Being afraid of fast-coming balls, either from batting or catching is very common for youths. Sometimes, many adults also do so.
But it’s all about the game, and you have to be bold in fielding or batting. However, I would like to tell the parents that there are many precise ways how to stop the fear of catching a baseball.
Hello, I am Jason, and I work as a youth coach. I will let you know how to deal with the fear of youngsters and become a bold baseball fielder at the end of the day.
So, let’s get to the point.
Why Do Youngsters Get Feared of Catching Balls?
The reason is simple. Many youths get feared due to getting hurt and pain. It’s a very common phenomenon amongst the people around. This is called algophobia when it gets extreme.
Algophobia means the fear of extreme pain. This could be caused for different reasons. The term “Psychogenic Pain” is the main catalyst in sports, by the way. This could happen from the fear of injury, getting hurt, or illness.
Aside from algophobia, another term is used for those who scare of being hit by a ball. It’s called “Athlemophobia.”
By the way, there are some efficient ways you can stop getting fear of balls being thrown at you. Let’s try to find out the ways gradually.
How to Stop the Fear of Catching a Baseball?- The Ways
As a coach, I have to impose different strategies at different times. It is because of the diversity of the youths’ psychology. Whether it’s being scared of fast pitches or catching balls, you have to improve some precise mechanics and follow experts’ suggestions.
If you are a new coach, here are some tips for you.
Generate the Right Pair
It’s important to understand the aspect of the players. All players are not capable of throwing hard balls. And all they are not capable of catching hard balls as well.
Many youngsters who have just begun to play baseball move their bodies when the ball comes to them. It’s because of hesitation and fear.
In this case, don’t mismatch the throwing and catching partners. If the player struggles with his fear of getting hurt, pair him with the slowest and minimal thrower.
This will make a balance.
Use Safety Balls for Practice
When you use a real baseball or any hardball, and the newbie gets hurt, this will surely decrease his confidence. My humble and most important suggestion is, don’t do that.
Your first job is to grow confidence in the new player. As a coach or parent, use a soft and safe ball that will not hurt the catcher or even get hit by the ball.
This will increase the player’s confidence and gradually decrease the fear of getting hurt. Increase the time and let the player enhance his glove skill. This will make him confident in getting out of the fear entirely.
Additional Read:
Now there are some suggestions for youngsters. Hey boys, getting feared; why? It’s you who creates the fear for yourself. Let’s have some fun deals. You will surely be out of getting scared.
Fear is Natural
Think it’s natural to be feared. In baseball, if you talk to players, you will discover that they all came into this position throw fear in the initial stage.
It comes for every baseball player, even for any other sport too. So, keep the fear aside. Concentrate on your target.
See how the ball comes to you. Let it be in, and try to catch it up with ease. Remember, it comes from a bat which is hit a human. Don’t need to fear a lot. This will gradually vanish with some days.
Recognize your fear. You can easily change your mindset to avoid it.
Focus on the Goal
Keep aside all things except your goal. You have to be better if you survive in baseball. So, there is no chance of being hyped with fear.
Keep in mind one very important truth. In only one day, nothing was successful. Time is required for it. Give yourself some time each day. Or, if you are a coach or a parent, you should encourage the children to develop progressively.
Pay attention to your practice. Practice your footwork, body movement, and hand-eye coordination to improve your overall performance. Gain a basic understanding of the fielding position. You should include both infield and outfield moves in your repertoire.
Over time, the more you practice, the more confidence you can grow. The growth of confidence will lead you to overcome the fear.
Mentally be strong. It’s actually the first thing to hold into yourself.
Additional Read: How To Tell If Your Child Is Athletically Gifted Baseball?
Do Some Necessary Drills
Drills are another important aspect for baseball players. Drills for ground balls or fly balls in groups are an effective way for the players to bring quick results.
For drilling packages, utilize balls that are softer and lighter than you would for solo practice.
Rolling the ball might be an effective approach to start the practice of catching the ball. Because they travel at a far slower speed compared to balls that have been struck, rolled balls pose no threat to beginners.
Under the direction of the coach, the players should be required to complete drills methodically and consistently.
Some Additional Tips on Stopping Fear of Catching a Ball
The following tips might work for your child to stop being fearful of catching balls. You could follow these.
- Let your child start catching sponge balls at a very early age. It might be 2 to 3. He will be accustomed to catching balls. Just roll the ball and let your child catch or touch it.
- With your child’s growth, you can start tossing the ball from a close distance. But, yep, don’t use any hardball.
- Allow him to introduce the tennis ball when he turns 4.
- Teach him how to use gloves at an early age. But don’t do this before 5 or 6.
- Let him be accustomed to his comfort zone. If he is a left-hand thrower, he must catch the ball from his trite side, and vice versa. Toss the balls to his catching side.
Tips on Fielding Ground Balls Without Being Scared
A ground ball is a youth’s most hectic ball to the field. That is why the fear mostly comes in fielding ground ball because any bad hop might happen just in front of the glove and hurt the fielder.
By the way, in this case, you have to improve your fielding mechanics and stance.
- By the way, for fielding a ground ball, the stance is important. Put your back floating on the surface, and keep the gloved hand on the surface. Keep the other hand above the gloved hand like an alligator mouth.
Grasp the ball after a single drop when it comes. Don’t allow the ball to another drop. The additional might cause the bad hop.
During catching the ball, you can catch the ball, keeping it by your gloved hand side. That means you are a left-hand catcher, keep the ball on your left side, and opposingly, keep the ball on your right side if you are a right-hand catcher.
Tips on Fielding A Fly ball Without Being Scared
Like a ground ball, catching a flying ball also has some uncertainties. The measure must be efficient to catch a fly ball. Otherwise, this could hit on your face or any other body parts.
By the way, you can practice with a softball, tossing it up and catching it consistently. This will help to become accustomed to the ball’s landing space.
Another aspect of catching a fly ball is to go under it when the ball is in the air. Catching with a softball would increase confidence. So, the fielder must master getting under the flying ball to catch it.
Catching a fly ball needs a lot of mechanics to learn. Also, there are many tips and tricks to hold. Our detailed guide on “How to Catch a Fly Ball?” will help you to master it precisely.
Related Questions
1. How do I stop being scared of getting hit in baseball?
Stopping being scared of getting hit by a baseball could be prevented if a young kid starts practicing with soft balls. The ball could be a tennis ball or a ball with Polyurethane material.
2. What is the fear of getting hit by a ball called?
The dread of being struck by a ball is known by its phobia term, athlemophobia. On the other side, the dread of experiencing excruciating pain is referred to as algophobia.
Wrap Up
As we said, getting scared of hitting a ball is natural for youths. But over time, this should be cured. And it also goes through a natural process.
The answer to the question of how to stop the fear of catching a baseball is to practice a lot more. Also, make sure the practice get improvement with proper manner and regulations.
Aside from these, mental stability and strength are other powerful components to overcome fear.
You Also May Like:
Baseball Drills for 7 year olds | Coach Preferred
How To Increase Pitching Velocity By 10 MPH | 25 Proven Tips
How To Stop Arm Barring Baseball | Everything You Need To Know
How To Practice Pitching Alone For Baseball?
Hello everyone. My name is Jason Butler, and I live in California, America. I was a professional AAA Minor League Baseball player. I lost my chance of playing MLB for injury issues, but I did not lose my love for baseball. I attended the coaching training program and am now working as a coach in a small school in San Diego.
I always love to share my experience and knowledge if that can help you. Play baseball, and stay fit.