R/R baseball, or “Reduced Risk Baseball”, is a modified form of the game of baseball designed to reduce the risk of injury to players. It was developed in the late 1980s by a group of coaches and physical therapists who were concerned about the increasing rates of injuries in youth and high school baseball. The goal of the game is to reduce the number of pitches thrown, decrease the number of innings per game, and reduce the amount of running that players do. It is also designed to encourage more contact between players, as well as increased physical activity.
History of R/R Baseball
R/R baseball was developed in the late 1980s by a group of coaches and physical therapists in response to the increasing rates of injuries in youth and high school baseball. Their goal was to reduce the risk of injury to players by reducing the number of pitches thrown, decreasing the number of innings per game, and reducing the amount of running that players do. The game has been used in various youth and high school programs since its inception.
Rules of R/R Baseball
R/R baseball is played on a standard baseball field, with the same nine players as regular baseball. The main differences between the two games are the number of pitches, the number of innings, and the amount of running that players do.
Number of Pitches: In R/R baseball, the number of pitches per inning is limited to three. If a pitcher throws more than three pitches in an inning, the batter is allowed to take a walk.
Number of Innings: The number of innings in R/R baseball is limited to five. This helps to reduce the amount of time needed to play a game, and reduces the risk of fatigue-related injuries.
Amount of Running: The amount of running is limited in R/R baseball, as players are not allowed to go beyond the base they are currently on. This reduces the amount of running that players need to do, which helps to reduce the risk of injury.
Benefits of R/R Baseball
There are many benefits to playing R/R baseball, including:
Reduced Risk of Injury: The most obvious benefit of R/R baseball is that it reduces the risk of injury to players. By limiting the number of pitches, decreasing the number of innings, and reducing the amount of running that players do, the risk of injuries caused by fatigue or overuse is significantly reduced.
Increased Physical Activity: R/R baseball also encourages more physical activity by limiting the amount of running that players do and encouraging more contact between players. This can help to improve the overall health and fitness of players.
Increased Teamwork: The modified rules of R/R baseball encourages more teamwork and communication between players, as they need to work together to maximize the number of outs taken in each inning. This can help to build camaraderie and teamwork among players.
Improved Player Confidence: The modified rules of R/R baseball can also help to improve player confidence, as they are able to take more control of the game and have more success in the field. This can help to build confidence and self-esteem in young players.
Conclusion
R/R baseball is a modified form of the game of baseball designed to reduce the risk of injury to players. It was developed in the late 1980s in response to the increasing rates of injuries in youth and high school baseball. The modified rules of the game limit the number of pitches, decrease the number of innings, and reduce the amount of running that players do. This can help to reduce the risk of injury and encourage more physical activity, teamwork, and improved player confidence.