Tip No.4: Adjusting on the Fly
If the infielder (first or second baseman) gets the ball before the pitcher arrives at the bag, the infielder must throw the ball to the pitcher anyway. He should not wait until the pitcher gets to the bag before throwing.
An early throw allows the pitcher an opportunity to catch the ball before reaching the base, thus giving him ample time to look down at the base. Trying to catch the ball at the same time as tagging the bag is the biggest reason pitchers miss the base, but oftentimes is the only way a play can be made.
Tip No.5: Getting There Early
If the pitcher gets to the bag before the throw is made, he should stop at the base and place his right foot on the inside of the bag, stretch like a first baseman, and give a target with his glove.
Tip No.6: Crunch Time
With less than two outs and a runner or runners on base, the final action of the pitcher when making the play at first base is not after he has tagged the bag. After touching first base, it is the pitcher's responsibility is to turn quickly towards the inside of the diamond and look for a possible throw to another base.
If there is no throw necessary but the runner or runners are off fairly far from the base, the pitcher should run the ball quickly into the grass infield and then call "time". Although the act of locating first base, and catching the first baseman's toss is difficult, the most important thing about covering first base is REMEMBERING to do it every time a ball is hit to the right side.