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jscoda
123 Posts |
 Posted - 04/21/2008 : 13:34:46
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| What method has anyone found success with when a player continues to step out when at bat? He had a bad experience being hit and has been afraid ever since. Someone told me Mark Teixeira had the same problem until a coach in the minor leagues started him on his open stance and forced him to step into the ball. Ideas? |
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Hurricane
351 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2008 : 08:17:24
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| I have seen a coach use a spare tire to put the front foot in so the player cannot step out, but can still stride, sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't during the game. I have seen guys put kids gloves, toys, hats etc behind the foot so he wont step on them. Again might not work during a game. My theory is a kid will figure it out eventually when he gets older, but might suffer until he does. You can spread the kid out ala Albert Puljols and have him just lift his front heel and put it back down. It will kill power but will definately stop the stepping out. If you figure it out let us know. |
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12uCoach
357 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2008 : 08:40:09
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| Have the kid stand on a 2x4, move to a drawn or painted line ... |
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coachdan06
433 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2008 : 16:22:13
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It is related to fear of the ball. When he is ready and confident enough to stand in it will happen. Not until then.
Props , coaching , encouragement , punishments wont make any difference until then.
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humanitarian2112
11 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2008 : 13:48:55
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| The only thing I've found to cure this issue is to teach them not to move their feet. Have them focus on keeping their feet still and swing arms only. They will still perform an inate transfer of power during the swing movement. I've also found that many of these players just leave the game. The baseball hurts. |
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dblinkh1
39 Posts |
Posted - 04/29/2008 : 15:46:43
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| I coach rec ball and I often have kids who step away from every pitch. I make them stand with a very open stance so they can't step any farther out. They naturally step toward the pitch because they are starting so open and over time they move back to a more natural stance. |
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billbclk
164 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2008 : 12:46:16
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Guys,
There is no mechanics adjustment that will fix the fear of being hit. Either he will get over it or quit competitive baseball.
Bill Clark
Collins Hill 13U |
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Jr Longhorns
46 Posts |
Posted - 05/03/2008 : 00:55:17
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First, I determine that they are afraid of the ball, even tho most won't openly admit it. Then I ask why - sometimes they will admit to being pegged...
Then I use rubber baseballs and I take the time to teach them how to turn in and take a pitch that is going to hit them, so that they take it the best way possible, and NOT in the ribs or the middle of the back/spine.
Then I sue aids to try and help them break their mental and muscle memory. This includes laying on the ground (with a helmet on!) and holding their ankles... It has worked... but the player does have to come to terms with it internally as well. |
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Topic |
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Stepping out when batting
