Here is Post #4 on Winning:

Winning 3 Innings

 

Each inning of baseball is game.  Both teams get 3 outs to score as many runs as possible.  After the 3 outs, bases are cleared, the runs scored are posted and the teams switch positions.  This could go on forever, since in real baseball there are no time limits.

 

 Back in 1981, two Triple a teams played a 33 inning game that ended 3-2. 

 

Outs, counts and runners on base do not carry over to the next inning.  Each inning is a separate game, built on the foundation of what happened in previous innings.

 

So, it should seem obvious that the way to win baseball games is to win innings.

 

There are three potential outcomes for an inning - you can win, lose or tie.

 

In youth baseball, if you win three innings, you will win 80% of the time.  This gives players something to focus on.  

 

The goal is to win 3 innings, and they get 7 chances to do it.  If you do not win 3 innings, then you are depending on luck.  To win 3 innings requires focus and relentless effort.  If a team plays with focus and relentless effort, they are probably going to do well. 

 

But, it is very, very hard to win that 3rd inning.  Once you starting paying attention to this, you realize how many games you will win 2 innings.  Those games will be up in the air or will be determined by a lucky hit or an error.  If you win that 3rd inning, luck and bad fortune play much less of a factor.

 

This focus on innings breaks the game into 7 competitions. It provides structure and focus to playing.  Win 3 innings, win the game.  Pretty simple too.

 

Next up ... focusing on defensive and offensive at-bats.

 

 

Thank you.


Coach Gallion