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