How can I help prepare my son for baseball?

Question

He'll be 5 in October. Due to financial reasons, we were not able to get him into T-ball this year (hopefully, next year).

He is a left hander. Who, or what makes people become pitchers or batters? I've never played for real. I don't know how average, or good 5 year olds throw balls, but he can get the ball into my glove most of the time. Is that good?

He hasn't been able to hit a ball coming at him yet, but that may be to my inconsistencies of throwing the ball. Since he's been practicing, I think I've been getting better about throwing and catching.

He has been really good about catching balls that are rolling on the ground. He'll shuffle quick and get it. Needs major practice catching a ball that is in the air.

What can I do to help him? Yeah, I'm his mom. His dad is not really athletic, and is at work the majority of the time. I have a daughter that I don't know what to do with sports wise lol.

Answer 1

since it sounds like you might be tight on money, play wiffle ball with him (plastic bat and ball) it is fairly safe and probably costs about $3.

just toss the ball softly to him to begin with to help his hand eye coordination.

My kids loved it when they were that age (I didn't have the money to put them in any organized league)

Answer 2

Practice, Practice, Practice!!!!

Watch baseball with him. Let him learn the game of baseball. Focus on the basics of the game and the rest will come. As a lefty, when he get a little older 11 or 12 he should focus more on pitching and outfield. But usually when your young its good to learn the basics first.

I added some links below for tips on how to teach kids the game of baseball. Good luck.

P.S. :  I never played t-ball and I also was a southpaw. I have played for over 20+ years, was an all-american in high school and set numerous records in strikeouts in college and high school.

Answer 3

I'm glad u didn't put him in tee-ball usually creates more problems then does good.  Just keep doing what your doing and once he starts everything will be fine.  Practise is the best way to start and anything will help.  He's not even five yet good time to start :) good luck

Answer 4

wacth a baseball game  teach him to throw catch bunt  hit  if possible   i play and  its realy fun try to make it fun and easy so he can understand it  the coach  will help him allot      

Answer 5

id say just have some of his friends over and see how your son compares to them.

But hes only 5. That age isn't really about being the best because no 5 year olds are very good. The T-ball leagues are for beginners and are meant to prepare them for real baseball so i wouldnt worry about it.

Answer 6

Probably the most important thing you can do at his age is play catch with him and build up his coordination. Hand-eye coordination is probably the most important aspect of baseball and many sports. It's never too early to teach your children the fundamentals of sporting performance. Besides, if at 6 he decides that he doesn't like baseball he can switch to soccer, tennis or something else. The principles of sports are the same everywhere...regardless of what sport he is doing.

If he really likes baseball and wants to make a career out of it, you should take the time and get him into decent shape for next year. Spend 15-20 minutes a day stretching. Make sure he is sleeping 8-10 hours a night and play more than just baseball with him. Play soccer, basketball or tennis (just hitting the ball around will be more than acceptable at his age).

Also, be careful not too try and bulk him up and turn him into the next Mr. Universe. DO NOT do weight training with him (he's much to young) and try to limit the soft drinks.

Good luck,      

Answer 7

Playing catch is the best preparation for baseball in general, and when he masters catching and throwing have him lay on his back on grass and throw lightly and catch it himself should get some of his phobias out of the way, then hitting should either begin on a tee or be thrown from a less intimidating distance 2-3 ft. underhanded, finally the most important thing is conditioning run, run, run until he absolutely hates it, as stamina is critical for all facets in baseball. Hope this helps, also ask father to play a part without intimidation it is one of the first Father/Son connections that is truly lifelong binding and will help open communication lines that will be much needed in teenage awkward years. God Bless!