Something that worked very well for us over the years…
Every single person on the roster had assignments before and during the game.
We actually won some games based on what someone who was not playing did.
Some would use stop watches to time and record everything conceivable. Others would chart everything conceivable from pregame to the last out. Some would have assignments that included trying to steal signals. Some would send signals to our players. Some would take notes for later discussion. One very smart guy was called the “corrector”; his job was to give a verbal sign if the coaches ever made a mistake. Then you would have your standard bullpen guys and other normal duties.
By the way, the “corrector” once helped one old coach from making a big mistake in a playoff game. I was coaching 3B and gave the bunt to the hitter with a runner on 2B in extra innings. Don’t know how, but I had gone brain dead and thought there were no outs. I gave the sign and heard the corrector yell out “WILLIE”. That was our universal verbal for calling off, what ever was on. I thought for a second and put the bunt back on and heard him yell “WILLIE” again. Hearing this, the hitter stepped out again and I called time, talked to the hitter and looked in the dugout. The corrector was holding one finger telling me there was one out. He knew I wouldn’t want to bunt in that situation. I felt like an idiot, and took the bunt off. The hitter drilled a line drive to the gap and we won the game. The guy most responsible didn’t even play in that game. You could see the pride in his smile after the game, as I said thanks and he said my pleasure coach! He is now an assistant coach in the Big 12.
This system not only helped us gather valuable information about the opponents and ourselves, but I think it made everyone feel important and part of a winning team effort. It also kept everyone real busy, so we didn’t have any negative talk or dissention in the dugout.
It‘s amazing how many of these former players are now coaching. Some at top level DI programs.