QConfidence Factor

I have a grandson who was hit in the eye at age 7 with a hard thrown baseball during t-ball warm-ups. At age 8 he moved up to instructional league where the coach does the pitching. He hit well both left and right handed but he flinches when trying to catch a ball and missed 1/2 of them. At that age (8) he made the all-stars because of his hitting, fielding ground balls and running. He was on par with other boys except for catching. During the first all-star practice being a lefty he was on the mound and when his friends started throwing easy to him so he could catch the ball, coach called time, said "don't ease up on your throws, if he or anyone else can't catch then they'll wind up in the outfield until they can." 3 balls later the coach said "OK boy go to center field". This totally embarrassed him and he quit. It has destroyed his confidence; he doesn't want to play anymore. Around the yard he will hit 20-30 balls left & right but refuses to have a catch.

AThese are the hardest questions we deal with. We can make suggestions on the mechanics and skill development, but the confidence factor is either going to be something you can help with or not.

You also provided additional information...

"I've coached for 26 years, both boys and girls from age 10 up through 18 ,and I never singled a kid out and criticized them in front of the team at any age. I always pulled the player aside at another practice session for one on one instruction. I've never in all my coaching years had a kid quit or loose confidence. The reason he got hit in the first place was because the coach of the team had the kids throwing to each other any way they wanted to throw, and did not form to lines , so my grandson was the unlucky guy that day and got shelled in the eye with a wild throw. How do you get a kids' confidence back? He's strong and he's big for his age (about 5'9)."

First, understand that often catching inability has to do with ball tracking. Apparently not the case here or he would not be able to hit. What I would suggest is getting some of the multicolored training balls - you might find some at your local sports store, or else make some with magic marker. These are balls in which one leather piece is, say, blue and the other red. Or you might draw colored dots or numbers on the balls. Have him focus on trying to see the color as it comes into his glove. For a more serious package of visual tracking tools check the Hudgens Vision Kit in the WebBall store. This kit is designed for hitting, but there are catching drills on the DVD as well, all designed to build visual confidence. Not to dismiss the problem, but I also want to suggest you and he consider a sport in which his hitting ability is required but not his catching ability - tennis. Yes I too would like every kid to play baseball, but there are other sports and he may excel there where he might not in baseball. For me, and for him, the important thing is he finds a physical activity he can enjoy. (Not included in response to the granddad) Clearly the bigger problem here is that this young kid just trying to learn the game was put on the team of a coach who couldn't have cared less for the welfare of his players or their future enjoyment of the game. The response to GrandDad was to provide some sympathy but mostly constructive ideas. And you feel for both child and adult in these situations. But let's deal with the real issue - that callous coach who has no true concept of why he is there and what his role should be, as a mentor, role model, instructor, confidence builder, etc. Why do leagues and local associations leave these guys in the game - worse, why would we as parents allow them to have contact with our kids! Yes, much of the responsibility lies with associations who don't train their coaches (and we will have the results of our recent certification survey compiled and posted soon. However, there is also an onus on the parents (and other adult relatives of each player) to understand a basic fundamental of the game: baseball is not babysitting. What I me an by that is that you should not simply drop your kid at the ballpark and take off. Even parents who don't know much about the game, or don't have time to help with the coaching duties, should understand that not all coaches are certified, not all coaches are vetted by the league, not all coaches have had sensitivity training, child-rearing expertise, conflict-resolution training, or even done a first aid course. Before you trust your kids in their hands for 1-2 hours or more of what could be hard physical activity coupled with unimaginable mental stress, please make sure you know the coaches. That doesn't mean you have to be there all the time, every time. But at least understand the need to be a part of your son's or daughter's playing experience. You get to have parent-teacher interviews at school, you should consider a parent-coach interview for baseball. It's unlikely the coach will schedule it (true confessions: I never have), but that doesn't mean you cannot request it. Look, if the coach seems reluctant to even talk, that should be clue number one! Understand, I am not faulting this granddad or any parent who does not take the time. I wish his offspring well in either baseball or tennis or any sport. But perhaps if someone had suggested to him early on that maybe such an interview/vetting process might be a good idea, we would have been able to encourage and keep one more child playing baseball.

