Patience

Cannonball said:

Shawn, when you say you have these young hitters, are they your children or that you coach them for lessons? In either case, enjoy it and think through building a base with them. In my lessons, I do a lot of tee work but always make sure that they hit balls in motion. I like front toss the most but, at times, side toss, puts me in a better position with the younger age to talk to them during the lesson. Shawn, I am not much for what others might call "gimmicks" but have found that hitting aids like the Whip Hit make lessons more fun for the age group you describe. I also include the "pole drill." I know that there are several "pole drills" so I don't know if you are familiar with the way Englishbey did that drill but that is what I do.

I helped with a clinic for a 1st year 12U team Friday night. Some of those players have never played competitive ball. We had a blast but, as you alluded to, you have to have patience. For anyone else contemplating working with younger ages, "tell them, show them, let them." Repeat. LOL BTW, we finished with letting the players throw the ball up to themselves and hit into nets. It was a riot watching them try this and they were laughing as well. However, don't discount this activity. What they are really doing is learning how their bodies work.

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Cannonball said:

Shawn, when you say you have these young hitters, are they your children or that you coach them for lessons? In either case, enjoy it and think through building a base with them. In my lessons, I do a lot of tee work but always make sure that they hit balls in motion. I like front toss the most but, at times, side toss, puts me in a better position with the younger age to talk to them during the lesson. Shawn, I am not much for what others might call "gimmicks" but have found that hitting aids like the Whip Hit make lessons more fun for the age group you describe. I also include the "pole drill." I know that there are several "pole drills" so I don't know if you are familiar with the way Englishbey did that drill but that is what I do.

I helped with a clinic for a 1st year 12U team Friday night. Some of those players have never played competitive ball. We had a blast but, as you alluded to, you have to have patience. For anyone else contemplating working with younger ages, "tell them, show them, let them." Repeat. LOL BTW, we finished with letting the players throw the ball up to themselves and hit into nets. It was a riot watching them try this and they were laughing as well. However, don't discount this activity. What they are really doing is learning how their bodies work.

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Shawn said:

I have 4 young hitters. 2 10 year olds, then 8 and 6. They don't really understand when you suggest something. They will be playing on a 10u select team, the 10 yr olds are actually 9 with their b-day on Feb 10th. So this is their first year at 10u.

I try to make it as fun as possible since they are still learning. I'm sure the more they practice the more body awareness they will develop and understand more as far as instruction goes.

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pattar said:

As you probably know, I have a 9 year old DD and 3 year old DS who I hit with. DD will listen when she is in the mood, the 3 year old listens but gets distracted easily..lol.

The fact that you are not their parent will probably make it easier

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FiveFrameSwing said:

You couldn't be more spot on!

There are multiple benefits to having your daughter see an instructor that is capable. The relationship between parent/daughter is maintained. An instructor has worked with many individuals and has learned how to address several issues that a typical parent hasn't had experience with addressing. An instructor can set expectation levels higher than a parent, and not face repercussions that could impact a parent/daughter relationship.

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pattar said:

As you probably know, I have a 9 year old DD and 3 year old DS who I hit with. DD will listen when she is in the mood, the 3 year old listens but gets distracted easily..lol.

The fact that you are not their parent will probably make it easier

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Shawn said:

This is why I'm working with the kids. The kids have issues with working with their parents. They listen to me and I know it takes time to develop.

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