Kid strengthening

Question
Hi Dennis,

I would like to say first that i am very thankfull that you and other people take the time to answer our questions.

I myself started playing baseball at 18, i was talented but i would never know how good i could have been when i would have started in little (dutch) league.

Now my son is 6 and he started playing last season, and i have been his coach since this season.

He really enjoys playing baseball and every time we go to a baseball field he asks me to bring the gloves, bat and ball. I can't even watch when a friend of my plays because my son wants to play throw and catch, hit the ball etc etc.
I short ................ he really loves baseball.

Now my question(s):
Since he really likes to play ball i am more than willing to help him become a good player. I don't know yet if he's a catcher, pitcher, infielder or outfielder. I just know he has talent for the game.

Can you tell me how to start things.
What are the most important things at this age. Do we have to throw once a week, two times a week, every other day, every day ?
Is it allready necessary to do strengthening training (with weights) or is playing long toss enough to strenghten the arm.

I hope you have some good tips for me.

thanks in advance,

tino

Answer
Hey Tino,

This is a tough question.
Obviously, the more you play, catch, field, and throw the better he will become, providing that he has the talent and desire. Each day concentrate on different part of the game.. Have him pitch to you one day. Hit him grounders, while resting his arm, the next day. Hit him fly balls and have him hit off a tee (into a net, if you can) the third day, and then start again. Throw in some weight strengthening exercises every other day too.  He also needs to do many of these things without you. He can pitch the ball against a factory wall. (chalk out a square for the strike zone) and throw against some stairs for fielding practice, etc..
Good Luck and I hope this helped a little.
Dennis