Never wait to make your lineups while sitting on the bench before a game. The construction of the lineup is arguably one of the most critical items in pre-game preparation. Do it at home or in the office when there is a reflective silence around you. You should try to post the day's lineup on the baseball bulletin board on game day so the kids know they are playing and can be thinking about it during the school day.

The following is a conceptual approach to making out a batting order:

1.  The leadoff man must be a patient batter. He should lead the team in bases on balls and fewest strikeouts. He needs a good eye at the plate because a walk is as good as a hit in his case. He must also be fast and will probably be among the top base stealers on the squad. He needs to lead the team in runs scored.

2.  This hitter must be a good contact hitter with the ability to go with the pitch and drive it to the opposite field. He must also be able to bunt and he should have reasonable speed.

3.  This is the best hitter you have. Bat him in the three hole to maximize the number of times he will go to the plate. He has the ability to drive in runs with extra base hits, too.

4.  This batter is similar to number three, but may be more of a long-ball hitter and may have a few more strikeouts, as he is a free swinger. His foot speed may be slightly slower, too.

5.  This is third straight long-ball RBI threat you send to the plate, and this player has the ability to lead the team in not only runs batted in, but also in strikeouts. This may be your slowest player, too. Be aware that some kids have trouble dealing the pressure of spots one, three, and four in the order. There is less pressure in this position.

6.  This batter is very similar to number two in the order as it is surprising how many times you will need a bunt from this batter.

7. & 8.  These are your weakest batters who can still hit the fastball but struggle against the curve, or do not have confidence to hit higher in the order. Slower foot speed may be a factor, too.

9.  Contrary to popular belief, this is not the worst hitter on the squad. You should tell your number 9 hitters that they are a second-leadoff man and the walk is as good as a hit. If he gets on base twice in a game, odds are that you will win. This spot is reserved for a slumping player or one who has trouble with the breaking ball, but nonetheless, has a good eye and has good speed.

And one final note..Why not make up formal lineup cards with your school/team name and logo and a spot for your signature? Type it all on a half sheet of paper and run off on colored paper. It is just another little thing that makes your team a bit more classy and professional.