Afraid of the ball

Question
My six year old son, starting second year tee ball, would blink/close eyes or flinch a little
when catching ball.  I intended to work some confidence into his fielding/catching.

A week ago his older sister was hitting soft toss from me, my son wanted to hit a few, and ball rolled off of his bat and hit him in the mouth.

He now has a major flinch when trying to field any ball waist or higher...any suggestions?  

Answer
Jerry,

I am sorry it has taken so long to get back to you.  I have had a very busy week.

This is a common problem.  I have seen it with kids I have coached.  It can end disastrously with a boy quitting ball altogether.  Or, it can turn him into a fielding machine who is never afraid of the ball again.

The best solution I have ever seen work is the tennis ball. Get some old, flat tennis balls and get to work.  Throw him or roll him ground balls until you are both sick of it. Do it daily for at least a week.  Give him at least 50 in a session and do it again the next day.  Have him work on the right technique.  A tennis ball is bouncing and can be tough to catch, but if he can glove it, he will develop such great hands that a baseball will be easy.  

Have him get in front and catch with the right mechanics and if it hits him, it won't hurt.  Then, when you are confident that he is ready.  Mix in some baseballs with the tennis balls, then go to all baseballs, then start hitting them to him.

It should work great and get his confidence up.

Let me know how it goes!!

Mike