This week I have decided to change gears a little and share with you one of my favorite “coach controlled” games we play at our camps and practices. It’s called Backwards Baseball and it is a version of a game that I learned from Jeff Rodin when I worked for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Players love this game and it’s a great way to end a long day at camp or break up the monotony of a stale practice. A general guideline of rules are listed below, however I suggest you tailor them to what fits your team or group of players best. The most important rule is to have FUN, so turning around the shirts and hats are a must! Getting a little goofy is good for you!
Backwards Baseball
1.) Players put their shirts and hats on backwards.
2.) Turn the field around and hit from behind mound or at 2nd base.
3.) Players spread out around to defend the backstop.
4.) Make up a point system for offense and defense. I like to use the crossbars on the fence as divisions for points.
Example:
5 pts for a ground ball that reaches the fence.
10 pts for a line drive that hits low on the fence or in the lowest squares.
20 pts for a line drive that hits half-way up the fence or in the middle squares.
30 pts for a line drive that hits high on the fence or in the highest squares.
40 pts for a ball hit over the fence.
5 pts for the defensive team for making a play cleanly.
10 pts for the defensive team for a making a great play.
