throwing mechanics and fielding

Question
QUESTION: You have given me some valuable advice this year regarding hitting and my son responded well, making the 9-10 LL All Star Team, primarily with his bat.  He is the only 9 year old to make the team and one deficiency in his game that is really showing up is his throwing mechanics.  He tends to fall off to the side in his delivery, not stepping toward his target and stepping away from his target line.  As such, he is losing a ton of velocity and power in his throws.  What drills can you share with me to get him to step toward his target.  I was hoping some of this would come natural and correct itself as he saw others and I as I explained the problem, but it appears that the flaw has become a habit.  I need some help in getting him to step into his target and drive his shoulders through the throw.  

Also, since All Stars started, he has seen more aggressively hit balls during practice.  We practice on sub standard fields (rocks, ruts and other debris) and he took a ball in the jaw.  Since then, he has been shying away from the ball.  During the season, he was the one kid on my team who I could count on to square up on the ball and make the plays.  Now, he seems to be less aggressive.  any advice on helping him get through the fear of getting hit?

Thanks.

ANSWER: TERRY GET HIM OFF THE BAD FIELD.I seen this happen to a kid on my team and he was 13 when it happened.We had to find another place to practice because my infielders started being more concerned about not getting hit as opposed to catching the ball.This can ruin a good infielder fast.He is only human.Get him off the field.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I appreciate the advice on the fielding.  Regarding the question on throwing mechanics.  Any ideas on drills to get him stepping on his target line and driving his legs and upper body to the target.  I am having a hard time finding a drill to fix this problem.  

BTW, I implemented the soft toss drill you gave me, the one where i toss to his front hip and get him to turn on the inside pitch.  He drove two triples to the RCF gap in his last two games.  It worked great for  him.  Thanks.

Answer
I would say to use the towel drill.Have your son stand in front of you with a towel in his hand.Have him standing as if he were throwing from the stretch.With a baseball glove on your hand move back so that you are a little bit futher than his release point.When he strides to the plate he should be able to hit your glove right in the pocket.If he hits the side of the glove or misses it the he is either falling off to the side or throwing across his body.If you send me your email address I will get you to my website a put this drill on tape for you to view right on the site.You could also video your son pitching or hitting and download it on the site and I can watch it and tell you what I see.