QError Proofing

We have a 13U competitive team. 90% of the time, very solid fielding team. Going back to last year, and continuing this year we have lost, sometimes sizeable, leads. It starts with an error and then turns into a watershed event. What can be done to stop the leak at the first error? We have 4 new kids on he team this year and the true leaders haven't come forward. A couple are starting to show signs, but they haven't completely stepped up.

AIf we had a foolproof answer to this dilemma we could probably solve world hunger, too. It seems to happen to every team. The worst cases are the over-correction of a previous error - one bad play compounded by what we call "chasing the runners". The funny thing about baseball is that although it's a team sport, each play is an individual effort. So even strong team leaders on the field cannot guarantee anything. The only solution we have found is to drill fielding enough to truly build confidence while polishing execution. We also talk in terms of accountability, responsibility, but judgement is what it is - a learned response. And they are kids. Worse, some are adolescents and their brains are getting rewired every week. Consider that a player can be an exceptional athlete and make millions with a 97-98% rate of errorless play. So 90% among learning amateurs isn't all that bad. Final thought: the fact that a sizeable lead can be lost also means a sizeable deficit can be made up when you are the team behind. You gotta love that about baseball, there's no clock and it ain't over till it's over.

QFear of the Ball

This is my first year of coaching and I'm by no means a baseball know-it-all. I know basic fundamentals fielding, batting, etc. But my BIGGEST problem is getting the boys so they are not afraid of getting hit by the ball. I've tried hitting tennis balls at them with a racquet and that works fine when it's a tennis ball, but as soon as they see that white baseball, they jump to the side and try to extend their arm to one side or the other to catch the ball, 7 times out of 10 missing. Any tips with this problem and with team morale would be greatly appreciated.

AFirst, have a look at our page on Fear Factor. The context for fielding is the same - fear is irrational but real. And there is unfortunately no magic answer but time. However, there are some things you can do differently. Tennis balls are too far removed from baseballs. Instead use Saf-T-Balls or similar which are softer but look like real baseballs. This will build confidence - and white ball familiarity - so that the brain will not instinctively treat hard balls differently. And be willing to experiment with equipping your players in body armor (i.e. catcher's gear), and teach them how to take the ball off the body. Most of all work on drills like short hops and so on - to help them develop more confidence in their tracking of the ball, reading hops, and in their glove work (soft hands). And be very patient.

QFoul Balls at 3rd/Home

If a fly ball is to the left side of the batter's box. Should the catcher camp under the ball, until the third baseman can catch the ball. Who's ball is it, if they both have a chance for the ball?

AI think a couple of plays in the 2005 WS might have covered this question - both in the same game, both involving Joe Crede - once when he came in towards home and called for the ball (and dropped it), and another when he was called off by the shortstop who dove into the stands to come up with the ball (one of the great defensive plays by Uribe in that game.) On the catcher-3rd scenario, pop ups near the plate tend to have a backspin which causes the ball to drift back in the direction of home plate. For this reason it would have been better for A.J. to try for it - it drifted away from Crede at the last second - towards the plate. On the 3rd-Short play, the best angle on the ball is always cutting across its path - that gave the natural advantage to Uribe and in that case the right play was made

QHot Box

Can you tell me the proper technique for Hotbox ( where you catch the runner stealing and run them down. On another note, when the runner on first is leading off and the runner on third is too, what should the catcher do? Just throw it back to the catcher or run the runner on third back to the base?

AFirst rule in a hot box situation, or in any situation in which runners take a big lead - keep them from advancing. So, always chase in direction of previous base, and throw ahead immediately. In other words, between, say, 2nd and 3rd, run him back towards second.
If on a throw to 2nd, the runner reverses direction to go to 3rd, whoever is covering at second should throw immediately.

On any Hot Box, especially from 3rd to Home, minimize the number of ball exchanges - the more throws, the more chance of an error - a throw going astray and the runner advancing. Fielder with ball should run with arm up, ball clearly visible, so the receiving fielder has a good sight line past the runner and can make a clean catch and tag.

