Game Day Plan

Pre-Game: Coach Preparation and Warm-Up

Show up early. Arrive in advance to prepare and welcome players as they show up, marking their attendance.

Setup and start warm-up. Alongside the assistant coach, arrange the warm-up activities and get players started. Let the assistant coaches supervise the warm-up.

Inspect/prepare the field. Ensure the field is being set up correctly and meets your standards.

Organize lineup and get support staff ready. If not already done, prepare the lineup. Ensure you have everything you need within reach. Check in with your scorekeeper, pitch counter, and team manager to ensure they're prepared and ready.

Meet with the other team and umpire. Exchange line-ups and communicate with the umpire and opposing team's coach regarding the home team, game start time, other team's status, injuries, field conditions, rule clarifications, etc.

Inspect players’ equipment and conduct individual discussions. Check players’ gear and uniforms and ask about their well-being. Have your one-on-one conversations with players at this time.

Host team talk. Allocate at least 10 minutes before the game starts for a brief chat and to allow players to rest.

Pre-Game: Team Talk

Announce lineup. Share the starting lineup and discuss any points regarding the lineup, including when substitutes will be entering the game and their positions, if known.

Share updates. Discuss any news from your conversation with the umpire and other team.

Reiterate: (Note: If you're starting in the field, end with Defense)

Defense:
Positioning: Some players may be unfamiliar with their positions, so ensure they know where to play.

Cover bases: Highlight the importance of covering bases for overthrows, a skill that distinguishes good teams from the best.

Cut-offs: Remind infielders of their role when a ball is hit to the outfield.

Stay alert: Stress the importance of always being ready and knowing what to do if the ball comes to you.

Control your throws: Advise players to plant their feet and take a proper stride to ensure a good, hard throw.

Communicate: Remind players to keep their teammates informed of the number of outs and the team's strategy on a play. Encourage them to ask a teammate or coach if they're unsure of the defensive play. Also, motivate them to keep their teammates' spirits high.

Show sportsmanship: Encourage respect for teammates, coaches, the opposing team's players and coaches, and the officials. Remind them to play safe and set a good example both on and off the field.

Offense:
Stay ready. Advise players to be prepared at the plate and aware of where they aim to hit the ball.

Be aggressive. Encourage aggression at the plate and on the bases.

Watch for coach’s signal. Remind players to look out for your signal and to call time if they're unsure about a signal.

Run hard and smart. Stress the importance of knowing when to run and not to watch the ball when they need to run hard.

Be aware of other baserunners. This will help them determine where to hit and how to run the bases.

Show sportsmanship. (see above)

During Game

Avoid coaching a player fielding a ball. Let the player decide what to do with the ball. Discuss any wrong decisions with the player one-on-one at the next opportunity.

Encourage players to keep track of the number of outs. It's crucial for players to stay alert and think independently.

Support players. Identify areas that need improvement, individually and collectively, and discuss solutions with players at the right time. Try to avoid singling out individual players in team discussions. Instead, have one-on-one conversations with players.

Use the Question and Answer and Guided Discovery teaching techniques as much as possible to help players learn how to play. The goal is to teach the players to think for themselves.

Enjoy the game. Keep in mind that you're there for the players. Baseball should be enjoyable for the players. Make sure they are having a good time, and you should as well.

Identify the other team's weak spots. Be observant, and encourage your players to do the same, to pinpoint any weaknesses or patterns in the other team’s tactics that your team could exploit.

Respect the opposing team and umpires. BC Baseball and our association take a strong stance against coaches and players confronting the umpire. It's your responsibility to set a good example for your players, coaches, and parents. Crossing the line can lead to suspension and losing the chance to coach summer ball!

Stay updated with line-up changes. Keep track of, or assign the task to an assistant coach, line-up changes. Inform the players about these changes.

Oversee the dugout players. Make sure players in the dugout are paying attention to the game, cheering their teammates on, showing good sportsmanship, and staying hydrated.

Stay in touch with assistant coaches. Maintain communication with the other coaches to keep everyone on the same page and to make sure your messages are coherent.

Post-Game: Team Talk

Discuss positives. Highlight what went well and ask players to share their thoughts on the game.

Highlight areas for improvement. Point out what could be improved and discuss potential solutions for the next game. Avoid focusing on individual players in team discussions. Instead, have one-on-one conversations with the players. Keep the tone upbeat and positive.

Conclude with a positive note. Send players off with a positive message (e.g., ”great job today” or “we're nearly there”), underscore the value of practicing at home and school, and remind them of the next practice or game.