Mom teaching boys baseball

Question
Dear Michael,

I am the Mom of 3 boys ages, 10, 8 and 4.  Our oldest has played baseball since he was 4 (7 seasons) and he really is not that good of a player. In the past he played most of the game in right field and then last year he discovered catching.  He is OK at catching and this year happened to be the best on his team ~ The team lost all but one game.  Anyway, he made the All Stars team and I suddenly realized that we have not been properly coached over the last 7 seasons.  Our Allstars coach has given him more instruction then anyone in the past.  Regardless though my son is 3rd string.  He only played 2 innings today and he could not figure out why...he thinks he is better then he is.  My husband and I both said that the other catcher is better.  My son was upset and we said if you want this you really have to work at it.  My husband commutes to work far away and gets home late (7pm) he also never really played sports..he is a creative guy and he does not go out and play catch with the boys.  I on the other hand played softball from the age of 9 in Little League through High School and into College. I have tried to play catch with the boys before but I don't think they really want "Mom" playing baseball with them. I think it is my only hope though that I go out and work with the boys. Do you have any advice for me as to what I can do as a "mom" out there with the boys.  I really want to increase their arm strength and do some catching drills with my 10 year old.  

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Cindy

Answer
Cindy,

I think you are doing a great job so keep it up.  My one suggestion would be to find someone who give instruction or lessons on hitting and fielding.  Take your son to them for a lesson or two and listen to what they teach and ask questions on what you can do to help your son at home.  You need a trained eye to see where your son is strong and weak and then get pointers from there.  Find someone who can give some good catching lessons and start from there.  You can create a good catcher, but a strong throwing arm is a must for a good catcher.

It shouldn't take a lesson or two to get the basics that he needs to develop and then you take it from there.  You can do it.  It sounds like you have some athletic background, more than your husband at least.  Have your husband come to the lessons as well. Then when you practice with your son, go back to what the instructor told him to work on at the lesson.  Make sure you study and listen like you are the student at the lesson and then work hard to build those skills into your son.  It will be more than worth it.

Good luck and have fun!!!