[officialtony]

I'd like to field your original question.
I have asked several others this same question as I came through the system. There are different answers each time I pose the question. My response to you is this. Originally, I tried to cut across the runners path ( the basepath between 1st and 2nd ) to get inside before he rounded 1st base. What I found was that I couldn't get a clean view of his touch of 1st base. I also felt like I might interfere with him at some point by cutting across his foot path and sight path. Further, I found that I had trouble getting into a set position to make the call because I was watching the pitcher move in to back up the throw and a myriad of other problems. So I have opted for staying outside the base path and following the throw once the runner has rounded 1st. I let the ball lead me to the tag. This also allows me to make a call at 1st if the fielder gets to the ball quickly and tries to catch the runner headed back to 1st after making an attempt at 2nd. I don't know if this is text book, but it has worked well for me.