I'm coaching a youth girls softball team, ages 11,12,&13. They can hit the ball at practice. But not at games.

Question

I don't know what it is thats keeping them from swinging their bats. They will swing every now and then, but mostly they are left standing there. I also have several girls that are trying to kill the ball. Help!!!!!!

Answer 1

Had a little league team like that once. Young kids that have not played too much baseball don't know when and when not to swing the bat. Since they don't want to embarrass themselves they just elect not to swing. At your next batting practice instruct them that the rule for the day is that they have to swing at every pitch no matter where it is. Once you get them swinging the bat you can teach them technique and how to be selective at a future practice. Tell them you would rather see them swing and not hit the ball rather than standing in the batter's box and watching the ball all season long. Good Luck!!

Answer 2

I had this problem years ago. In practice they could hit everything, in the game choked.
I started batting practice before the game in another location close to the game field and it helped. I also did a few practice games with other teams that I knew the coaches. After a while they got over their nerves and started hitting in games. Pump them up always.

Answer 3

Tell them it is just a game. It is ok to hit the ball.Also, say do your best.

Answer 4

Tell them to think of the ball as boy kooties and you don't want to catch them so they gotta hit it away.

Answer 5

the surrounding make them tense... more pressure during games.. make them relax and enjoy themselves...