Backing out

Rarely have I seen this corrected at the HS level because it's a direct result of being afraid of the ball.

 

The best thing I can suggest is that you pull them aside and teach them how to turn their frontside in toward the plate/catcher on inside balls that they believe are going to hit them.  Basically teach them the correct way to get hit in the area where the least injury (not pain) can occur.  Work with them on just this drill by having them repeatedly turn in while throwing them balls inside from a close distance.

I have had great success by restricting their movement outwards by placing a 2 x 4 to keep them from making that movement.

 

For the most part I agree with Nuke, a lot of times it is because they are scared.  However, I have encountered situations in which the player is SOOOOO FAR on the plate that they have not option but to stride out.

Can you provide ages?  I see young kids regularly backing out because they "see" the ball heading at them.  Thinl about a right handed batter going against a right handed pitcher, especially a pitcher how has a low release - sort of a SS/2B release verus a true overhand release.  I think they need to learn how to turn but will also benefit from facing as much live pitching as possible.  Where we play there is a huge adjustment comming out of machine pitch into kid pitch and getting use to how the ball travels from a live pitcher.

 

If young, I wouldn't recommend the 2x4.  While this might prevent them from literally backing up, it will not help promote good balance and footwork.  Maybe back them off the plate and have them learn to step towards the ball and get used to leaning in versus leaning out.  When they get some success with that, they may start inching back towards the plate so as to get better coverage and power on the outside strikes.  Teach them so they develop a true desire to go after the ball - once they get that they will not mind the occassional HBP.  At some point down the line that becomes a badge of honor.

They must coil inward as they stride forward.  Turn their shoulders and hips 30-45 deg.

 

This will fix it.

 

Balls behind the feet, masking tape or bats in front, may mask the problem for some kids.

       
       
As another coach friend of mine said once...  once you are afraid of the ball this game is over for you.  Game set match.  Get some new players.

It's been awhile but I remember having them stand with a very open stance to start with.  I think what it did was make them feel more at ease to begin with and then they would start striding more and more toward the pitcher.  As I remember, it worked pretty well with most kids.

Simple fix, teach them to turn in to get hit. Show them that getting hit in the back (while it hurts) is far better than getting hit in the chest.

 

Use tennis balls, NOT actual baseballs.