First base touches the ball more than almost any other spot on the field. On most ground balls, the out only counts if the first baseman catches the throw. Here is how to teach your child to play it with good feet, soft hands and safe habits.
To play first base, a kid runs to the bag, puts the heel of the throwing-side foot against the edge of the base and sets up square to the thrower. They wait until they see where the throw is going, then step toward it and stretch, and they leave the base to stop any throw they can't reach.
Train it: Complete Defender (Level 2 Fielding, $49) → Free: Free Fielding Skill Guide →What does a first baseman do?
The first baseman has three main jobs: catch throws from the other infielders, field balls hit their way, and help keep runners close when the rules allow it.
Because the ball comes to first so often, it is not a place to hide a player. The best young first basemen are kids who catch well and like being busy. If your child is still learning to catch a thrown ball, start with our guide on how to teach a kid to catch.
A regular infield or all-around glove is fine at this age. Many kids try a first-base mitt later, so check your league's rules before you buy one.
Getting to the bag and setting your feet
When the ball is hit to another infielder, the first baseman's first job is to get to the base fast. Teach these steps:
- Run to the bag, eyes on the bag: look at the base, not the ball, until you get there.
- Find the edge: put the heel of the throwing-side foot against the edge of the base. A right-hander uses the right foot; a lefty uses the left.
- Turn and face the thrower: feet wide, knees bent, glove up as a big target.
- Stay on the infield side: keep the foot on the edge of the bag, not on top of it and not in the runner's lane.
That ready position lets a kid move left, right or up for the throw. Coach BK likes to say "It's a great day to be you!!" At first base, that means getting to the bag with energy and showing up like the throw belongs to you.
When should a kid stretch for the throw?
This is the most common first-base mistake: stretching out before the ball is even thrown. A player stuck in a stretch can't move to a high or wide throw.
Teach one rule: see the throw before your feet move. Once the ball leaves the fielder's hand and your child can tell where it is going, they step toward it with the glove-side foot and reach. The back foot stays touching the base.
For 7- to 9-year-olds, skip the big stretch. Have them stay in the ready position and just catch the ball, with a foot on the bag. The stretch can come later, once catching is automatic.
In softball, first basemen often play in toward home for bunts, so they also have to hustle back and find the bag. Same footwork, just a faster trip.
What to do with bad throws
Young infielders throw a lot of wild ones. The first baseman's job is to keep the ball in front of them so runners can't take another base.
- Out of reach? Leave the bag. Stopping the ball beats a stretch that misses it. Kids can often catch it and step back on the base, or tag the runner. See how to teach kids to tag a runner.
- Low throw: get the glove down early and reach out to catch it right after it bounces, instead of waiting for a tricky in-between hop.
- High throw: leave the bag if needed and catch it. Safety first, out second.
- Throw up the line toward home: catch it, then tag the runner with the glove. Don't stand in the runner's path waiting for it.
Our motto for first base: catch first, base second.
Staying safe, plus drills to try this week
The first baseman and the runner arrive at the same spot at nearly the same time. These habits help:
- Set up on the infield side of the bag and leave the runner the rest of the base.
- Don't block the base without the ball. Most leagues treat that as obstruction, so check your league's rules.
- Know about the double first base: some fields use a two-color base. Little League uses it at its Region and World Series events for safety; the fielder uses the white part and the runner the colored part on a play at first. If your league uses one, ask the coach to walk your child through it.
- Start soft: practice with soft or tennis balls until the footwork is solid, and stop if anything hurts.
Then practice. Ten minutes, a throw-down base and a soft ball are plenty.
- Find the Bag: start a few steps away. On "go," they run to the base, find the edge with the heel and turn to face you. Five reps.
- Wait for It: from 15 to 20 feet, toss to different spots. They hold the ready position until the ball leaves your hand, then step and reach.
- Scoop Game: on their knees, they catch soft balls you bounce in front of them. Count catches in a row.
- Off the Bag: throw one wide on purpose now and then. Leaving the base to stop it earns a point.
One thing to remember
Get to the bag, set up square to the thrower, and wait to see the throw before you stretch.
What to do this week
Play Find the Bag and Wait for It for 10 minutes twice this week with a soft ball. Toss a few wide ones and cheer every time your child leaves the base to stop the ball.
Parent questions
Which foot goes on first base?
Usually the throwing-side foot: the right foot for a right-hander and the left foot for a lefty. The glove-side foot then steps toward the throw.
Is first base a good position for a beginner?
It can be, if your child catches well. First base gets a lot of throws, so a player who is still learning to catch may do better somewhere else for now.
Does my kid need a first-base mitt?
Not at first. A regular glove works fine for young players, and many kids switch later. Check your league's rules on gloves before you buy one.
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Sources: Baseball Positive: How to catch a throw at first base · BetterCoaches (Baseball Canada): 1B throws on the bag drill · Little League: Double first base at Region and World Series events · Little League: Rule 7.00 The Runner FAQs