scared of the ball at bat

Question
Hello Mike, My daughter just started 10&u fast-pitch she is left-handed and when she is up to bat she is scared of getting hit by the ball from the pitcher. I have talked until I am blue in the face. Any tips to keep her in the batters box and trying to swing.

Answer
Hello Georgia,

Unfortunately, there isn't any magic cure for this problem that I'm aware of.  Probably until she feels safe in the fact that if she gets hit she want have any lasting injuries she is going to be scared.  You can go to linedrive.com and purchase a "trace elbow/arm guard" for added protection.  Also have her turn her front shin guard to the side of her leg toward the pitcher.  Perhaps with these two areas better protected she'll gain confidence.  If she ever gets past these fears and starts hitting the ball, the possibility of getting hit will take a back seat to the desire to hit the ball.  Take her to the batting cage several times so that hitting the ball is her first thought in the box as opposed to worrying about being hit.  Hopefully this helps, keep me updated on her progress.

Coach Mike