How do we teach our 9 yr old son NOT to be afraid of a baseball?

Question

He is pretty shy, loves to play ball. He played T-Ball for 3 yrs. Now he is going to coach pitch and they want him to be a catcher. When he gets hits with the ball, he shys away from the action and acts afraid instead of being aggressive. What can we do to help with this?

Answer 1

I'm a baseball coach. I coached Little League and Babe Ruth for almost 5 years already (pretty good for a 19yr old?) with one championship. I would definitely start at playing normal catch with your son. Obviously the mechanics should be there (glove up like palms up and two hands). As soon as he is getting used to regular catch, you should continue with a little harder throws. Catching a ball is essential especially for a catcher (duh catcher lol). Sure he might be afraid as the ball comes to him, but don't give up on him. Definitely encourage him and give him some support if he's still not catching the hard ones right away. Take some time also and don't be too forceful on him.

After he gets used to harder throws, tell him to get into his catcher's equipment (if you don't have one borrow from the team) and practice his sits (catcher sits) and glove set up. Obviously make sure his equipment fits him properly and his face mask doesn't obstruct his viewing. First of all start with standing up catch with the equipment, and gradually increase the speed until he is confident enough. Then he should get into his stance with regular strikes down the pipe. Again increase the speed. When he gets used to it and can catch, try some stuff at the dirt (knees down so he can block left and right like a goalee... and make sure the glove is there fingers down also lol).

Playing catch is probably the most important aspects of my instructions (haha I sound professional huh?). It just takes time, sweat, power, and tears. Later he won't be afraid of the ball. He'll love playing catch and being a catcher. What's a good thing is bring him to amateur (higher levels), or professional baseball games and show him how the catchers are catching and stopping the ball... maybe he'll have a hero in mind. If you want some good catching from a catcher, look up Jason Varitek from the Boston Red Sox. Best catcher I've ever seen! Watch a few Red Sox games.

Good luck, be patient, and don't give up on him!

Answer 2

as the parent of a 9 yr old girl and a child educator I feel you are right in boys not hitting girls although the way things are nowadays I'm sure she has at least heard it in school 2 thousand times that every one should keep there hands to themselves and not be physical in solving a dispute unfortunately we don't know what's going on that possibly could be the way things go at home, continue to let them play and continue to send her home when she does this This will let your son know that you are not picking his friends but you also will not put up with physical confrontations, but make sure she understands why. She will either go home and tell her folks and if it happens enough they will more than likely approach you and you will have the opportunity to explain it to them without you having the role of "Your daughter is bullying my son" flavor it would be ideal if she actually gets the point, but if she continues this behavior and winds up getting sent home all the time she may just fade out of the picture If she does, assure your son that friends come and go and friends that behave this way all the time are no fun and really no friend Good Luck

Answer 3

It's obvious that he shouldn't be playing catcher, which make me wonder if the coach for his team is actually someone who cares about kids or just someone who wants some attention.

Is he okay catching a thrown or pitched ball at other positions? if so, why isn't he simply playing there. At some time, he will learn that there's a difference between fearing the ball and respecting the ball, but 9 is still a bit young to be making that distinction.

I'd say work with your son, starting with something with which he's comfortable, and then every week or so, push the envelope. Challenge him to go just outside his comfort zone. It will take a while, but he'll get past this.

I still question the skills of this coach, though.

Answer 4

My method seems a little unorthodox, but has produced some pretty good catchers. It sounds like you have to reinforce confidence in his ability and desire to be the catcher, in his ability to not be hurt. First, explain to him that only the best players on the field play in the middle. The catcher, shortstop, second baseman, and center fielders are generally the best players on the team. (Maybe not so much on a little league team, but, still, he's a vital member). Also let him know that he and the pitcher are the only ones that are involved in every play. Also, tell him that he is the one that controls the game, the pitcher can't throw the ball until he's ready. He needs to know that he's a very important part of the team (many young players think the catcher is behind the plate because he is too slow or large to play other positions).
Next, explain all the gear, and let him put it on, without throwing a ball to him. Let him run around in it, and encourage him to try to run in it, race his buddies to first base in it, slide in it. Let him see that it's not "too heavy" or "too hard to run in" or any of that.
Then, let him know how well it protects him. I used to explain that as a coach, I could throw harder than any of his team. Then I'd put him behind the plate, tell him to keep his hands behind him, and tossed balls at him (increasing speed every few balls, while telling him that they are coming faster). They will bounce off him, and he will be fine. Then I would take a bat (yes, a bat) and tap him (solidly, but not hard) on the shinguards, the chest protectors, the helmet, and then the mask. "See? Nothing can hurt you. It's like armor." Then show the glove, explain how much more padding there is, and how he's the only one with one like it. It will be his job to keep that glove clean and flexible, so he can catch with it. After a few days practice, he will see how well he can catch with it, and his friends will want to try it. Many of them won't catch anything - it will hit the mitt and drop out. That too will help your son's confidence. You also have to ensure the coach is aware and will encourage your son. And remember, it's sometimes hard to dig out a pitch; even coaches have a hard time with the strike zone, so make sure that your son doesn't "get blamed" for passed balls that aren't his fault. Best of luck to you. Remember, more players have gotten to the majors through being a catcher than any other position.

Answer 5

His own ability to catch is the only way to get over this... Put him in gear and throw at him.. father son for a little while every day... As he gets better he gets more confident more skilled and hit less... Same applies to general fielding... Take the glove off and throw him some slow rollers until you can up the speed level a bit... it will force him to use Two hands and when he gets the glove back on he will think its easy. Make sure he continues to use this two hand method when the glove goes back on..

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Answer 6

Start playing with him with wiffle balls. He'll eventually get hit with a pitch--won't hurt.

As he gets comfortable, move up to tennis balls. Still shouldn't hurt too much. He'll get more and more confident.

Softballs--may begin to twinge. But it won't be too bad.

Finally, start using real baseballs. Now it may hurt a little, but because of the gradual introduction you used, he'll be used to it.

Ta-da! He's cured! Apple juice on me. Haha :)

Just to say, my Dad used this technique on me. Baseball is now my favorite sport and I just can't get enough of playing it. And getting hit by a pitch or a line drive is now tolerable. I owe it all to this brilliant sequence of playing ball. Hope it helps!

Answer 7

I don't think the problem lies with your son, it is obvious his Coach has placed him in this position because your son shows ability. However, your son does not have the aggressive personality to be Catcher. This position requires the Catcher to be able to intimidate players and Umpire, direct to pitcher and take directions from pitcher.
I know I watched my beautifull little 'Blonde Princess' turn into a 'She Wolf' when playing Catcher, age 9 years.
Speak to your son about where he likes to play and then speak to the Coach and ask that your son be placed in another position. Coaches have a responsibility to enhance our children's character not intimidate it. And at the end of the day we parents want our children to enjoy what they are doing and be happy. I doubt if your son is happy playing now?
Your son's best interests must come first, I am sure you do not want him to become the brunt of cruel 'kids' jokes because he "shys away from the action". Opposing teams will use this to their advantage also.
Just ask to have him placed into a position he can play with full confidence instead of having his confidence eroded.
Good luck and stand your ground with the Coach.

Answer 8

You could try like how they tried in Big Daddy. You could maybe get him a really good pair of catcher's equipment.

Answer 9

Once he takes a few hits and realizes it is not the end of the world, he will get over it.

Answer 10

tell him to keep his eye on the ball until it hits his glove