Backing out of batters box

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Feb 10, 2015
1
0
Hi, I am sure this has been discussed but... My daughter is backing out of the batters box when the pitcher releases towards home plate. She was getting hit by pitches and now has the fear of getting hit again. Any tips for helping her get her confidence back? Thank you.
 
Feb 7, 2013
3,188
48
I don't think there is a quick fix to the problem. She needs to practice hitting lots of front toss and live pitching as much as possible to get her confidence back. You also might try an open stance and make her stride towards the pitcher every time.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
This can be a tough issue to fix. As mentioned, there isn't really a quick fix. It's a mental issue.

In semi-related news...On Saturday, my kid got HBP for the 12th time this year. Her right bicep is now turning blue and yellow. I wish she'd do a better job getting out of the way.
 
Jan 28, 2017
1,664
83
8 year old baseball team was practicing getting hit with tennis balls this week. They it helped.
 
May 22, 2015
410
28
Illinois
DD had this problem in her second year of 10U. It seemed like every game she got plugged, and she started stepping out. We bought her an elbow guard and taught her how to get hit. I threw a lot of front toss to get some confidence building back up again. Try putting something behind her front foot (helmet, bucket ,bat) so she can't step out. It takes time & a lot of reps. Getting hit is no fun, but it's part of the game. Eventually with my DD the will to succeed overcame the fear of getting hit. Now she stands practically on top of home plate and getting hit by the ball is not in her mind at all...at least that's what she says lol.
 
May 16, 2016
946
93
You gotta change their mindset... getting hit is not a bad thing... you just got a free base. Our 10u rec league went through a phase where coaches would say "let her hit" after getting plugged. That is probably the worst thing you can do, as getting hit has no upside, it just hurts. I teach my girls to avoid getting hit if possible, but if you can't, HEY, you just got a free base!

The OP does not give age, but I assume it's 10u. Really cannot expect good advice if you do not specify the Age group you are dealing with. A 10u that is stepping out is one thing... an 18u stepping out is an entirely different story.
 
Jun 17, 2009
15,054
0
Portland, OR
DD had this problem in her second year of 10U. It seemed like every game she got plugged, and she started stepping out. We bought her an elbow guard and taught her how to get hit. I threw a lot of front toss to get some confidence building back up again. Try putting something behind her front foot (helmet, bucket ,bat) so she can't step out. It takes time & a lot of reps. Getting hit is no fun, but it's part of the game. Eventually with my DD the will to succeed overcame the fear of getting hit. Now she stands practically on top of home plate and getting hit by the ball is not in her mind at all...at least that's what she says lol.

Exactly!

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