Pitching Drills

Question
Sir, I have a nine year old son and he plays baseball. He has been selected to play on the tournament team the last two years and although he is a very good wrestler and football player he really enjoys baseball the most. I never wanted him to pitch because I did at his age and couldn't handle the pressure. My son however doesn't seem to mind it and actually enjoys pitching. Although I have tried to discourage him from pitching it seems every year he is one of only Two or Three kids who can even reach the plate. That being said I would like some Ideas as to improve his accuracy and being as I cant afford private lessons I was wondering if you could help me. We play together almost every day but I don't have a clue as to what to do to help him.
Thanks for the Help
Sgt. Jim Velcheck
Ps If you have anything to improve his bat that would be great too
Thanks again

Answer
Sgt. Jim,

Thanks for the question and thank you for your service and sacrifice so that we can enjoy coaching, playing and watching our kids play baseball.

I do have a good bullpen routine for pitchers that I have altered to suit a pitcher your boy's age.  Send your email address to me at [email protected] and I will forward it to you.  

Now for a little lecture for Dad, there are not a whole lot of kids who are gifted and have the makeup of a pitcher, even at the nine year old age.  Your son obviously has it, so let him pitch.  If he enjoys it, he is special.  It means he is a leader and has the makeup of a kid who will be cool under pressure.  That is great.  It will show in everything from the mound to the plate, to the classroom.  Work with him and enjoy it.  When my boy was that age, I would catch him in the backyard and pretend to be a radio announcer.  We loved to listen to Astros games on the radio with Milo Hamilton on the call. I would pretend to make the play by play call with him pitching against famous hitters.  He loved it and I attribute his ability to face big game situations now in high school back to those days.  Just have fun with it.  

Right now, you just need to concentrate on mechanics and control with him.  Make sure he is using proper throwing mechanics to set him up for the coming years.  Encourage him and praise his abilities.  Set him up for success.  I will include more in the bullpen session email.

As for hitting, I don't stress a lot except contact until they are about 11 or 12.  It is rare to find a kid younger that has really great swing mechanics.  Go for contact and a solid swing, no bailing out or pulling the head or front side and you are good.

Practice the hitting as much as you can with tee drills, soft toss and BP.  Repetition is the key in baseball.

I hope this helps.

Coach Boss