Mistake Recovery Game

Dugout Master ✓ Official Dugout Master drill

Players participate in competitive situations where the focus is on responding positively after an error or failure.

Mental Skills⏱ 15 min👥 6-16 players

Setup

Set up a live infield or a competitive fielding game where errors are likely — fast fungoes, tough hops, a short clock. Split into two teams with a visible scoreboard. Explain the scoring rules before starting: this game scores the response, not the play.

Execution

  1. Teams alternate reps in a fast-paced fielding or hitting competition.
  2. A clean play scores one point for the team.
  3. A mistake scores zero — but a visible reset plus an encouraging word from a teammate scores one point back.
  4. A negative reaction — a slumped head, a thrown glove, a sarcastic comment — costs the team a point.
  5. Play to fifteen points and debrief on which team recovered better, not which fielded better.

Manage your team with Dugout Master

Manage rosters, lineups, games, practices, tryouts, and more — all in one place.