Every fielder should converge on the hot box. If there is trailing runner, priority is lead, but guys should be available to cover there. However, that doesn't mean every lead-off should cause a hot box or throw. Sometimes just getting it back to the pitcher quickly is the best approach.

QInfield Fly?

If there's 2 outs and the batter hits a ball that's dropped on both grass and infield dirt, is it still an infield fly?

AAn infield fly is with runners on 1st and 2nd or first, 2nd and 3rd with less than 2 outs. The rule was to prevent deception. With 2 out, a catch ends the inning so no attempt at deception is assumed therefore no Infield Fly Rule. With less than 2 outs, it isn't about grass or dirt but only if the umpire(s) call it based on their expectation that the pop-up can be caught by an infielder - even if in short outfield. Landing on the cut changes nothing.

QObstruction Calls

At a recent tournament I was told by the Home Plate umpire that in order for an obstruction call to take place the runner must come in contact with the fielder. Specifically the base runner at second had to run around the short stop who was standing in the base path (SS had no play on the ball it was hit to 2nd base) consequently the runner was tagged out at third. I appealed the call and was informed that since the fielder made no contact with the runner no obstruction occurred. I can not find anything in the rules that supports this decision. Am I missing something?

AThe ump is wrong, sort of. No contact has to absolutely happen - the definition states "impedes (or delays) the progress of any runner", but it is a judgment call. So he has to see it and call it.

As it happens, our own team was the victim of a similar wrong call in a recent game. Here's the situation. Runner on second. Shortstop playing deep - perhaps 25' behind the basepath. Batter hits a short flare, just barely over the pitcher's head, landing perhaps 10' behind the mound on the way towards second base. No fielder was close enough to get to it. However, the runner from second to third and the shortstop collided. Interference was called on the runner "because the fielder was attempting to make a play and the runner should have been watching out". The runner was in fact on the base path 20' from where the ball landed in the grass. What's more, the runner was watching the ball land - to make sure it would not be caught and he could proceed to third safely. In other words, his back was, of necessity, to the fielder, his eyes on the ball. It was the shortstop coming in who could see both the runner and the ball - a ball which he had no chance to catch in the air. He was certainly not in the act of receiving the ball. The call should have been obstruction and the runner awarded third. The fielder improperly impeded the runner. Not only was interference called rather than obstruction, but it was the runner going to third who was declared out. On interference - had that actually happened - had, say, the ball landed much much near to the basepath - then it should have been the batter-runner called out at first for the interference caused by the other runner. Wrong call made, compounded by wrong player called out.

Obviously situations like this can be protested, but that doesn't undo the damage. It's one thing when judgement calls (balls-strikes, safe-out) are not seen the same by all concerned, but it happens - we're all human. However, I think it's much worse when the rules of baseball are misunderstood or misinterpreted. It hurts the credibility of the game, and doesn't encourage greater participation by youngsters. (I'll get off my soap box now.)

QOn a Hit to Left

On a ball hit to left field with the cut going to home, where are the first baseman, 3rd baseman, shortstop, catcher, pitcher and 2nd baseman supposed to go?

AOur coverage clinic (available with animations for registered WebBall Team Players) is designed to answer this . Briefly, if the hit is a grounder to left - the third baseman will be heading towards 2 to try for it as the SS heads for third - so that will put SS in best position to take the relay throw or make a cut. You want the catcher to call directions and hold the plate, and the pitcher to back him up. If the possiblility exists for the batter-runner to try for two, you want the first baseman moving out to back up a possible alternate throw from left to second baseman at his bag.

QRainbow Throw

I've been having trouble throwing the ball fast and my coach says that I'm RAINBOWING it. I have good arm strength but I can't seem to use it all. Do you have any ideas of why I'm not throwing hard.

aRainbowing is a tendancy to windmill the arm using only the shoulder to arc forward - the elbow stays locked and the wrist does not snap on release. Also, you may be relying on your arm for all your throwing strength (a strong throw starts from the feet and legs). Or you may have built up your arm muscles in a way that doesn't allow full range of motion, or isn't baseball specific.

