In Episode 04 of Inside the Game, Australian baseball coach Matt Redman shares practical game day hacks for T-ball coaches. The episode covers planning lineups, building a simple game day support team, managing the dugout, warming up effectively, and using player of the week awards to keep kids engaged and motivated.

About Matt Redman and RBI Australia

Matt Redman isn’t just the host of Inside the Game; he’s a seasoned coach with over 25 years of experience coaching baseball and softball across various levels. From teaching t-ballers to guiding players through senior league, Matt’s passion for the game and for coaching has made him a staple in the Southwest Sydney baseball community. Alongside his wife Kate, he co-founded RBI Australia in 2019, a business dedicated to providing top-notch coaching, gear, and training to local players.

What to Expect in This Episode

1. Why Every 1. Why Game Day Needs a Plan

Just like a good training session, a good game day starts with a clear plan. Matt talks about:

• Planning your lineup before you arrive
• Knowing who is playing where in the field
• Having your batting order sorted in advance
• Thinking ahead about fielding changes and equipment needs

When you know what is coming, you can help your players feel calm and confident and you can keep the flow of the game moving.

2. Building Your Game Day Support Team

Matt explains that T-ball game day is not meant to be a one-coach job. He recommends four key roles:

• The head coach, who is with the hitter at the tee
• A base coach at first base
• A base coach at third base
• A dugout manager or bench coach

These three helpers can be parents with no baseball experience. Matt shares simple ways to invite them in, highlight that they get the best view in the house, and give them clear responsibilities so they feel confident helping.

3. Lineups, Printouts, and Herding Cats

To make it easier for everyone to help, Matt uses printed lineups. In the episode, he explains how he:

• Prints one lineup for each coach and helper
• Hands them out so everyone knows the batting order and fielding positions
• Uses the lineups to quickly get kids into the right spot on the field

This lets all four adults help move the kids into position. Instead of one coach trying to organise 10 or 12 kids alone, everyone knows what is happening, and the team can be back out in the field within about 60 seconds.

This is a huge game day hack. It keeps the game flowing and avoids long delays that kill momentum and lose the kids attention.

4. Dugout Systems That Actually Work

The dugout can easily become chaos if there is no system. Matt shares two simple hacks that make life easier for coaches and parents.

• Numbers on hands
  • Write the batting order number on the back of each player’s hand
  • Kids can sit in order, work out who they should sit next to, and know when they are up next
  • The dugout manager does not need to constantly check the lineup
    
• Buckets for each player
  • Give each player a cheap plastic bucket with their name on it
  • All their gear goes in the bucket, such as glove, helmet, drink bottle, and bat
  • When it is their turn, they grab everything from their bucket and head out

These systems save time, reduce stress, and stop you from spending half the game searching for missing gloves and helmets.

5. Arriving Early and Warming Up Properly

Matt strongly recommends that T-ball teams arrive 30 minutes before game time. In the episode he explains why:

• Kids need time to switch on and get into “game mode”
• Late arrivals are less of a problem when your official meet time is earlier
• You can run around the bases, roll a few ground balls, get some throwing in, and even hit off the tee before the first pitch

Coaches should aim to arrive about 40 minutes early, so they can:

• Set up a mock diamond or warm up area
• Lay out cones, bases, or any equipment needed
• Have a simple warm up game ready to go

Matt usually finishes warm up 5 to 10 minutes before the game starts, then:

• Writes or checks numbers on hands
• Makes sure gear is in buckets

Lines the team up so they are calm and ready when the game begins

6. Player of the Week Awards and Motivation

To finish, Matt shares one of his favourite motivation hacks for T-ballers.

He talks about:

• Using player of the week awards provided by the club or by RBI Australia
• Creating your own award if needed, such as a funny chain, old trophy, ring, or any cool item
• Making the award fun and visible with photos and celebration

Player of the week does not have to be just for hits or big plays. Matt suggests using it to reward:

• Best cheering
• Best effort
• Best attitude
• Most improvement

This keeps kids engaged all game and gives you a positive way to recognise small wins and encourage good behaviour and effort.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• Plan your game day in advance
  Lineups, positions, and equipment should be sorted before you arrive.
  
• Use four adults if possible
  Head coach, first base coach, third base coach, and dugout manager make a big difference.
  
• Print your lineups
  Give every helper a copy so they can help move kids quickly and confidently.
  
• Use systems in the dugout
  Numbers on hands and named buckets keep things organised and reduce wasted time.
  
• Arrive early and warm up
  Give kids time to get in the zone and feel ready before the first pitch.
  
• Recognise effort with player of the week
• Use awards to motivate and celebrate kids for more than just performance.

Subscribe and Stay Connected

If you’re ready to level up your game or coaching, Inside the Game is your go-to resource for practical tips, expert advice, and inspirational stories from Matt Redman and RBI Australia. Don’t miss an episode; subscribe to the podcast and never miss out on valuable insights that can help you grow in the game.

👉 Listen Now: YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts
👉 Visit RBI Australia: rbiaustralia.com.au

Stay Tuned for More

New to the podcast? Start with Episode 01: Introduction to Matt Redman and RBI Australia.

Listen to the previous episode, Episode 03: Running a Training Session

In future episodes, we’ll dive deeper into specific baseball techniques, coaching strategies, and player development tips that can take your skills to the next level. Whether you’re a coach looking for ways to engage your players or a parent trying to support your child’s baseball journey, Inside the Game has got you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many coaches or helpers should a T-ball team have on game day?

Matt Redman recommends four adults on game day where possible: a head coach at the tee, a first base coach, a third base coach, and a dugout or bench manager. This setup keeps kids organised and the game flowing smoothly.

How do you keep a T-ball dugout organised?

Simple systems work best. Writing batting order numbers on players’ hands and using labelled buckets for each player’s gear helps reduce chaos, save time, and keep kids focused.

How early should a T-ball team arrive before a game?

T-ball teams should arrive at least 30 minutes before game time, with coaches arriving closer to 40 minutes early. This allows time for warm-ups, setup, and helping kids get into game mode.

Do parent helpers need baseball experience on game day?

No. Parent helpers do not need baseball or softball experience. Clear roles and simple instructions allow any parent to help effectively on game day.

What should Player of the Week be awarded for?

Player of the Week does not need to be based on performance alone. Matt suggests recognising effort, attitude, cheering, improvement, and teamwork to keep all players motivated.