Organizing and running a Rookie/Coach Pitch baseball game can be efficient and exciting with a little bit of careful planning and effective role assignment among the coaches. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the responsibilities for each coaching role during the game:

General Tips for Coaches

• Engagement: Always aim to maintain a high energy level and positive atmosphere.
• Instruction: Provide continuous, clear instructions and feedback to help players understand and learn the game.
• Safety: Ensure all players, especially those not in the dugout, wear helmets and other necessary protective gear.
• Fun and Development: Focus on making the experience enjoyable and educational, fostering a love for the game that could last a lifetime.

Pre-Game

Team Manager/Head Coach:

• Lineup Setting: Prior to the game, the team manager is responsible for setting the batting order. It's important to rotate the lineup regularly to give each player a chance to bat in different positions (top, middle, and bottom of the order) across games. This promotes fairness and gives all players varied experiences.
• OLLB Rookie level sessions include a 25-30 minute practice as part of the game time. Ensure that a quick practice plans includes a warm-up and several drills that can work on catching, throwing, hitting and base running.
• Assign a scorekeeper: This does not need to be a coach. Scores are generally not reported after the game however it is important to keep track of the half inning scores as the maximum runs per inning is 4 runs.

Offensive Roles

1. Pitcher (Coach Pitcher):

   • Main Task: Deliver pitches in the strike zone and keep the game moving. Finding barrels is important and at this level. Mixing up wind-ups and changing speeds can really negatively impact a hitter’s timing at this age group therefore the coach should be able to replicate their motion and throw the ball at a consistent speed.
   • Equipment: Should have a glove and pockets to hold multiple balls to maintain the game’s pace.

    

2. Base Coaches:

   • Role: Primarily act as motivators for the batter and provide strategic guidance to base runners about the game situation (e.g., number of outs and what to do on various hits). Avoid coaching the hitter from the coach’s box.
   • [Occasional] If there is no base umpire, help make the calls for safe and out.

    

3. Bench Coach:

   • Responsibilities: Keep the bench organized, ensure players are ready to bat in order, and manage player positions for the next inning. This role is crucial for keeping the game flowing smoothly and ensuring players are prepared and aware of their turn at the plate and position on defense in the next inning.

    

Defensive Roles

1. Outfield Coaches:

   • Main Role: Keep outfield players engaged and moving, instructing them on positioning for backing up plays or moving to cut-off locations.
   • Continuous reminders about the game situation and their duties are key.
   • These coaches will have to repeatedly remind players to get into their ready position.

    

2. Backstop Coach

   • Role: After an at-bat, collect unplayed balls and return them to the Coach Pitcher.
   • [After 5 pitches thrown to a hitter] Be ready with the hitting tee if a hitter is unable to put a ball in play after 5 swings.
   • [Occasional] If there is no home plate umpire, help make the calls for safe and out.

    

3. Bench Coach:

   • Role: If not all players are fielding and some are on the bench, this coach keeps them entertained and engaged through discussions about baseball or practicing skills like catching ground balls or swinging, provided safety and supervision are ensured.

    

To help explore how to create a safe, fun engaging and movement based practice, keep looking for updates on the Coach's Clipboard or use one of the links below.

Links:

1. The Triangle Drill
2. Hitting Stride
3. How to Grip a Baseball
4. Checkpoints for Beginner Pitchers