Proper way to hold a man on first

[ShlssJoe]

I have been trying to find a definitive answer to this question on a number of sites and in youth baseball books but have had very little luck. I would really like to know how AND WHY a first baseball should hold a man on first. Should his right foot be touching the inside inside corner of the bag and his left foot be in front of his right towards the pitcher or should he straddle the bag? For me it makes more sense to have him straddle the bag as the ball is moving faster than his arms would when a pickoff attempt is made by the pitcher. Thus he only has to drop his glove to make the tag instead of sweeping the bag. On the other hand I do see some mobility issues if the throw is bad.

If anyone could help explain this I would be greatly appreciative.

Thanks,
Shoeless Joe

[Go Cardinals]

I'm a good baserunner, and I know alot of tricks. If the 1st basemen is stupidly strattling the bag, it's almost a free wild throw by the pitcher. All the base runner does is step right in the middle of the bag. By doing that, the 1st basemen can't reach a throw that is behind the runner who is on 1st base.... hope that makes sense......