In baseball, every position and coaching role plays a crucial part in a team’s success. While the third base coach often receives significant attention, the role of the first base coach is equally vital. This article explores the strategic importance of first base coaching, challenging conventional perspectives and highlighting its unique advantages.
Jason Ryals, head coach at Pebblebrook High School and owner of Tomahawks Baseball Academy, brings a fresh perspective to baseball strategy. Coach Ryals advocates for the head offensive coach to be stationed at first base.
The Conventional Wisdom vs. A New Perspective
Traditionally, the head coach often occupies the third base coaching box. However, Coach Ryals questions this norm.
Joe: Why do so few coaches coach first?
Jason: “It’s a coach’s job to think, process, and then simplify for teaching. I research, read, discuss, and then process everything… I get asked all the time: Why are you at first? Why aren’t you at third? I want to control our running game. How are you going to do that when it’s the fifth inning and not one of your players has reached second base?”
The Benefits of Coaching First Base
Coach Ryals argues that coaching first base provides several key advantages:
- Controlling the Running Game: Being at first base allows the coach to directly influence and manage the running game, especially early in the game when runners are trying to get into scoring position.
- Immediate Instruction: The coach can provide immediate feedback and adjustments to the batter-runner as they approach and reach first base, optimizing their positioning and strategy.
- Reading Pick-Off Moves: The first base coach has the best angle to help the runner read the pitcher’s pick-off move.
- Direct Communication: The coach can communicate directly with the runner between pitches, offering encouragement, reminders, and strategic advice.
A System of Communication and Trust
Coach Ryals emphasizes a system of clear communication and player empowerment. He explains:
“I have a rule with everyone that screws up. If you can tell me why you did what you did then I’m okay. Let’s discuss it and adjust for next time… If you have your players so uptight from fear of messing up then I guarantee you they will screw up now. How are athletes successful? They are confident.”
His system involves verbal and non-verbal communication, ensuring runners are always aware of the game situation and the coach’s intentions. The third base coach also plays a crucial role, receiving signals from the first base coach and relaying them to the hitter.
A Cohesive Coaching Strategy
The key to Coach Ryals’ approach is collaboration and trust among the coaching staff. He elaborates:
“Our coaches are communicating with each other the whole time we are out there. Sometimes the third base coach has the better angle and sometimes I do. My coaches have freedom to call plays because I have trained them to think like me and what to look for.”
This collaborative environment allows for real-time adjustments and strategic flexibility, maximizing the team’s offensive potential.
Coach Ryals’ Benefits of Coaching First Base over Third:
- Control the length of the lead at first base
- Help read the pick off move
- Talk to your players between pitches
- Can better instruct batter runner on his way to 1B
Conclusion
The role of the first base coach is a strategic asset, offering unique advantages in controlling the running game, providing immediate instruction, and fostering open communication. By challenging conventional wisdom and embracing innovative approaches, coaches can unlock new levels of team performance and player development.
Further Resources
For more insights from Coach Ryals, visit www.eatbaseball.com and follow him on Twitter @CoachRyals. For more information on Joe’s podcast, visit kwbaseball.com and @FerraroOnAir. The full interview can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ2aZUkBWO8
