Infield in, No Doubles, and other First Base Positioning

During a fast-paced play is not the time to be trying to figure where on the field you need to be.

Knowing where on the field the first baseman should be for each situation allows the team to work together fluidly in high-pressure, fast-paced situations. Letting the score, situations, and hitter dictate where you need to position yourself is something that is learned. Knowledge of how baseball situations should dictate your defensive positioning at first base will let you use external factors in your favor.

Diagram of Infield Situational Positioning.

Note: Sometimes Depths are classified by numbers:

1. Standard Depth
2. Double Play Depth
3. Half-way Depth
4. Infield in
5. x = No Doubles

Bases Empty

Position 1, Standard Depth: When there is no one on base, you will normally play deep – that is, 15 to 20 feet behind the base. See #1 on the diagram below.

Keep an eye on the second baseman, just in case he needs to communicate a set up and to make sure you aren’t playing too close together. Your setup will vary a little based on the hitter and the game situation.

Facing a lefty hitter, you want to be back and about ten feet from the foul line.

Facing a righty, you can move further off the line because less there is less of a chance that he will hit a ground ball to first base. This means it is more useful for you to focus on plugging the hole between 1st and 2nd.

Runner At 1st Base

Position: The first baseman will be holding the runner on at first base. If you are unsure of how to do this, click to read more about holding runners on first base.

Runners 1st And 3rd

You will be holding the runner on at 1st base.

Runner At 1st And 2nd

You will either play behind the runner at 1st base, or if you need to keep a run off the board you may play in front of the runner. From either of these spots you can let the ball dictate whether you are going to come home with the ball, go to 2nd, or just get the out at 1st. The score, inning, and number of outs also play a huge role in your decision.

Bases Loaded

Same as Runners at 1st and 2nd.

No Doubles

Base runners or not, it doesn’t affect this positioning. No Doubles is a the setup sometimes used when the score is tied, or when leading by 1 or 2 runs in the 8th or 9th inning. The idea behind this positioning is if we are going to give up a hit they are only going to get a single and not be able to stretch it into a double.

As a 1st baseman, you will play closer to the 1st base line than normal – roughly 5 to 6 feet. Make sure you are close enough where a ball will not get between you and the foul line. In this alignment you will give up a ground ball in the 3-4 hole but nothing down the line.

What to Read Next: More articles on second baseman positioning.

• Cut-off Fundamentals for Infielders. This article discusses the best position possible for taking a throw from an outfielder as a cut off man – where to align yourself, and how to make the relay throw as quickly and accurately as possible.
• Relay Positioning for First Baseman. As the first baseman, what is your specific role in various relay situations?
• Pop-up Priorities for First Baseman. This article and diagram shows what territory you are expected to cover when a fly ball is hit, who you have priority over if more than one player is going for the play, and what to do in potential collision situations.
• Holding Runners on 1st Base.  Tips and technique for holding runners on 1st base and not letting them steal 2nd.

About the Author: Doug Bernier

Doug Bernier, founder of Pro Baseball Insider.com, debuted in the Major Leagues in 2008 with the Colorado Rockies, and has played professional baseball for 11 years. After hitting .361 with the New York Yankees this 2012 spring training where he relieved Derek Jeter at shortstop, Doug spent the 2012 season with the Yankees’ triple A team. Click here to get personal, one-on-one instruction with Doug Bernier

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