With proper mechanics (review the how to throw page in Grass Roots), your muscle groups would be sequencing - as your arm lifts to shoulder height, your elbow would bend to near 90 degrees so that your wrist is up with the top of your head but the shoulder to elbow part of your arm is parallel to the ground.

Sometimes it works best to build the throw mechanics in reverse order from the problem point. And do everything from a static pose at that point (see the Stop Action page for explanation.)

So - start with front foot pointing forward (slightly closed), both shoulders in line with your target, throwing arm up with elbow bent, and hand with ball just above head height. Do some throws from that static pose - concentrating on "squishing a bug" with your back foot and torque your hips as your arm comes across.

If that's still too early in the throw to be comfortable with your release, then start with the bug already squished and your hips already turned out - to work on wrist-up, elbow-parallel through to release.

From whatever pose you start at, always repeat from there through release at least 20-30-40 times - often enough to allow the muscle memory to establish.

Then work backwards - from squished bug to just before you squish the bug. Then from throwing arm up to lifting it up from horizontal, then from lifting up to having your arm beside your body, then in front of your body with ball in glove, then square to the plate as you receive the ground ball, then twoi steps forward as the ball is about to be hit.

By working backwards you'll add a new element in front of what your muscles already feel comfortable with, instead of being unsure what comes next.

QRelays from Outfield

My question is in reference to double relays from the outfield on a double, possible triple, by the batter. I basically know how the shortstop and second baseman are supposed to line up in reference to balls hit to the corners and gaps of the outfield and also the differences in alignment on plays at third base and at home (with a runner on 1B). What I don't know is how and when you know to start running these relays.

AFirst, relays in general. There are two reasons to use a relay through a middle infielder. It isn't just for the batter, but because of any runners on base. You want a chance to either get an out at third or home or keep the runner from advancing. What you're trying to do is improve the accuracy of your outfielders throw (first of all) by having him throw say 200' to a cut-off who has only a 70-100' relay to the target base.

A double relay is only in those extreme instances when a ball rolls right to the outfield fence. When the middle infielder has to move to the outfield grass to take the relay, he's throw to a base would then be 150' or more - not close enough for accuracy, so then the corner baseman or shortstop (on a deep rightfield corner ball) becomes the second relayman.

In normal (single) relay, the second purpose of the cut-off man is to do just that - instead of a relaying the throw to home or third, it is cut-off and then the throw would go to second (most likely) to try to hold the batter/runner to a single. There are some footwork/positioning mechanics that change on cut-off versus relay, check the appropriate fielding position page.

Added point - one danger in a double relay is pulling everyone so far out of position that other baserunners can advance. The challenge is to have a team that follows through, looking for their next coverage position (nothing's over cause you throw the ball.) There's a good drill for this called Round the Bags.

QRushing Players

I manage a 10 y.o. travel team and I've got some issues with league rules. The league voted in favor of playing "full" baseball: all rules in place (i.e. infield fly, dropped 3rd strike, leadoffs, balks, etc.) I have a big issue with progressing these kids so quickly before they fully grasp the fundamentals. I am most concerned for pitchers  who have only been pitching for 1.5 to 2 years and their mechanics have not been engrained. The kids will worry so much about rushing the ball to home plate they'll sacrifice proper arm motion. These other managers won't see the effects of the bad mechanics this year, but 2-3 years down the road when arm problems crop up. Are these managers truly deciding what's best for the kids, or finding a way turn the game into a track meet - win at all costs? Don't get me wrong: winning is an attitude that can become a habit when the kids believe in themselves, but I couldn't tell you which team won the league when I was 10, can you?

ALet me put it as concisely as I can... You are right and they are wrong. The problem is, of course, how to get them to re-think what they are doing. All the points you raise are valid. I am less concerned about infield fly - that actually makes things easier for kids - takes the pressure off having to catch the high pop-up. But on the other points... 1. Dropped third strike is really a misnomer - it's really passed ball to the backstop we are talking about, which not only challenges the catcher, but the pitcher in terms of accuracy and confidence. 2. Lead-offs and balks go hand-in-hand, obviously - you can't have one without the other. Our local league here does have those in effect at age 11-12 (except for Little League) but balks aren't really called unless blatant until 13 and up.

