5 Ways To Boost Baseball IQ or Softball IQ

Developing a strong baseball IQ or softball IQ is incredibly important - it helps players maximize their physical abilities and out-compete their opponents. The result? More WINS.
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[@thebaseballjones]

As a dad to a “pesky 2B” who doubles as a “undersized pitcher,” this a great topic. This one of his strengths and mystifies other parents as to why their more physically gifted player doesn’t get as many playing opportunities. Baseball IQ doesn’t necessarily come through in tryouts but is really apparent in scrimmages and games. He practices his baseball IQ by watching MLB games and makes distinctions between what works at pro level vs his level. Predicts pitch sequences each at bat as to what the pitcher will throw/location and what he would do differently. Baseball IQ is definitely slow to develop but so valuable. I also think less gifted athletes are more open to learning as they look for anything at all to play better.

[@msmliars908]

A method I am using currently, which I do think will have great success in the field. Much like you describe here. Because we are lacking in our understanding of positional responsibilities. Of course this comes after quick positional explanations “on demand” for whatever the situation is. In the field, with players in position and runner(s) on base, hit a ball and when the fielder reaches the ball, everyone freezes. We review each positions placement, if it is incorrect, explain the situation again and show them where the need to be. Then, have them return to their spots and repeat the hit, as close as possible, and play it out again. After a couple of times everyone quickly grasps where they are supposed to be. It can be completed in a practice. Then repeated the following practice to gauge their understanding and retention of it. If it’s good, during situational BP they can incorporate the roles with more repetitions and really lock it in.

[@rae2071]

I feel that #1 to developing IQ is to make sure they experience as many real plays as possible without hearing coach instructions while play is live. You don’t teach IQ, you only foster its development.

[@tlh_properties]

I'm going to try this. I'm new to coaching. New to baseball. I have my first JV game this Friday.

[@skranz]

I coach 11U… last season at 10 I was 3rd base coach and yea I felt rushed to change D positions the next inning and to stay in the dugout the whole time as a head coach is a great idea… thank you!

[@DanBlewett]

1000% - I think you'll enjoy it and the kids will get a lot more out of it from you being there

[@skranz]

@@DanBlewett Can’t wait to try it out this weekend! Thanks again! Really great videos

[@MichaelSheeley]

Building IQ is hard. I made a series of KZbin videos and structured practice around good baseball knowledge to help but I’m not sure it did. The challenge I had was 2 or 3 players would learn it but the rest of them wouldn’t and it is hard to be in the correct spot or throw to the right place when a handful of teammates on the field are never in the right place. I also think the environment kids play in with always jumping teams or coaches only having players for a short season make it hard to teach a whole team good baseball IQ. You start to make progress. 3 kids get it, then a few more start to understand but then seasons over and you got a whole new group of kids. This is probably the most challenging part of coaching.

[@MrRod632]

First base coach is more important than stated here.

[@DanBlewett]

Nope. They’re really not.