Learning How to Cure Your Fear of the Ball
August 28, 2009 by Dave Hudgens
Filed under Q & A
Question:
My son is on the young side of the playing age in Little League as his birthday is June. In all his years playing, he has never shown fear of the ball. This year we moved up into minor division – first year of kid pitch. He is now showing fear at the plate by backing up in the box before the ball is even released from the pitcher’s hand. How do I help him? One of his coaches states, “You can’t coach fear.”
Answer:
Fear at the plate is something that many, if not all kids go through at one time or another. I disagree with your coach, this is something that he can get through with the right information.
First, teach him how to get out of the way of the ball. He should understand that he is going to be able to react to the ball better if he knows how to get out of the way of an on coming pitch. Teach him to turn away from the ball, you can do this by throwing tennis balls at him and mixing in strikes and balls, up and in.
Second, start teaching him a more aggressive attitude. That he is going to be the one that hits the ball right back at the pitcher and he is going to have the most aggressive attitude on the field, even if he is the youngest.
I know what your going through, my son’s birthday is July 31 – the Little League cut off day.
Comments
Tell us what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!