The real problem is a group of coaches/managers with no perspective - for the most part this is probably their first time through the coaching experience and they want to act like managers of pro ball clubs. I don't even think it is "win at all costs" - I just think it's about bragging rights of coaching a club that plays by the "real" rules. It's fantasy baseball with real kids. That's not a condemnation, it's just the common mentality - I know, I was the same - we are all anxious to see our kids as stars in real baseball. Unfortunately it is only years later, when kids drop out due to arm injuries at age 15 that reality sets in - that the damage we have done is fully realized, but also, too often irreversible.

I would impose the following rules on all leagues up to age 12...

1. Pitchers must throw from the stretch only (which is actually better in learning and takes away one of the problems with lead offs, and gets rid of the over-emphasis on wind-ups).
2. Lead-offs are allowed (because this is a skill baserunners should learn early - how to turn, how to react quickly.)
3. A pitcher may throw to a base provided he steps before his arm moves. (This is like the real balk rule except the mechanics don't matter yet - he can step with either foot and step anyway he wants to.)
4. No dropped third strike (it just doesn't matter yet).
5. Intentional walks are not permitted (mostly because you get into same issue as dropped third - errant throws.)
6. Limit on steals per inning - not sure about this but some leagues have used this to limit excessive baserunning and forced errors. The challenge (as per recent case) is to determine the details - whether attempts and caught stealing count, whether a double steal is 2 or 1. I have heard of league imposing max 3, I'd suggest max 5.
7. Infield fly in effect (it really makes no demands on fielders or runners) - fielders try to catch the ball, runners are expected to stay on their bases, batter is out. Without the IFR, fielder errors are common. It's up to the ump to call it correctly.
8. Maximum 5 run rule (not 6) per inning (and open last inning of course - just to keep it closer).
9. Mercy rule of 12 runs (not 10) - just to give the losing team extra encouragement.
10. Maximum of 20 runs per game. (I dunno, just seems like another possible way to be fair).

QShadow Ball

I was looking over your site and found the practice plan outline. It mentions "shadow ball" as a quick pace drill but I can't find that drill anywhere on your site. Can you please point me in the right direction?

AShadow ball is a routine that came out of the Kansas City Monarchs and other teams in what was called the "negro leagues". Best demonstration of it is in the Ken Burns multi part series on baseball - I think in episode 5 or 6. You might be able to find it at the library. Basically the team runs the games without a baseball: pitcher throws, batter hits and runs and fielders try to make great diving, leaping fielding plays. Some kids get into this, some kids have no imagination these days - too much spoon-fed visual entertainment not enough time reading/imaging. When we have run it, my favorite bit was the batter being "hit" by the pitch in the back - to get himself on base so we'd have a runner for pick off and steal plays. The beauty of shadow ball is that fielders can learn what it feels like to dive, rollover and come up throwing without having to worry about actually getting the ball. Like many drills in baseball it goes by names other than "shadow ball".

QSlow Rollers

What do you recommend we teach infielders, outfielders and pitchers (11-14 y.o.) about using glove or bare hand fielding for slow-roller versus stopped ball? I've always taught bare-hand pickup for non-moving ball ONLY, and glove for fielding any rolling ball.

AWe agree with you. Unless the player can reach straight down and clutch the ball and lift it straight up, we want to see the glove used as a scoop to funnel the ball to the hand. We don't want to see those fingers moving forward as the ball is rolling - the risk of bent fingers and a sprain that could knock any fielder out of the game for weeks is way higher than the risk of a runner getting to first. That's especially true of pitchers

QTurn & Sprint

How do I teach my outfielders to not break in with their first move? I have several of my players coming in only to see the ball going over their head.

ABecause it is difficult to break instinctive behavior, we would get them to start farther out first, so the step inward doesn't hurt.