Scared of ball

Question
My son just turned 9 and is playing on a traveling team that has seen some success.  I am one of the coaches on this team and need help with not only my son but other boys that become timid.  When we run drills with tennis balls and wiffle balls he ( my son) is like a lab on a ball.  He is also taking fielding lessons in an indoor facility with hard balls but at a slow speed and looks good fielding the ball.  The problem is when we get into a live fielding situation and hit balls to him he pulls up and turns his head.  I will have to admit, he has taken a few balls to the chin but it was mainly because he was waiting on the ball and wasn't moving his feet.  How do I transition from the indoor/slow pace practice to the full speed outdoor practice.

Answer
hi mj
thanks for the question!

this sounds like a familiar story. always start off and work on a gym floor or cement surface outside. use the tennis balls and go to the "almost baseball" and then the baseball.

the goal is proper fielding fund. of the routine ball. this can be done on the gym floor with the tennis balls. however, i would transition to the real baseballs  and continue to flat surface of the gym floor. i don't teach fundamentals of fielding balls on grass or a rough surface.

when the child goes outside, with enough reps he should be able to field the routine play. the harder hit ball might scare him especially if he has been hit on bad hops.

your focus should be on the routine play. he should hang in there and not be afraid. if a hard hit ball scares him, you will have to live with that until he overcomes that fear. this could take a while. don't force the issue, move him to the corners or outfield and don't make a big deal if it. just stick to proper footwork, rhythm, and throwing fundamentals.

as far as hitting, kids need reps so they know where balls will be going. they need to feel comfortable. make sure he has been taught to turn the back on the pitch high and in to protect himself. i used to throw socks at the kids so they could practice reacting to the ball.


throw batting practice from 20 feet, move back to 30 feet, move back to 40 feet and let him get that confidence from his own experiences. don't push too hard.

don't hesitate to call at 314 531-0330 ext 2133 if you need more help.
steve

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