dealing with hitter's "yips"

Have you had his vision checked lately?
Why did you use the term "yips"?

I would recommend you find other hitting coaches that would be willing to look at his video. I am betting that there is either some mechanical change that has taken place either naturally or prescribed  by a coach that is effecting his ability to make solid contact or he has always has had a flaw that is going to be more apparent as pitching velocity increases. Having success in a cage or batting practice has little to do with success at the plate...especially as pitching velocity increases. If you son has any flaws in his swing, his at bats are only going to get more difficult as the pitching gets better. IMO...don't put all your eggs in one basket with one hitting coach is you are not seeing results.

MidAtlanticDad posted:

Have you had his vision checked lately?
Why did you use the term "yips"?

A vision check is always a good thought (and he's due next month), but since he's hitting in the cage and at practice, I don't think that is it.

Not sure if you are asking what "yips" means or just why I used the term here.  I think the term was originally from golf: for a player who suddenly can't hit short putts.  In baseball, it's used for throwing--typically a pitcher or an infielder who one day finds he can't make a throw to first without sending the ball 6 feet over the 1B's head.  I used the term here b/c my son seems to have the hitter's equivalent.

Everyone struggles with results and confidence, but that is a long period.  In addition to vision check, I'd consider taking a break, getting away from it for a while.  (If it was me, I'd also consider a hitting coach change even though the coach might be doing everything right.)

T-work is a good start. Agree with the others to have video taken. Extra BP could help him get down timing and get confidence as well.

Does he take any pre-game batting practice? Perhaps some pre-game tee, side toss and live pitch BP can help. Also, is he using any type of relaxation technique? If not, prior to stepping into the box, he should pick out a small point on the bat (small number, letter or mark).  While focusing on that point, take a deep breath then exhale. This will help him clear "inside or outside noise" that may be affecting his concentration.  Reset with this technique if he goes deep into the count, fouls off pitches or starts to feel nervous during the at bat. Also, make sure he has a good game plan for his at bats (should not be taking decent first pitch strikes etc.). Hopefully this helps.

Chico Escuela posted:

Not sure if you are asking what "yips" means or just why I used the term here.  I think the term was originally from golf: for a player who suddenly can't hit short putts.  In baseball, it's used for throwing--typically a pitcher or an infielder who one day finds he can't make a throw to first without sending the ball 6 feet over the 1B's head.  I used the term here b/c my son seems to have the hitter's equivalent.

I asked because yips to me means the whole muscle/nerve/twitch thing is off. It looks terrible and unusual. What you described sounds more like he's just missing the ball. Is the barrel in the zone at the right time? Does it still look like a decent swing if you remove the ball?

Freshmen often go through growth spurts. I talked to someone about this the other day. Son lost the feel for his CB. The kid's hand had increased in size by about 30% in the last six months. Imagine any grown pitcher grabbing a ball that's 2/3 the size of normal. Lots of things have to go right to hit a baseball.

I was also going to say have is vision checked just to rule it out. (Which I see you are doing). Depending on the speed of the pitches he is see in the cage, it may be why he is hitting better there. Slower pitches will give more time for his eyes to pick up the ball, focus on it, and make better contact. I have seen this with a middle school level player. Cage great, games not so good. Had his eyes checked, got contacts, now hitting at game the same as he does in the cage.

Hitting in the cage/BP ---- is that at game speed? Likely not

I would agree with COACHLD that there is likely a hitting mechanics issue that is making it difficult to connect with velocity at game speed.

I would absolutely change hitting coaches.  This one clearly isn't working.

I echo many of the ideas suggested so far.

I'll also share some unusual advice given to me when I really struggled at the plate (happened way more than I care to admit). This came from a player a couple years ahead of me who had an illustrious MLB career.

His suggestion? Pretend you have a hit and run on and slash the ball the other way. His reasoning?

He said when you're pressing, you get anxious and tend to leap out after the ball. Thinking about taking it the other way, as if the coach gave you a hit and run and you want to hit behind the runner, makes you stay back, letting the ball travel. This approach also gives you a game plan instead of merely having the negative thought of "please let me make contact" running through your head. 

Please keep in mind that this doesn't mean you have to swing at the pitch (as in a real hit and run)...you are looking for a good (outside optimally) fastball to aggressively slash the other way.

This isn't a universal fix, but it worked very well for me and many other teammates. Your son sounds very talented. I'm sure he'll struggle through and be an even better player on the other side of this.

I have seen this phenomenon. In my experience, it has been an issue of the kid "guessing" at the pitch instead of actually tracking it with his eyes. Solved it with soft-toss from the side, using 2 balls thrown from the same hand. Just as I'm releasing, I tell him which one to hit (top or bottom, as balls are stacked in my hand). I've also used the very small balls that have different color numbers on them. Batter has to call out the number or color before swinging. I think that works better, but those things really fly, and could get through a net.

-42

How is he hitting at practice during BP?                                                                                    

MidAtlanticDad posted:

Chico Escuela posted:

Not sure if you are asking what "yips" means or just why I used the term here.  I think the term was originally from golf: for a player who suddenly can't hit short putts.  In baseball, it's used for throwing--typically a pitcher or an infielder who one day finds he can't make a throw to first without sending the ball 6 feet over the 1B's head.  I used the term here b/c my son seems to have the hitter's equivalent.

I asked because yips to me means the whole muscle/nerve/twitch thing is off. It looks terrible and unusual. What you described sounds more like he's just missing the ball. Is the barrel in the zone at the right time? Does it still look like a decent swing if you remove the ball?

Freshmen often go through growth spurts. I talked to someone about this the other day. Son lost the feel for his CB. The kid's hand had increased in size by about 30% in the last six months. Imagine any grown pitcher grabbing a ball that's 2/3 the size of normal. Lots of things have to go right to hit a baseball.

My son took private hitting lessons for several years with the same instructor and there were a couple of things ingrained into his mind.  "Keep It Simple", "See Ball - Hit Ball".  Every day he used to take 50-75 swings without a ball, just in the air in the backyard or garage.  Not full fast swings but slow swings, concentrating on the mechanics: elbow/arms, knees , hips, rotation shoulders, follow through, head etc.  Purpose is for MUSCLE MEMORY and repetition.  You break down each part of the swing until you can execute it in your sleep. When you step to the plate after so many muscle repetitions all you have to do "see ball, hit ball".  The proper swing now comes naturally.  Another key is what is a good strike vs a bad strike.  I've seen many high school/D1 players swing at marginal strikes.  Yeah it's a strike but most likely you grounded out, popped up or missed.  Takes much restraint and confidence to be in the hole by watching marginal strikes go by (with 2 strikes it's different).  An excellent point brought up by MidAtlanticDad is the growth spurt in boys that age.  The strike zone is changing as he grows.  His body has different mechanics now than 6 mts ago.  Different angles, swing paths.  Once his growth slows down or stops then it will be easier for results.

real green posted:

How is he hitting at practice during BP?                                                                                    

Thanks to all for the advice.    In BP and cage, the boy looks fine.  But in games, even against weak pitching, he's at sea.  

...think like Tim and your Yips will be solved. 

Lots of good suggestions here...I'll add one more.  Give him a reason to believe that the slate has been wiped clean and he is starting fresh.  Whether its a new instructor, a change in stance, a gain in strength or anything else - provide him with a reason to believe that now is a different time and what has gone on before is meaningless.