Points Game

By: Bill Allen

EQUIPMENT: Bats, balls, gloves, JUGS Instant Screen, JUGS Batting Tee, and JUGS Toss Machine

PURPOSE: The game requires at least 9 players with a coach pitching batting practice fastballs/change ups or utilizing a pitching machine. Extra players prepare for their rotation in a bat with JUGS Batting Tee and JUGS Toss Machine used with the JUGS Instant Screen, or pitcher/catcher work if 13+ players.

Each player rotates in for 2 to 3 at bats – last 45 minutes to 1 hour of practice. More at bats could occur if defense is fielding well.

Batter receives 1 point for every infield ball he hits that is not cleanly fielded with all plays to first. Two points for all outfield hits not caught. Four points for home runs. Errors also counted as points respective to where ball was hit. Players determined if shift was needed. Problem solving and team communication was excellent.

Each at bat consist of 3 outs with strikeouts counting. Ball four does not count. A 3 – 2 was most the count could be, coach calling balls/strikes.

After first at bat is complete each player rotates to the following positions to maintain interest – batter 9-8-7-6-5-4-3. The length of time permits 3+ catchers to be rotated for 15 to 20 minutes of work. Variance of the game could utilize soft toss and incorporate a pitcher in defensive position. Bunts are usually only permitted in this case, but had to be made in 3 to 4 seconds.

The player with the most points wins the right to choose batting position for next game. Our Points Game creates for players an extremely competitive spirit and players exhibit more concentration and diligence to get three outs than with most infielding drills.