First Baseman Tips: Knock The Ball Down

A good first baseman is a smart first baseman. First baseman tips for keeping ground balls in the infield.

Doug Bernier plays 1st base for the New York Yankees, 2012 opening weekend for Miami Marlins

Keep the ball in front of you.

Balls are hit awkwardly, sharp and everywhere in between. On tough hops do whatever you need to do to keep the ball in the infield, use your chest, shoulder, or any part of your body to keep it near you.

Take your time.

1st base is a position where you have a lot of time to make the play. This is because your throw is so short. You don’t have to field every ball with your glove.

If the play is at 1st base, make sure you secure the ball before you throw it to the bag. This seems pretty basic, and it is, you just don’t want to take anything for granted.

Keeping runners off base keeps runs off the board, and ultimately helps to win the game.

Understand when to be aggressive and when to play smart and keep the ball in the infield.

More First Baseman Tips:

• First Baseman’s Footwork
• Throws to 2nd Base
• Positioning for 1st Basemen
• Pop Fly Priorities
• Holding Runners on 1st Base

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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