Freeze Tag Drill

A Fun and Energetic Game for Young Players to Develop Speed, Teamwork, and Field Awareness

Freeze Tag is a high-energy game of tag where young players freeze on the spot when tagged and are “unfrozen” by their teammates. This engaging game promotes quick movement, teamwork, and teaches basic field awareness, all while keeping safety in mind.

By adding Freeze Tag to your practice routine, you’ll be encouraging fast movement, teamwork, and field positioning in a way that is both fun and educational for young players. This activity will keep them engaged and moving, building foundational skills they’ll use on the baseball field.

Difficulty Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (Easy)
Time Estimate: 10-15 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Cones or markers to outline the play area (recommended size is about 20×20 feet for younger players)
  • An open space free of obstacles, either on grass or a soft surface
  • Optional: Different colored pinnies or wristbands to distinguish taggers
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Set up cones or markers to create a defined boundary for the game.
  • Assign one or two players to be the “taggers” (taggers can wear a different color wristband or pinnie).
  • All other players start as runners, scattered within the play area.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Assign Taggers and Start the Game:
  • Explain that when the tagger tags a player, that player must “freeze” on the spot. Frozen players can unfreeze only when one of their teammates tags them.
  1. Movement and Safety Rules:
  • Runners should stay within the boundaries, moving quickly to avoid getting tagged. If they’re tagged, they must freeze with their feet planted and arms out to signal they’re frozen.
  • To unfreeze a teammate, runners should give a gentle tag on the arm or shoulder. Emphasize that unfreezing should be done gently and safely.
  1. End and Rotate Taggers:
  • Continue play for 3-4 minutes before switching taggers. After each round, check that all players are having fun and understanding the game rules.
  1. Optional Variation:
  • For an added twist, add a “safe zone” where runners can take a quick break, but only for a few seconds. This teaches players to make quick decisions about when to run and when to wait.

Why You Run This Drill:

Freeze Tag is an effective way to develop fast movement, coordination, and teamwork in a fun and safe environment. The game teaches young players the importance of helping each other and staying aware of field positioning. It also gets them moving quickly in different directions, helping build agility and confidence in their movements.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Agility and Speed: Players must move quickly and change directions to avoid being tagged.
  • Teamwork: To win the game, players learn to help their teammates by unfreezing them.
  • Field Awareness: Players become more aware of their position within the field boundaries and learn to move strategically.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • High Energy and Fun: Keeps young players engaged and moving constantly.
  • Encourages Teamwork: The game reinforces teamwork, as players must unfreeze each other to stay in the game.
  • Easy to Set Up: Requires minimal equipment and can be played anywhere with enough space.

Cons:

  • Risk of Collisions: If players aren’t careful, they may bump into each other while moving quickly. Emphasize spatial awareness and gentle tags.
  • May Need Frequent Breaks: Younger players may tire out quickly, so be ready to provide short rest breaks or water breaks.

Coaching Notes & FAQs

Coaching Tips:

  • Emphasize Safety: Encourage players to keep their heads up to avoid collisions and make sure they’re tagging gently.
  • Rotate Taggers Frequently: Keep the game fair and engaging by giving multiple players a chance to be the tagger.
  • Encourage Encouragement: Teach players to cheer each other on and work together, as Freeze Tag is a team effort.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if a player gets too tired during the game?
  • Allow any tired players to sit out for a round if needed or create a “safe zone” where they can rest briefly before rejoining.
  1. How can I keep players safe from bumping into each other?
  • Remind players to keep their heads up and be aware of others around them. Make sure the play area is large enough to allow space between players.
  1. How can I make the game more challenging?
  • To increase difficulty, you can add a second tagger or reduce the size of the playing area slightly. You could also introduce a time limit, challenging players to see how long they can stay unfrozen.