Fear of the ball can quickly diminish the enjoyment of baseball. Once kids learn that the ball can hurt them, their confidence can decline. This often happens after the first time children miss a ball thrown to them or get hit with a pitched ball. Regarding this problem, former major-leaguer Mike Marshall wrote, "When fear is present, youngsters cannot develop skills. Youngsters should never begin by learning how to catch with balls thrown directly at them, either in the air or on the ground. And, before they learn to hit thrown balls, they have to believe that they can protect themselves."
Step 1
Standing 10 feet away from a partner, practice catching a beach ball thrown directly at you. Catch the ball with both hands.
Step 2
Practice catching a tennis ball thrown directly at you without your glove. Catch the ball in your glove hand. Start with 10 feet between yourself and the thrower, and gradually increase the distance.
Step 3
Beginning 10 feet away from a partner, work on catching a tennis ball thrown directly at you with your glove. Progressively increase the distance between yourself and your partner.
Step 4
Practice catching a baseball thrown to either side of your body so that the ball won't hit your body if you miss it. Catch the ball in your glove. Start with 10 feet between yourself and the thrower and increase the distance to 30 feet over time.
Step 5
Work on catching a baseball thrown directly at you with your glove. Start with 10 feet between yourself and the thrower, and gradually increase the distance.
Step 6
Practice turning away from a ball pitched directly at you while you are batting. Use tennis balls for this drill. Assume your batting stance approximately 20 to 40 feet away from the pitcher. When the ball is thrown at you, attempt to move out of the way by turning your body away from the pitcher so that only your backside is exposed to the ball.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not rush through the steps, but progress through them over time. Master the current step before moving to the next one. Catch the ball with your fingers up if the ball is thrown above your waist and fingers down if it is thrown below your waist. * Hold a bat and wear a helmet when practicing your turn away from a pitched baseball. This will simulate a game environment.
- Use experienced or professional helpers when trying these exercises.
Things You'll Need
- Beach ball
- Tennis ball
- Baseball glove
- Baseball bat
- Batting helmet
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