First Base

[MTR]

When are coaches going to start teaching players how to receive a throw at 1st base?

Being seeing it for years at all levels. Saw it three more times today in the SEC & Big 10 playoffs where F3 plants a foot and the base and leans toward the fielder about to throw the ball and cannot recover in time to stop a throw that is slightly off-line from going past them.

I can understand it at the lower level of youth ball, maybe even MS, but at the college level?

 

[chinamigarden]

I'm always surprised at how poor the defense is at the college level. It goes to show you how much time, money and emphasis is spent on offense.

 

[CoogansBluff]

I'm always surprised at how poor the defense is at the college level. It goes to show you how much time, money and emphasis is spent on offense.

I've come close to starting a thread on this issue many times to see if my observations match reality.

I agree that defense lags behind hitting and pitching in college. At the highest levels (SEC, Pac10, etc.), I do see a lot of great defensive plays that come from speed, athleticism (ie, agility) and strong arms. But I also see a lot of routine plays that are botched. Also see more mental errors that I would expect, throwing to the wrong base, etc. I see players that should be playing first who are in the outfield, players who should be playing third playing SS. And at the lower levels of college, you have all that plus less athleticism, so it's even more conspicuous.

My point iisn't to criticize college softball. It's just to ask, is it just me, or do others see that? And if it is the case, why?

Is it that the fields are small, not much as much ground to cover as baseball, so while range is nice, it's something you're willing to compromise just a little to get a good bat in the lineup? Except rarely for a catcher, I've never seen a defensive specialist in college softball. It's pretty much the best 9 hitters.

I will concede this - I do think TV sometimes doesn't do justice to how quick the game is. I'm more impressed when I watch it in person. Hard ground balls and line drives get on fielders very quickly when you actually see it from bat to glove.

 

[PA SB Dad]

I think there is little value placed at the 1B position at the older levels (I am just as guilty of this). If the kid can hit and is too immobile for other positions (or has been beat out at another position by a better player and you still want the bat in the lineup), it's either DP or 1B. You are right that footwork is very important, but I think players are plugged in there when you need the bat in the lineup.

 

[MTR]

I think there is little value placed at the 1B position at the older levels (I am just as guilty of this). If the kid can hit and is too immobile for other positions (or has been beat out at another position by a better player and you still want the bat in the lineup), it's either DP or 1B. You are right that footwork is very important, but I think players are plugged in there when you need the bat in the lineup.

I agree, the coaches place little value on the position. However, I also see games lost simply because the player on 1st has never received, or cannot execute, the proper mechanics for the position.

 

[Amy in AZ.]

I played first base forever. My first day of college, the coach showed me how to play. I show girls all the time now. I cringe at the run to the base and plant a foot, plays.

 

[BuckeyeGuy]

I played first base forever. My first day of college, the coach showed me how to play. I show girls all the time now. I cringe at the run to the base and plant a foot, plays.

I know nothing about the position - could you enlighten me? I'd love to teach my rec girls and my MS team the right way.

 

[iMlearning]

I've thought about this a lot lately too. DD has played 4 positions in HS and the HC will move her depending on who the pitcher is. DW doesn't like her at 1st...feels it's an insult but when our #1 pitcher is in, most of the balls go to the right side and we have a vertically challenged team. I think a good baseman can make the other players look good on not so good throws.

 

[Amy in AZ.]

Basically, you go to the base and put your feet, near the inside corner. I reach back with my right foot and tap the bag, to make sure it is there. Do not put your foot on the bag, until the ball is thrown. Many times you can catch and tap the bag and get on with the next play.

If the fielders don't know how to throw you a 4 seam fast ball, many throws are wild.

Your first responsibility is to get the ball, not touch the bag. Sometimes, I would end up with both toes on the bag, in order to get flat on the ground to receive the throw.

 

[slingnit]

I'm always surprised at how poor the defense is at the college level. It goes to show you how much time, money and emphasis is spent on offense.

It is directly related to the decline of slowpitch in girls softball! I don't believe that but there are some that will go to blows over the argument.