The “Good Practice Kid” Problem (and How to Fix It)
You’ve seen it. In practice, your player is on fire. In games, the swing fades. Or the pitcher can’t hit the zone. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This is super common for ages 7–12 at Clutch Baseball (CB) in the Headland area.
Why Practice Feels Easy (and Games Don’t)
Practice is calm. The tee stays still. The coach tosses at a steady pace. Your kid knows what’s next. Games are different. There are new pitchers, new fields, noise, and pressure. The brain goes from “play” to “prove it.”
The Real Issue: Too Many Thoughts
Most kids don’t need more advice. They need less. When a player hears five cues at once, the body gets tight. Timing gets late. The arm drifts. Confidence drops.
Look for these signs:
Great in cages, quiet in games
Late swings on fastballs
“Aiming” pitches instead of throwing
Rushing the motion under stress
The Fix: One Cue + One Routine
Here’s a simple rule for game day: one cue, then compete.
Try one of these:
Hitting cue: “Hard line drive up the middle.”
Pitching cue: “Smooth tempo, finish to the glove.”
Add a quick routine:
Deep breath
One cue
Go
That routine gives the brain a job. It also blocks panic.
What Parents Can Say (That Actually Helps)
After a rough at-bat or inning, keep it short:
“I love your effort.”
“Next play.”
“What’s your one cue?”
Skip the mechanics talk in the parking lot. Save it for practice.
Why Clinics Help Faster
A good clinic doesn’t dump more info on a kid. It finds one fix that sticks. Then it gives drills that match that fix. That’s why CB tune-ups work well for young players. They leave with a clear plan, not a messy list.
A Simple Next Step
If your player is a “practice star” but struggles in games, don’t stress. It’s fixable. A small tweak can change a whole season. If you want help, CB can point you to the right hitting or pitching track.
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