Obstruction at first base

[BoomerSooner]

I'm not going to give the answer to your second question (feels like it would be undermining MD's suggestion to study up on mechanics, which after all is the best way to learn), but I will say the one thing that often gets overlooked is the importance of communication. When I first started I appreciated having my plate umpire guide me when there was a play that might be 50/50 on whether I should go out or come into the infield. It starts as a learning thing and develops into something that helps both of us know who has the call. It prevents us from both watching a ball hit to the outfield, as well as the much worse alternative; neither of us is watching the ball. Once you've worked with one partner long enough communication becomes more subtle and you rely on instinct more because both of you trust the other's instinct.