Youth batting tips?

[blair684]

Let me start by saying I am new to this board. I found it through Google looking for some advice for my son. He is 4 years old and just completed his first instructional t-ball season. I've found baseball to be very positive for a bonding experience between us, and a nice out of the house hobby. (He's already is into video games)

I feel that he's getting to the point where I'm running out of tips. I was never a very good player. My interest was always following my team, and playing fantasy baseball. I more or less preach trying to keep his eye on the ball, front foot up + down, squish the bug with his back foot, and hit the ball lol.

I know it seems silly to ask for critique on video at such a young age, but I'm going to offer one as a reference point. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FuV...e_gdata_player

[Bolts-Baseball]

Dude, are you serious...??

The kid is 4... You're doing a great job... Just have fun, and make sure he is too!

You're allowed to ask questions again in 5 years...

-Good luck!

[blair684]

Kids are like sponges. I just don't want to do a disservice to him by getting him in bad habits. I understand your reply I'm not forcing him by any means. Baseball is his first choice over video games, karate, playground, movies, and other sports. All of which we frequent. My hope is to maybe get a fun drill in that helps mechanics a bit if he even needs it.

[bbrages]

Some tips:

1) Get down on a knee to make the ball come in on a flatter trajectory. Throwing underhand will do this too.

2) Basic form looks fine to me. Reps will do more than tips at this point, imo.

3) Keep it fun, be sensitive to whether he's having fun. Play games, don't just drill.

[Bolts-Baseball]

Some tips:

1) Get down on a knee to make the ball come in on a flatter trajectory. Throwing underhand will do this too.

2) Basic form looks fine to me. Reps will do more than tips at this point, imo.

3) Keep it fun, be sensitive to whether he's having fun. Play games, don't just drill.

All good tips here!!

[DThompson]

Keep it short! Nothing wrong with creating good habits...but at 4 he will be done (and should be done) after just a few pitches. You will be tempted to do more...don't.

[tg643]

Pitch from a knee so the pitch comes in at a "kid" angle.

[blair684]

Keep it short! Nothing wrong with creating good habits...but at 4 he will be done (and should be done) after just a few pitches. You will be tempted to do more...don't.

I hadn't really considered this. I've been throwing around 30 pitches on average. Am I overworking him without realizing it?

Btw thanks a lot for all the comments. I appreciate the advice. I will definitely be throwing from a lower angle now. Hopefully he doesn't take my head off lol...

[bbrages]

If you are pitching hardballs from your knee, might want to wear a glove... and put the bucket in front of your groin...