Not Be Scared of Being Hit by a Pitch in Baseball

Being hit by a pitch is a natural part of any baseball game. However, many young players may be afraid of getting injured or hurt while being hit by pitch. Here's some tips to help players avoid their fear and play better baseball.

Steps

  1. Have someone throw tennis balls at you while you are in your batting stance. This is so you can get used to seeing and reacting to a pitch coming at you.
  2. Step into the batter's box expecting to hit the ball. Don't think about being hit, think about getting a hit.
  3. If the pitch is coming at your body, the best way to avoid getting injured is to follow this method:

    • Turn your back and head away from the pitcher and face the backstop.
    • Look up and pinch your shoulder blades together, so your neck is protected by your helmet and your spine is less vulnerable.
    • Rotate your front leg and press your knee against the ground so you end up down on one knee.
    • Touch the end of your bat the ground to avoid getting a foul ball.
  4. Try to take the ball in slowly by almost sliding farther back toward the catcher and the take the hit softly so it won't hurt as much or leave a bruise.
    • You will end up on one knee facing the backstop with your head and bat down. This will reduce the possibility of being hit and ensure that if you are, you will be hit in the back, the butt, or the bottom of the spikes.
  5. If you don't have enough time to get out of the way, simply turn your back to the pitcher and let the ball hit you in the back or the butt. It won't hurt that much because you have less nerve endings in your back and your butt is a soft target.
  6. View being hit in a positive light. You will be getting on base and helping your team as well as improving your on-base percentage.
  7. Remember that remaining stoic after being hit makes you look tough and, if anything, will scare the other team.

Tips

  • Don't let the ball hit your bat or it will be a foul ball.
  • Never squat down to avoid a ball, make sure you always turn to face the backstop because you could get hit in the head.
  • - Practice recognizing pitches to get used to seeing balls
  • If the ball is thrown behind you don't back into it, just stay where you are.
  • Don't think about getting hit by the pitch, think about HITTING THE PITCH.
  • Never try to jump over the ball. It is most likely hit your kneecaps.
  • Buy an elbow protector in order to protect your front elbow and give you peace of mind.
  • Don't let the ball hit you in the helmet or the face, as it is almost never worth the free base.
  • If it is coming towards you step out of the back of the batter's box and do all instructions.
  • Have someone who is good at pitching throw the ball to you.
  • Use a softer baseball to help build confidence. korebaseball.com has a good realistic cushioned baseball.
  • Believe in yourself and stay calm.

Warnings

  • Don't ever open up and face the pitcher when the ball is coming at you, as you are leaving your most vulnerable parts open. If you are bunting, get out of the way any way possible, being sure to pull the bat back.
  • When a pitch is coming at you, DO NOT SWING AT IT. If you swing at it, or let the bat cross the plate, it is a strike, EVEN IF IT HITS YOU.
  • NEVER try to get hit by the pitch. If you have any intention of doing so, you must do it very discreetly - you must make it look like you attempted to get out of the way of the pitch. If you just stand there and let it hit you, it will count as a ball.

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