We present a method for calculating center-of-mass corrections to hadron properties in soliton models and we apply the method to the soliton bag model. A coherent state is used to provide a quantum wave function corresponding to the mean-field approximation. This state is projected onto a zero-momentum eigenstate. States of nonzero momentum can be constructed from this with a Lorentz boost operator. Hence center-of-mass corrections can be made in a properly relativistic way. The energy of the projected zero-momentum state is the hadron mass with spurious center-of-mass energy removed. We apply a variational principle to our projected state and use three ‘‘virial theorems’’ to test our approximate solution. We also study projection of general one-mode states. Projection reduces the nucleon energy by up to 25%. Variation after projection gives a further reduction of less than 20%. Somewhat larger reductions in the energy are found for meson states.

• Received 18 June 1985

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.33.234