by T. Hechler
(Chester, VA)
What is the best way to handle a youth player who was a great batter but now has a fear of getting hit with the baseball . When he got hit last year it did not seem to bother him.
Child was one of the best players on his team and was really hitting well. He can hit almost every time at the batting cage but is not hitting during his game.
He was hit by a ball last year but it didn’t seem to change his hitting at the time. Now this ball season, he says he is afraid of getting hit by the ball.
How can we help him with this issue?
COACH HENZE’S ANSWER
Thanks for the question!
This is a problem for thousands of kids each year and even some professional baseball players. When you hit the baseball, you have to be fully focused on one thing – seeing the baseball. If you have anything else on your mind or even flinch a bit, your chances of getting a hit are about zero…
Awhile back, I wrote a post about this topic in response to another “Ask the Coach” question. In my “fear of getting hit” post, you will find numerous ways to help your player get over this fear of the baseball.
In the meantime, I would love to hear what other coaches and parents have done from around the world when this problem arises. I believe this problem happens to most players at one point or another over the course of their career. Please share your experiences and how you helped someone overcome that fear below.
Thanks!
Coach Henze