How to be a good first baseman
  • 1. What is the primary responsibility of a first baseman?
A) Covering second base
B) Catching throws to first base
C) Calling out plays in the outfield
D) Pitching to the batter
  • 2. What is the correct footwork for receiving a throw at first base?
A) Standing still
B) Backpedaling
C) Target step towards the throw
D) Running away from the throw
  • 3. What is the proper way to stretch for a throw?
A) Lead with the glove foot and reach
B) Keep both feet planted
C) Stretch with the throwing arm
D) Bend at the waist
  • 4. How should you handle a bad throw to first base?
A) Assume it's uncatchable
B) Yell at the thrower
C) Try to knock it down and recover
D) Duck and avoid the ball
  • 5. What is a common defensive play the first baseman initiates?
A) Stealing bases
B) Umpiring the game
C) Calling pitches
D) Holding runners on base
  • 6. Where do you typically position yourself when a right-handed hitter is at bat?
A) Slightly closer to the foul line
B) Towards second base
C) Behind the pitcher's mound
D) Directly on the first base bag
  • 7. What should you do after catching a foul ball near first base?
A) Hand the ball to the batter
B) Run to second base
C) Tag first base for the out
D) Throw the ball into the stands
  • 8. What is the importance of knowing the count?
A) It's irrelevant to the first baseman's play
B) To know when to go to the bathroom
C) Only important for the pitcher
D) Anticipating the next play and potential steals
  • 9. What is the 'short hop' and how should a first baseman handle it?
A) A fake throw; ignore it
B) A runner sliding into first; avoid it
C) A very high pitch; let it go
D) Ball bounces right before reaching the glove; pick it cleanly
  • 10. What is the appropriate way to apply a tag to a runner?
A) Apply the glove firmly while securing the ball
B) Slap the runner with the bare hand
C) Just touch the runner with the glove
D) Point the glove at the runner
  • 11. When should you come off the base to field a ground ball?
A) Only if the pitcher tells you to
B) Never come off the base
C) When the ground ball is hit directly to you
D) Every time the ball is hit
  • 12. What is the communication strategy with the pitcher?
A) Coordinate pick-off plays and communicate runner tendencies
B) Tell jokes
C) Complain about the pitching
D) Never talk to the pitcher
  • 13. What is your responsibility on a bunt play?
A) Charge the bunt and field it cleanly
B) Stay at first base
C) Hide
D) Run to third base
  • 14. What should you do if you see a runner rounding second base aggressively?
A) Ignore them
B) Cheer them on
C) Be ready for a throw to first for a potential out.
D) Run after them
  • 15. How do you minimize errors at first base?
A) Avoid practicing
B) Wear lucky socks
C) Blame the pitcher
D) Focus, practice consistently, and maintain good footwork
  • 16. What is the backup responsibility of the first baseman?
A) Backing up the third baseman.
B) Covering first on throws from the outfield.
C) Covering second base.
D) Backing up the catcher.
  • 17. Which glove is best for a first baseman?
A) A larger, specialized first baseman's mitt.
B) An outfielder's glove.
C) A small infielders glove.
D) No glove at all
  • 18. What is the proper technique to secure the ball when taking a throw?
A) Use only one hand
B) Use two hands whenever possible
C) Kick the ball
D) Catch it with your chest
  • 19. What is the main disadvantage of playing first base?
A) It's the most exciting position
B) You have to run a lot
C) It's not a very physical position
D) You rarely get to steal bases
  • 20. What does 'holding a runner close' mean?
A) Giving the runner a hug
B) Preventing a runner from taking a large lead off first base
C) Ignoring the runner
D) Letting the runner steal at will
  • 21. What mental skill is vital for a first baseman?
A) Juggling
B) Singing loudly
C) Focus and concentration
D) Telepathy
  • 22. What is a common mistake first basemen make?
A) Wearing sunglasses at night
B) Being too friendly to the opposing team
C) Yelling at the umpire
D) Taking their eye off the ball during the catch
  • 23. What is the responsibility of the first baseman on a passed ball?
A) Chase after the passed ball.
B) Cover first base to receive a throw for a possible out.
C) Go to the dugout.
D) Run to home plate.
  • 24. What is the purpose of a pickoff attempt to first base?
A) To give the runner a head start
B) To start a fight
C) To catch a runner leading too far off the base
D) To confuse the runner
  • 25. What should a first baseman do when the pitcher is fielding a ground ball near the first base line?
A) Cover first base
B) Watch the game
C) Run to the dugout
D) Field the ball for the pitcher
  • 26. When should you yell 'time'?
A) When you're tired of playing.
B) When you want to start an argument.
C) When you disagree with an umpire's call.
D) When you need to adjust your equipment during a break in play.
  • 27. What's the best way to handle a slow roller hit near the first base line?
A) Charge aggressively and make a quick throw to the pitcher covering first.
B) Hope someone else gets it.
C) Let the pitcher field it.
D) Stay on the base and wait for the ball.
  • 28. What is important about knowing the opposing team's hitters?
A) It's not important.
B) So you can talk to them
C) Knowing their tendencies (pull hitter, opposite field hitter) helps with positioning
D) So you can date them
  • 29. Why is communication with the other infielders important?
A) To argue about who is better.
B) To coordinate who covers which base on various plays.
C) It's not important, everyone should just do what they want.
D) So you can tell jokes.
  • 30. Why is physical fitness important for a first baseman?
A) It's not, you just stand at first base.
B) So you can run faster to the snack bar.
C) So you look good in your uniform.
D) Allows for quicker reactions, better agility, and injury prevention.
Created with That Quiz — where a math practice test is always one click away.