How do you teach RH 1st baseman to cover 1st on GB to 2nd baseman's left / right? No one on any number of outs for the sake of arguement.
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Well I just wanted to see what everyone else does w/ this situation.
Since nobody wants to chime in I will tell what we do and then maybe someone will speak up.
W/ the RH 1st baseman the footwork is different on Ground Balls to 2nd baseman. If the GB is to the 2basemans right the first baseman will cover 1st the same way he would on GB's to SS or 3Baseman. Run to bag and as he turns to receive throw he turns to his right.
On GB's to 2basemans left the first baseman runs to cover bag but this time he will turn to his left before receiving the throw.
Simple but rarely conveyed to RH 1st basemen.
Since nobody wants to chime in I will tell what we do and then maybe someone will speak up.
W/ the RH 1st baseman the footwork is different on Ground Balls to 2nd baseman. If the GB is to the 2basemans right the first baseman will cover 1st the same way he would on GB's to SS or 3Baseman. Run to bag and as he turns to receive throw he turns to his right.
On GB's to 2basemans left the first baseman runs to cover bag but this time he will turn to his left before receiving the throw.
Simple but rarely conveyed to RH 1st basemen.
Where is the pitcher in this scenario? 
If the ball is hit to the 2B's left, the 1B would presumably making a stab at it too (depending on where it is) and pulled off the line. If that's the case the P should b coming over to cover 1st also and can call off the 1B.
If the ball is hit to the 2B's left, the 1B would presumably making a stab at it too (depending on where it is) and pulled off the line. If that's the case the P should b coming over to cover 1st also and can call off the 1B.
On all right side ground balls, we have the pitcher taking off for 1st. If he isn't needed he can cross the line ahead of the runner and back the play. 1st baseman should be deep enough to make some of those plays. Footwork will not be important, he has to get to the bag quickly and turn to receive the throw.
Exactly right Beezer. But there are plenty of opportunities for the second baseman on balls to his left that the first baseman has no chance on and still must be aware of the footwork. It's simple to cover and prepare for. Try PFP's live, w/ runners. Perhaps man on 1st and 2 outs. First baseman holding runner and ball in play hit hard by the first baseman but to the second basemans left. The RH first baseman needs to know the footwork.
2 things we teach in conjunction with this play:
1. We want the 1st baseman to call the ball which takes some practice. Some of them don't get the hang of this too quickly, it's just odd for them to call a ground ball.. so you can practice it during your pfp.
2. We want the catcher and the bench to yell, "Get over there." loudly to startle the pitcher on anything hit to the glove side of RH pitcher... give first guy on the bench to say it a power ade or a treat if he beats the catcher...
just some thoughts.... have a great day.
1. We want the 1st baseman to call the ball which takes some practice. Some of them don't get the hang of this too quickly, it's just odd for them to call a ground ball.. so you can practice it during your pfp.
2. We want the catcher and the bench to yell, "Get over there." loudly to startle the pitcher on anything hit to the glove side of RH pitcher... give first guy on the bench to say it a power ade or a treat if he beats the catcher...
just some thoughts.... have a great day.
trojan-skipper,
It should be part of all PFPs.
Also, you can prep for this with a LH hitter by telling the pitcher to "get over on a pulled ball" before the LHH comes to bat.
It should be part of all PFPs.
Also, you can prep for this with a LH hitter by telling the pitcher to "get over on a pulled ball" before the LHH comes to bat.
If you're practicing your pfp's and get overs, the pitcher should know to break toward 1st on anything hit to his left, don't need no yelling if he's prepared. First basemans footwork is always important, but at the time of the play, as long as he gets there, to the bag, he can put out the runner. His footwork should be worked on in drills to insure that he knows what to do when the situation arises.
