How to Safely Get Out of the Way From an Inside Pitch
Posted: Monday, February 08, 2010
by Larry Cicchiello
Larwenty Online Enterprises Inc
If anyone involved in baseball coaching doesn't make this the first thing they teach a player, they are making a huge mistake and we need to have a chat. Especially, if it is a young player who is just learning the game of baseball. I can't think of any baseball tips on hitting that are more important. Getting hit by a pitch can be a very serious matter and at times can be downright disheartening. Unfortunately, many baseball players at all levels of play have not learned the proper way to get out of the way from an inside pitch. Even in the professional ranks, quite often it is not executed properly. I find it bothersome that anyone involved in baseball coaching would not teach this method before worrying about batting averages, hitting line drives and home runs. There is no excuse for this.
1. You take your stride and see that the baseball is coming in your direction.
2. You should fairly easily be able to turn your body a quarter of a turn back toward the catcher.
3. Tuck your chin in toward your chest so your head is lowered and less exposed. It's the fastest, easiest and most effective way to protect your head, face, chest, stomach and groin area.
4. The worse scenario would then be getting hit by the baseball in the upper back, mid or lower back, rear end or the back of your legs.
5. It is absolutely necessary for you to protect your head and the entire front of your body!
6. To keep it simple, tuck your head in and duck, putting your chin against your chest and bend and turn toward the catcher like you are going to have a nose to nose argument with him.
When a player gets severely injured when hit by a pitch, it is a sad time for all who are involved, especially if it is a younger player. The entire ballpark gets very quiet. Suddenly, it doesn't matter what team you are on, what the score is or who you are rooting for. Managers, coaches, umpires, players, and spectators, including relatives of the injured player, are all devastated. If at all possible, let's do our best to avoid this very disheartening situation.
Please learn this technique so we can all enjoy the baseball game itself. If you are involved in baseball coaching, please put this on the very top of your list. Let's worry about baseball tips on hitting for home runs and line drives later on. We all want to avoid that eerie silence that comes over an entire ball park.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)I remember being hit by a SOFT (ha)ball in the throat area when I was in grade school - I can still feel the pain....
I don't have my kids in baseball (tried, they weren't into it) - but - it is important to teach safety first.Much like how often I've heard of parents taking their kids out on ATVs, dune buggies, etc - they don't teach them how to stop the bloody thing BEFORE they teach them how to hit the gas pedal! Teach them to stop first - then how to add speed!Ok - ATVs have nothing to do with baseball - but the point is: Safety, safety, safety!
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