Getting Hit by a Pitch
Eventually all hitters get hit by a pitch. Most times
it hurts! For more experienced players getting hit by a pitch is just
part of the game and easily forgotten. However, for young players,
especially players that have recently moved up to the player pitch
level, the experience can be somewhat devastating. A player must get
over the fear of being hit by the ball. If they are in the batters
box worrying about getting hit, there is no way they're going to hit
the ball.
Helping a player get overcoming their fear can take
a little time, so the best thing is to start the process immediately.
If you find that a player is afraid of getting hit by the ball, the
first thing you need to do is help get that player comfortable in
the batters box.
In practice, have the player get into the batters box
WITHOUT the bat. A coach should pitch and have the player just watch
the ball. The player should not swing or stride towards the pitch,
just stand and watch the ball. This should be done for 10-20 pitches
each time the player bats in practice. Continue this each practice
until the player looks comfortable in the batters box. For this drill
you should start by using safety balls or tennis ball. When the player
feels that they will not get hurt, they are more comfortable at the
plate.
Next have the player grab a bat and get into the batters
box. The player still should not swing at the ball. You want the player
to simply watch the path of the ball. Make sure the player is in their
proper batting stance. This should be done for 10-20 pitches.
Next have the player, with a bat, step into the pitch,
they still should not swing.
Finally, when the player looks comfortable at the plate
have them swing at live pitching.
