Expert: Dennis Girardi - 6/3/2009

Question
Hi Dennis, I Manage a team of 9/10 year olds.  I have 4 players including my son, that I can't get them to stay in the box and swing the bat.  They get jitterbug feet and step out each pitch in a game.  In practice they don't so this when I pitch to them.  They do this in practice when another kid pitches.  I don't have a solution please help!

Answer
Hey Dave,

I've answered this question many times before.. Check some of my past answers for a little more details..
It boils down to the fact that your son and his friends are afraid of the ball. They have confidence when a parent or coach throws, but not so much when a peer throws.
Try this.. Have a peer pitch to your son, but have him pitch from a farther distance.. when he looks comfortable start to slowly move the pitcher closer and closer, even closer than the pitching distance.. After awhile, move the pitcher back to regulation distance..
You may even want to invest in some elbow pads or some extra padding to make him less timid.
See if this helps..
Good Luck and keep in touch.
Dennis