A good softball first baseman gets to the bag quickly on every ground ball, sets up facing the thrower with the heels at the base, waits to stretch until the throw is in the air, and scoops low throws cleanly. First basemen also charge bunts, cover their share of pop-ups, and often act as the cutoff on some throws home from the outfield. Because nearly every infield out ends at first base, a reliable first baseman can turn average throws into outs and save teammates from errors. This guide covers positioning, footwork around the bag, receiving throws, scooping, bunt defense, cutoff duties, the double first base and drills.
Rulebook note: Many leagues use a double first base, with a white base for the fielder and a colored base for the batter-runner, and rules on its use vary between NFHS, NCAA, USA Softball and other codes. Check your league’s rulebook.
Positioning guide
| Situation | Where to play |
|---|---|
| No runners, normal hitter | A few steps off the bag and in front |
| Bunt expected | Well in, ready to charge |
| Runner on first | Closer to the bag, ready for pick-off throws from the catcher |
| Left-handed slapper | Shallow, ready to charge bunts and soft slaps |
| Late innings, protecting the line | Closer to the foul line to prevent extra-base hits |
| Power hitter pulling to the right side | Deeper and toward the line |
Getting to the bag
On any ground ball to another infielder, sprint to first base immediately. Find the bag with your heels or the back of your feet, turn to face the fielder who is throwing, and set up in a balanced, athletic stance. Give the thrower a clear target by holding your glove out at chest height. Arriving early gives you time to adjust to the throw rather than rushing to catch it while moving.
Footwork and the stretch
- Set up with your heels at the bag, facing the thrower.
- Watch the throw as it leaves the fielder’s hand.
- Place your throwing-side foot on the edge of the base, usually the side facing the infield.
- Stretch with your glove-side foot toward the throw only after it is released and you know its direction.
- Reach with your glove to catch the ball as early as possible.
- Keep your foot on the side of the bag, not on top of it, to reduce the risk of being stepped on.
- Secure the ball and look for other runners.
Stretching too early is a common mistake. If you commit before the throw is released, you cannot adjust to a throw that is high, low or wide. Waiting a moment lets you shift your feet toward the throw and still stretch for the catch.
Handling bad throws
First basemen save many outs by handling imperfect throws. For low throws, try to catch the ball on a short hop, just after it bounces, or before it hits the ground. For throws wide of the bag, decide quickly whether you can stretch and keep contact with the base or whether you need to leave the bag to catch the ball and prevent it from getting away. For high throws, jump if needed, and try to come down on the base. Keeping the ball in front of you prevents runners from advancing, even if you cannot get the out.
Fielding ground balls at first
First basemen also field ground balls hit to the right side. Stay low, get your glove down early and field the ball out in front. If you are close to the bag, you may be able to step on it yourself for the out. If you are far from the bag, flip or toss the ball to the pitcher or second baseman covering first, leading them to the base with a firm, accurate toss at chest height. Communicate loudly so the covering player knows whether you will take the bag or need them to cover. On balls hit sharply down the line, protect the line when the situation calls for it, especially late in close games, to prevent extra-base hits.
Left-handed or right-handed first basemen
Left-handed throwers are often well suited to first base because, after fielding a ball, they are naturally turned toward the infield and can throw to second or third without spinning their body. Right-handed first basemen are also very common and can be excellent at the position; they simply use slightly different footwork, turning their body to throw. Whether left- or right-handed, the key skills are quick footwork, soft hands and good communication.
Scooping short hops
Scooping low throws is one of the most valuable first-base skills. Keep your glove low and open, and move it through the ball rather than stabbing at it. Watch the ball all the way into the glove. Try to catch it either on a short hop, just after it bounces, or well before the bounce, since the in-between hop is the hardest to handle. Regular scooping drills build confidence and soft hands.
Using the double first base
Many leagues use a double first base to reduce collisions. The fielder generally uses the white base, in fair territory, while the batter-runner uses the colored base, in foul territory, on plays at first. Rules allow exceptions in some situations, such as when a throw pulls the fielder into foul territory. Know your league’s rules and practice footwork on the correct base.
Bunt defense
First basemen are key players in bunt defense. When a bunt is likely, play in and be ready to charge. Field bunts on the first-base side, listen for the catcher’s call, and throw to the correct base. If the pitcher or catcher fields the bunt, the second baseman usually covers first, so the first baseman should not leave the base uncovered unless it is part of the team’s plan. Communicate clearly to avoid confusion.
Cutoff and backup duties
On some throws home from right or center field, the first baseman acts as the cutoff, lining up between the outfielder and home plate. The catcher calls whether to cut the ball or let it go through. On balls hit to the outfield with no play at home, the first baseman may trail the runner to first to watch that they touch the base. Knowing these responsibilities helps the defense work smoothly.
Drills
- Footwork drill: Practice getting to the bag, setting up and stretching toward throws from different angles.
- Short-hop scoops: A partner throws short hops, and the first baseman practices scooping.
- Wide throw drill: Throws are made to both sides so the first baseman learns when to stay on the bag or come off.
- Bunt charge drill: Charge bunts and throw to different bases.
- Pop-up drill: Practice foul pop-ups near the fence and dugout.
Common mistakes
- Stretching too early before seeing the throw.
- Arriving late to the bag.
- Standing on top of the base, risking collisions.
- Stabbing at short hops instead of moving the glove through the ball.
- Staying on the bag for a throw that will get past.
- Leaving first uncovered on bunts without communication.
- Using the wrong base when a double first base is in use.
Frequently asked questions
Which foot should a first baseman keep on the bag?
Usually the throwing-side foot, while stretching with the glove-side foot toward the throw.
When should a first baseman stretch for the throw?
After the throw is released and its direction is clear.
Does the first baseman use the white or orange base?
Generally the white base, while the batter-runner uses the colored base, though rules allow exceptions.
