side of the pitcher's mound near second base if you are the designated cutoff man for throws from center field.
Step 5
Hold a base runner on first by standing with your heels parallel to the baseline, and the outside of your right foot on the side of the base if you are right-handed, according to QCBaseball.com. Lefties will stand with the right foot in the same position, but with a stance that is more open to face the pitcher. Give a good target to the pitcher, and move a few strides toward second base to be in position to field the ball if the pitcher throws to the plate.
Step 6
Charge down the baseline toward home plate if a batter bunts the ball toward first base. Give the catcher the right of way if he can make the play. Tag the runner as he goes by if you field the ball in time, or spin and throw to the second baseman covering first base.
Step 7
Watch where the catcher picks up the ball on a bunt attempt if you are playing deep and don't have time to charge the ball, or on a dropped third strike. To avoid hitting the runner, he will have to throw the ball either on the inside or outside of the baseline. Move to whichever side appears easier for the catcher to make the play. Place your right foot on the base to stand on the foul side, and your left foot on the base to stand in fair territory. Give the catcher a good target.
Step 8
Swing your arm down toward the baseline to tag the runner going by on throws that pull you off the base toward home plate. Stay out of the path of the runner to avoid injury.
Step 9
Judge where the baseball is going to land on throws that you know will bounce before they get to first base. Stretch out as you normally would for throws that bounce close to the base, and scoop them up just after the ball hits the dirt. Narrow your stance and bend your knees to make the play if you can determine the ball will bounce well before the base.
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