Playing & Coaching The Game Right

Coaches speak of “playing the game right,” though they rarely explain exactly what that means. Here is a point-by-point checklist of “playing the game right”.

You should apply these points to your “coaching effort”, as well. If you model these principles to your players by “coaching” in this manner, they will have a better chance of “playing” this way.

1. Be prepared. Be ready to give your best at all times.
   
2. Hustle as hard as possible for as long as it takes. Grind it out.
   
3. Be alert, always looking for an edge. Anticipate what may happen around you. Be into every pitch.
   
4. Sacrifice yourself for the team. Play to win rather than for personal numbers. Help teammates whenever possible.
   
5. Know the game. Know yourself. Know the opposition and strategies.
   
6. Do what is supposed to be done. Take the time and make the effort to do it properly.
   
7. Focus only on what you can control.
   
8. Play tough, focused defense. Make the opposition earn every baserunner and every run.
   
9. Win the game on the bases by being aggressive and making good decisions.
   
10. Play tough. Intimidate with your effort and focus.
    
11. Be poised at all times. Have self-control, emotional control, and physical control.