RH First Base Play

Not sure if it's "text book". 

My son is a RH 1B. On bunt plays (assume runner on first), his coaches want him in position to be able to step on bag, then do a spin move to make a throw to second looking for the runner that took a turn there. So his left foot is on bag for inside throw, and he uses side of bag to propel the spin for throw. 

They picked off about 3 kids last season with this. Typically you need an athletic 1B IMO. 

Regardless of LH or RH first baseman the footwork for an inside play from the catcher should be the same.  Left foot on bag....I can't think of any reason why either LH or RH would have the right foot on the bag to receive an inside throw from C.

I'm a huge firm believer in anything fielded inside the mound by anyone it's a left foot situation for either LH or RH first baseman.  Reason I want this is I will trade distance on a stretch versus facing the throw and being in a stable stance.  Obviously a LH can stretch in this situation.  When a RH goes right foot then he's in a very awkward position to receive the throw.  

Agree with others.  Because of the angle of the play, left foot on the bag, facing directly toward the throw.  This puts you one simple shuffle away from adjusting to a bad throw in either direction (time allowing).  If you go right foot, your body is turned somewhat toward  fair territory/mound and it is nearly impossible to adjust to a throw missing toward the foul territory side of the bag.

I know this is the accepted thinking but I am right handed and played some first base.  I found it incredibly difficult and clumsy to put my left foot on the bag.  It is an unnatural catching motion.  Try going to play catch and approach the ball with your left foot anchored as a pivot and your right foot moving toward the ball.  It is very awkward.  Why does the ball being inside the mound change the approach to receiving a throw? 

Tying your catching hand to the inside of the throwing area is totally counter-intuitive.  If this was a good approach why not do it with throws from 2nd, SS or 3rd? 

I know that sounds rhetorical and is to a degree but there is a real question there too. 

Why only for RH 1B is there a unique approach to this particular play?  The usual reason as stated here is he is facing the ball and it is a backhand play.  Any RH first baseman should be able to put his right foot on the bag and turn his head so his eyesight is square to the ball 70 feet or less away on a bunt in front of the plate.  Plus backhanded catches at first base are very common regardless of LH or RH so that seems like a red herring to me.

It limits the throwing area to about a 2 to 3 foot radius directly above and slightly inside the bag with no flexibility to shorten the distance to the throw.  The right foot approach probably triples the throwing area for fielders and can shorten the throwing distance by several feet.  All factors for HS fielders and bang/bang plays at first. 

I think the main reason left foot anchors the bag on a throw from C  is that any throw that winds up "NOT" inside, and tails near the baseline or crosses the base line is very difficult to catch with the right foot anchored, and a runner barreling down on you.  It also provides a more square / larger target for a rushed catcher to throw at.

I'm voting with luv baseball.  Specifically the comments about playing catch with your right foot moving towards the ball.  I would assume any player playing first base has some muscle memory as it realtes to stepping towards the ball to receive it - including movements for balls off line both left and right.  Unless a RH 1B actually practices/drills this scenario I would suggest that they would have far less mobility tracking off line throws than would be the case with the left foot on the bag.  I would suggest that the left foot on bag would actually increase range on balls thrown from out front of plate across the foul line.  This could be done by sneaking a step with left foot towards foul territory (making sure they do not get run over) - not a move that could even be attempted with the left foot on bag.  Also gives the 1B more stability to lean over the line (again, with left foot on bag, 1B is limited in ability to lean).  I might even hazard that this setup makes the backhand easier.  Try playing catch with your right foot moving towars the ball AND THEN try the backhand.

Catchers' throws to first from the area of the plate,

Regardless of the handedness of the 1B--

Inside throw:  I teach left foot on the bag, facing the catcher in an athletic position.

Outside throw:  Right foot on the bag, etc.

Job #1, 2, and 3 is keep the ball in front of you.  Job #4 is being concerned whether the runner might be safe because your foot isn't on the base. .

freddy77 - So if I read that right you are teaching the 1B to get in the vicinity of the bag squared up facing the play and waiting for the throw and then reading the ball and getting in position to receive it.

Not too bad on a good throw and all he has to do is get the left foot on the bag.

That is a lot to do at short range if the pitcher or catcher comes up firing and has a live arm and the throw is on the 2B side.  Ever have 1B struggle with the footwork waiting for the ball to be on it's way and then getting in position in time?

luv baseball,

I did a bad job of explaining it.   I want 1b squared to the catcher with his foot against the side of the bag or on top of the side. Whichever he's more comfortable with. I have no idea (edge vs. top-of-edge) is "right" or "wrong"..  Main thing for me, again, is prioritize your role as a goalie as opposed to contorting to keep foot on the bag.

My primary teach on footwork is that 1B has a wide enough stance (when he's getting ready for the throw) that he can "take a knee" with either knee to get down for a low throw--similar to a 1B taking a knee to pick a hotshot groundball just to his left or right.

There a few questions;

1. How many outs. runners on 1b, 2b or 3b

2. How fast the bunter, the runners

3. What inning, score

4. Where is the 2b?

5. Is this a sacrifice bunt or bunt for a base hit.

If you have a runner on 1b, the 1b has the option to charge the bunt, allowing the 2b to cover. On the inside of the bag the 2b or 1b always use his left foot! If the catcher throw is high and inside you can easily tag the runner with your left hand.

Every 1b should be capable of "back handing the throws". On throws from the 2B, SS or 3B the 1b does not set his feet until he sees the direction of the throw.

Dick Howser throw would sink and another SS throw would rise. First base is a great position to be creative. Always talk to your 2b on each pitch {is his range quicker to his left or right?]

Talk with your catcher and pitcher with verbal signs or hand signals. Know the hitter.

"READ THE BAT"

Bob