Expert: Willie Ansley Jr. - 4/15/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a 9 year old son who is having problems adjusting to hitting kids pitching.  He was a great hitter at the coaches pitch level and I can bring him in the batting cage and throw harder than a kid and he can hit the ball.  He has played in 7 games now with a kid pitching and he has put the ball in play only once.  He has some walks mixed in there but alot of strikeouts as well mostly just looking.  He seems to be too patient and is having problems understanding the strike zone since it is a little wider than just home plate at this age level to try to get the kids to swing the bat.  He is a switch hitter and we even tried just sticking to one side but that hasn't mattered.  He is a very good pitcher and fielder.  I just need to get him going at the plate.  Any ideas of what I can do to help him?

ANSWER: Buy him a elbow guard and maybe the under armor that has the rib and back protector. This may take some of the fear of getting hit away. Also try having him bunt once a game.  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: He isn't scared at the plate just too patient.  He is scared of swinging at a pitch that isn't a strike and is very confused at where the strike zone is actually located.

Answer
If that is the case throw him balls and have him call out ball and strike as soon as possible.This will let you know if he has an understanding of the strike zone.But please consider that possibillity that he has fear of being hit.Often a kid does not fear being hit by you throwing to him cause you have never hit him or not often.He may have seen other kids getting hit and fears that for himself.