Most young kids have no idea what the score is or how many outs there are. They play in a fog. Two minutes between innings asking simple questions builds awareness. Awareness is the start of game IQ.
What you need: Nothing. Between every half-inning of a game or scrimmage, gather the team.
Setup: Quick huddle in the dugout or just outside.
How to run it:
- Ask: “What’s the score?” Wait for an answer.
- Ask: “How many outs?”
- Ask: “Where are the runners?” (When applicable.)
- Ask: “What’s our job this inning?” (Examples: “get three outs,” “score one run.”)
- End with one focus point: “Outfielders, watch for fly balls.” Or “Infielders, get the lead runner.”
What to watch: Are the same kids answering every time? If so, call on the quiet ones next inning. The point is everyone tracking the game.
If they’re struggling: Just ask one question. “How many outs?” That’s it. Build from there.
If they’ve got it: Ask harder questions. “What’s the right play if a ground ball is hit to first?” Or “Where do we throw if there’s a runner on second?”