Advice for the dreaded SLU-MP

quote:

What advice do you give a kid?

hugs & cookies ALWAYS help

advice ... he should smile & nod while looking the coach in the eye (or at his nose) - then go with what got him there - if questioned .. politly tell em he's working like heck on their improvments
they just haven't taken yet

With a nagging sore elbow it MAY not be a slump.

Check it out, make sure he is ok.

TPM-Thanks to the HSBBW family we knew right away to stop and seek attention. It is just a strain but he goes to PT several days a week and is on a throwing program. Just now back on the mound at 50% but still not game ready. He is very respectful and is generally the first on and nearly first off (been playing outfield, hard to beat those infielders in). Always smiling and congradulating teammates. Fortunately, the coaches are patient and have been encouraging. Just frustrating for him and us to see the struggle and hard work and not have results.

He's got an injury to get through first, he'll be ok!

Keep the cookies and hugs coming, they sooth the sole and tummy!

Slumps can be caused by fatigue. Ironically, the first response to a slump is usually to drill, practice, drill, practice, which makes the problem worse.

Especially if he has a sore elbow, take a few days completely off baseball. Recharge. Sounds as if he is a talented hitter, so just reinforce to him to trust himself, knowing he is good, and the hitting will be back.

He needs to relax. Hitting may be 75% mechanics, but it is 95% confidence.

Pump up his confidence as much as you can. Remind him of past success. Assure him that success will be there in the future.

As far as conflicting advice from coaches, he has to pick one to follow. Coaches should not whipsaw kids, but at times they do (whether inadvertantly or intentionally).

Hi BBfam!
Baseball is a game of adjustments, which can be very frustrating at times. Bodies are constantly changing, especially at your son's age, as is the level of competition as he moves up the ladder. What worked in the past, may not work in the future. The best way to learn how to handle slumps is to experience them...and every player will eventually. Your job is to supply the hope, encouragement, and unconditional love he needs. Here are some ideas...

1. Share stories of pro players who have experienced struggles and slumps. Look in the sports section for current examples...they won't be hard to find.

2. Point out how hard he's working to make the neccessary adjustments. Reassure him that hard work and persistance make a difference.

3. Most importantly, make sure he knows that you're proud of him and will always love him, no matter what happens on the field.

Even though he may not seem like he appreciates everything you tell him, he hears you and your encouragement is like money in the bank...ready to be used whenever he needs it most.

Thanks guys (and gals). On the bright side, he has learned a new position and doing that portion of the game well. Just heard he made a great play that eventually prevented a runner from scoring They ended up winning by one run and are now in that championship. He will keep working hard I'm sure. As far as the arm, he feels no pain, pressure or whatever but is slowly going back to pitching with proper precaution. Thanks again!

quote:

Even though he may not seem like he appreciates everything you tell him, he hears you and your encouragement is like money in the bank...ready to be used whenever he needs it most.

Great thoughts TxMom!!! So very true!