Youth baseball

Question
How can you help me to not be afraid of the baseball.  I have been hit by the ball and it really hurt.  I was at first base and I was getting pick off I was hit on my back and know I'm afraid to even bat. Can You give me some ideas on how to overcome this fear?  Thank You

Answer
Hi Ozzy,

This is a good question.  Many young players have the same fear, but are afraid to admit it.  There is no question that getting hit by a baseball is not going to be an enjoyable experience.  All baseball players recognize they are going to get hit several times throughout their career.  It is a part of the game.  The key is to not let it effect your play.  The best thing you can do is confront your fear.  Players will use different ways to address this issue.  However, here are a few possible suggestions:

1.  Ask yourself questions that confirm how rare it is to get hit by a pitch.  For example, use the following
a.  If they already hit me once, the odds are they won't hit me again so I am in the clear.  
b.  I know I'll get hit a few times in my career and this is just one of them.  Glad to get it out of the way here.

2.  Psyche yourself up a little regarding your ability with questions like the following:
a.  I'm glad they hit me.  This toughens me up and makes me a better baseball player.
b.  They really messed up now.  Now, I am going to give them some payback by getting a big hit.
c.  I'm glad they hit me instead of a teammate b/c I can take it and my friend cannot.  This helps the team that it happened to me.
d.  So they hit me with a pitch.  Sure it hurts a little, but I am still standing.  They can't beat me.  They can't psyche me out.

3.  Make sure you have the right equipment to protect yourself.  You can purchase a number of pieces of safety equipment to help protect your arms and legs if you need it.  

4.  If you get hit while batting, make an extra special effort to really dig in the next time.  Basically, you need to shift your mindset to I am not going to let them take me out of my game.  My team needs me.  The trick here is to shift your feelings and emotions from the pain you are feeling to more proactive feelings.  In game situations, the best way is normally to be a little angry and channel it into your next at bat or play.  

One final word: there is a story about Ted Williams who was a great hitter and slugger for the Red Sox who was hit in the head by fastball that knocked him out of a game.  Naturally, a lot of baseball players would be a little reluctant to start hitting again in this situation, but Ted Williams made an extra special effort at his next at bat to not let this effect him.  After a few at bats, the fear of getting hit again went away.  This will be the same for you if you confront your fear.  Remember: many cowboys get tossed off their bulls, but the good ones keep finding the courage to ride the next one.  The fear is only as big an issue as you allow it to be.  Minimize it and keep improving your baseball skills.    

Best of luck to you in the upcoming season.

Jack Elliott
http://www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com