Expert: Dennis Girardi - 5/21/2008

Question
My son is 11 1/2. He is a good athlete. He has played 1st and catcher. He is a good hitter, but is now getting very
nervous when he is up to bat. He is watching the first strike, then goes after one over his head. Then watches the 3rd strike. He knows this is wrong but is stuck in a habit. Twice last night. He said it is because he feels nervous.  It isn't an issue of skill; it is more an
issue of confidence. Just as the season started , 4 weeks ago he injured his thumb and can no longer catch behind the plate, he is still playing 1st and out field. He does not want to sit.

Batting practice causes pain, so I am trying to rest him in between games. Any advice on getting him back into his natural style, power hitter who likes to hit the first pitch.

Answer
Hey Todd,

Hitting the first pitch has it's advantages and disadvantages.  Have him go to the plate with this approach.

Do not swing at the first pitch unless the pitch is a fast ball right where he wants it.
If the pitch is "A ball," then do the same thing again and again until he gets "A Strike."
Never swing at a pitch on the outside corner, unless you have 2 strikes on you, or you are trying to hit to the opposite field.
Try to work the count to where the pitcher HAS to pitch it over the plate or else he walks you.
If your son works the count to "3 & 1," then once again do not swing at a pitch unless it is a fast ball right where you want it. (DON'T SWING AT BALL FOUR).

At his age there shouldn't be any breaking pitches to worry about. Just fast balls and change ups.
Study the pitcher when you are not batting and see his pattern of pitching.. HIgh, low, outside, and when he throws his fast ball. See if he throws a low fast ball on every first pitch or if he throws a high fast ball when  he gets 2 strikes on a batter..
He will be more confident if he knows what's coming..
Good Luck and let me know how it works for him..
Dennis