Infield Drill: 1st Base Off Bag (Baseball)

Develop first baseman's ability to field ground balls after breaking from holding a runner, using proper shuffle footwork. More advanced drill for first baseman in leagues where leading off is allowed.

How to Run This Drill

Players is on 1st base, as if holding a runner on. Left foot in front with right foot near the corner of 1st base closest to the pitcher.
Coach is at home plate with a bucket of baseballs and a bat
1st baseman shuffles off of the bag to get into their fielding position
Focus should be on making good athletic shuffles to get into position to field a groundball, not running and crossing the feet
Coach waits until the player has taken 1 shuffle off of the bag and hits them a groundball
1st baseman fields the ground ball and tosses it off to the side
Coach hits the 1st baseman groundballs until they have had 10 repetitions (players may rotate if more than one 1st baseman)

Coaching Points

Use shuffle steps off the bag, don't cross your feet
If available, use a pitcher to simulate going to home or picking off to make more realistic
Stay low and athletic in your shuffles
One shuffle then ready position - be balanced
Read the ball off the bat quickly
Communicate with pitcher who's covering the bag
Practice both left and right side grounders

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