Game Situations

Why Practice Doesn’t Show Up in Games

Players look sharp at practice, then it falls apart in the game. Here’s what to change.

Short answer

If practice doesn’t carry over to games, the skill was never explained or made relatable. Tie each drill to a real play before the kids take the field. Use reps to get everyone going, then use situations to lock it in. I start situations at 9U.

The Problem

Why skills disappear in games

!

Not explained

A kid can run a drill perfectly and still have no idea it was about the game.

!

Not relatable

A rep with no game picture attached stays at practice.

The Fix

Tie practice to the game before they take the field

At practiceThe cutoff relay, Tuesday.
Before the game“Hit Bryce for the cutoff like you did in the relay Tuesday.”

Now the drill has a name and a job. They know what Tuesday was for.

Reps and Situations

Reps get everyone going. Situations lock it in.

1

Reps

Get everyone going with the basics.

2

Situations

Runners on, a call to make, a throw to pick. This locks it in.

When to start

9U: situations start hereAdvanced 8U, kid pitching: go for itEveryone: basic situations if they’re ready
From the Series

Where the situations live

Youth Baseball Game Situations Drills That Work book cover

Game Situations Drills That Work

Cutoffs, coverage, backups

Coming soon

Cutoffs, coverage, and backups all live in Game Situations. The 11U to 12U plan puts team defense into one practice.

Quick Answers

Common questions

Why do my players practice well but struggle in games?

Skills disappear in games when they’re not explained and relatable. Connect the drill to a real play, then bring it up again before the game, using the same words you used at practice.

When should I start teaching game situations?

I start at 9U. An advanced 8U team that’s kid pitching can start earlier. Keep it basic for everyone who’s ready.

Should I run reps or situations?

Both, in that order. Reps get everyone going, and situations lock it in.

Does my league’s format change this?

It can. Leagues differ on pitching format and rules, so adjust the situations to what your players will actually see.

Free Coach’s Toolkit

Print it. Fill it in. Show up with a plan.

Get a blank timed practice plan, a sheet to sketch your own drills, a dugout lineup card, and one full infield drill. Free, and ready to print.