Sons catching

Question
Hello John and thanks for allowing me to write.  I've been a ballplayer my whole life from little league to Division 1 College.  I now have a 10 year old who finally wanted to play baseball.  We play catch often and he is having difficulty catching balls, but it's the way he is missing them that has me confused.  Any ball to his throwing side he misses off the end of his glove.  Balls to his glove side, he catches about 95% of the time.  Balls to his throwing side, I would say he catches 30%.  I cannot figure it out and he is getting frustrated (as am I, but don't want him to see it).  Thanks for your help!  He's just fallen in love with the game and I don't want him to give up yet.  

Steve

Answer
Hi Steve,

nice to chat with a fellow baseball fan.  It's great that you are taking an interest in helping your son to play baseball.  These are the best times and so many memories will come from all your effort, so don't be discouraged.

Do you remember when you first started playing baseball?  Who taught you to catch?  Chances are you learn the art of catching all by yourself.  Sure, you may have had a few tips and pointers from a coach or your friends, but the majority of the skill you had to learn over time and on your own.  No shortcuts.

Same goes for your son.  If he is just starting to play baseball at 10, he'll have to catch up to those kids who've been playing baseball since 5 or 6 years of age.  

What you have to do is make sure he gets the chance to practice catching as much as possible.  He has to develop the hand - eye coordination and the motor skills on his own.  You provide the challenges (games, drills, relaxing tosses, encouragement) and he'll eventually develop the skill.

Is he a one hander or do you have him with both hands up?  Does he have the correct footwork mechanics before and after the catch?  These skills you know and can show him now.  

The internet has many sites that can help, here are two that I like:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2060875_teach-little-leaguers-catch-throw.html

http://www.qcbaseball.com/skills/playingcatch1.aspx  (very good)

When you say "lets play catch" you want your son to jump at the chance.  So, make it fun and carefully work in these drills to make it challenging and you'll slowly see an improvement.  Do forget to praise and encourage to build confidence.

Best of luck,
JohnMc