Situational Play For 8-9 Year Old Players

A Drill to Teach Young Players Decision-Making in Game Scenarios

The Situational Play Drill creates game-like scenarios where players practice decision-making on the field, such as where to throw the ball, when to hold it, and how to respond to different base-running situations. This drill helps young players develop situational awareness and makes learning defensive strategy both fun and challenging.

Difficulty Rating: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate)
Time Estimate: 15-20 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Baseballs
  • Bases set up at their regular positions
  • Gloves for all fielding players
  • Bat (optional for simulating hits)
  • Cones or markers (optional for setting up runners’ starting positions)
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Place players at each infield position (pitcher, catcher, first base, second base, shortstop, and third base).
  • Set up a few runners (either players or coaches) on different bases to simulate various situations.
  • Designate a coach to guide and call out scenarios.
  1. Scenario Setup:
  • Decide on specific scenarios you want to cover, such as “runner on first and third, less than two outs” or “bases loaded with one out.”
  • Rotate scenarios throughout the drill to cover different game situations.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Sets the Scenario:
  • Begin by explaining the scenario to the players. For example: “Runner on first, one out. Ground ball hit to third.”
  • Clearly state the situation (number of outs, base runner positions, and where the ball is expected to go) so players understand their options.
  1. Execute the Play:
  • Hit or roll a ground ball, line drive, or fly ball to different players based on the scenario.
  • Fielders must decide where to throw the ball and whether to hold it based on the scenario. For instance, on a ground ball to the shortstop with a runner on first, players need to decide whether to go for a double play or make a single out.
  • Once the play is completed, stop the drill to provide feedback or to explain any missed opportunities or good decisions.
  1. Rotate Positions and Scenarios:
  • Rotate players through different positions and vary the scenarios so they can learn decision-making from multiple spots on the field.
  • Repeat with different scenarios (e.g., runner on second, no outs; bases loaded, two outs) to cover a range of game situations.
  1. Reinforce Key Decisions:
  • Focus on simple, fundamental decisions, such as:
    • Holding the ball when there’s no play.
    • Making an easy out over a more complicated play.
    • Throwing to a cutoff player in the outfield if needed.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Situational Play Drill is essential for helping young players learn the mental side of baseball. By practicing specific game scenarios, players develop a better understanding of where to go with the ball and learn how to respond to different offensive threats. This drill builds their confidence and improves their decision-making skills, helping them feel more prepared and less anxious in real games.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Decision-Making: Players learn how to make quick decisions based on game situations, such as where to throw the ball or when to hold it.
  • Situational Awareness: This drill teaches players to be aware of runners, outs, and potential plays, which improves their understanding of game flow.
  • Communication: The drill encourages players to communicate with teammates, call out plays, and support each other on the field.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Start Simple: Begin with basic scenarios and gradually increase complexity as players get more comfortable with the drill.
  • Emphasize Communication: Encourage players to talk on the field, call out plays, and communicate with teammates about what’s happening.
  • Praise Good Decisions: Reinforce positive decision-making, even if the execution isn’t perfect. Encourage players who make the right call, even if the throw or timing was slightly off.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What if the players seem confused about what to do?
  • Stop the drill and walk through the scenario step-by-step. Explain the logic behind each possible play and give players a chance to ask questions. It’s important they understand why a decision is made, not just what to do.
  1. How can I make this drill fun for young players?
  • Keep the energy high and turn it into a friendly challenge. Add rewards for successful plays or for making the correct decisions. Emphasize that learning these scenarios is about building confidence and teamwork, not about getting every play perfect.
  1. How often should I run this drill in practice?
  • Running this drill once or twice a week is ideal for building decision-making skills without overwhelming young players. Gradually introduce more complex scenarios as they gain confidence.
  1. What if a player consistently makes poor decisions?
  • Use constructive feedback, focusing on helping the player understand the “why” behind each decision. Offer reminders and walk them through the play. Over time, they’ll improve as they gain familiarity with different scenarios.

The Situational Play Drill is an invaluable tool for teaching young players the fundamentals of baseball decision-making. It equips them with the mental skills and confidence needed to succeed in game situations and encourages teamwork and communication on the field.