Young Baseball Players Can Manage Their Fear of Being Hit by the Ball
A resident of New Jersey, Darren Stumberger volunteers as a baseball coach and instructor throughout the tristate area. NJ-based former professional baseball player Darren Stumberger spends most days of the year teaching baseball to thousands of kids between the ages of 7 and 15.
Most young baseball players have a fear of getting hit by the ball. This is particularly true of players who previously have been hit by the ball. While this fear will never completely go away, young players can learn to minimize the fear so it does not affect their game.
Players must learn to protect the sensitive areas of the body - the elbows, face, hands, and front of the body exposed to the pitcher - when they are at bat. These areas are more susceptible to pain and injury when hit.
Players also must learn to turn the body away from the ball or duck to the ground when they see the ball coming toward them. While being hit in other spots is still painful, it usually is less painful than being hit in the front areas of the body.
Most young baseball players have a fear of getting hit by the ball. This is particularly true of players who previously have been hit by the ball. While this fear will never completely go away, young players can learn to minimize the fear so it does not affect their game.
Players must learn to protect the sensitive areas of the body - the elbows, face, hands, and front of the body exposed to the pitcher - when they are at bat. These areas are more susceptible to pain and injury when hit.
Players also must learn to turn the body away from the ball or duck to the ground when they see the ball coming toward them. While being hit in other spots is still painful, it usually is less painful than being hit in the front areas of the body.
