Expert: John McInnis - 5/5/2006

Question
Dear John,

My middle son is 8 years old and lost total confidence in catching the baseball.  His brothers (two years on each side of him do fine but he lunges and turns sideway's turning his head away.  I have tried tennis balls but still have them on occasion bounce off the glove and hit him in the face.  I just came in from a session of catch with him and it seems to be getting worse.  I told him he must try and watch it into his glove and one bounced off and hit him in the open eye. He is now with my wife trying to get something out of his tearfull eyes.  He wants to be on the team but I'm afraid that with the speed of some of his teammates he will loose some teeth and have even harder time getting over it.  Is it back to basics? What do you suggest?  

Thank you for your time,

Frank Wadzinski

Answer
Hi Frank,

patience is the best remedy.  Like you suggested, he's lost his confidence and just needs some time and kindness.  I remember this happening to me when I was very young.  A good coach took me aside and just started throwing balls to me.  Soft touch, low balls, grounders, some occasional pop flys...just to get my confidence back.  I must have been around your son's age...

So long as he wants to play, just keep practicing with him.  Make sure he keeps his glove up and in the ready position, use both hands (the free hand behind the glove hand) and tracks the ball with his glove.

Closing his eyes and turning his head away will only get him hurt, he as to learn to use the glove to protect his face....even if he uses the glove to knock the ball down.

Keep using tennis balls and even wiffle balls (plastic with holes).

Best of luck,

JohnMc