Expert: John Priest - 8/2/2009

Question
Hi John,

My son (6 yo) really loves baseball and we have been practacing alot.
At this age is there something like to much training ?

We go to a batting cage 3 times a week.
The routine here is that i toss the ball underhanded like a softbal pitcher. He makes around 20 swings and then he throws back all balls that he missed, we do this 5 times so he makes around 100 swings.

We also throw 2 times a week, each session we throw 50 balls with normal weight balls. Also we use a heavier ball (9 oz.) we do this like 20 times to gain arm strength.

Am i doing to much with him or am i doing it wrong.
Maybe you have some tips for me ?


thanks,

Tony

Answer
Tony,
At your sons age I would make sure he has fun, learns the basics, and to remove any fear he may have of the baseball.  If your son is enjoying himself than you are not doing too much.  However you are doing more than most people with children your sons age.

I would stop throwing the weighted balls immediately.  This can cause serious problems if doing it wrong and your sons arm is obviously still growing so you don't want to cause damage at his age.  This damage can lead to developing bad mechanics.  I usually don't recommend weighted baseballs as training until the high school/ college age.

Thank you,
John Priest