Posted by: Jim C. (jhconklinjr@comcast.net) on Fri May 20 16:29:43 2005

Hi Missy,

Make his practices as near to the real thing as possible - full distance, full motion pitches are the best. Also, throw simulated 'at-bats' to him, keeping ball and strike counts - make it a game - if he hits, he wins the at-bat.

Check the coaches and dugout environment as well. How are K's treated? Is the emphasis on swinging at good pitches, getting a hit, or on not striking out? Are people yelling 15 different reminders to him while he's at bat? This can get him to 'think' rather than to simply react. Instructions and reminders are for practice, not for games.

Best of luck.