Teaching sports safety is the number one responsibility of any reputable baseball coach. Children need to learn to practice good safety in every sport. The great sport of baseball is no different. Baseball and softball is among the most popular sport in the United States. In the United States there are over 6 million kids from the ages under 14 playing organized baseball and softball. There are over 15 million playing on non organized teams. In 2005 there were an estimate of 175,000 kids treated in hospital emergency rooms for baseball and softball related injuries.
Baseball pitching machine are very simple and easy to operate. The key is to use them properly. I have been to many of practices and watch untrained coaches and players use equipment and get hurt. Here are 5 key tips to reduce of chance of injury when using a pitching machine.
1. Adult supervision is a must. There is something to be said about good adult supervision. We as adults are supposed to be more mature and smarter. Everyone can remember being a kid. As children we feared nothing. Coaches and parents look for hidden dangers. If you see something, point it out to the player. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
2. Batting helmets are a must. Batting helmets are a mandatory product to help prevent or lessen the chance of head or facial injuries. Proper fit is a key to safety. Chin straps are good to keep a secure fit. Face guards will also help eliminate facial injuries.
3. Make sure the balls are dry in the pitching machine. Balls will absorb moisture from many sources and become dangerous. Look out for bad pitches. Make sure that the pitching machine and baseballs are dry before use. A great idea is to use pitching machine baseballs. They are designed not to absorb moisture. The pitching machine baseballs will give a batter a consistent pitch every time.
4. Common sense will take players a long way. Have the player focused. Teach the player on what to do if there is a wild pitch. Teach them proper technique on how to get out of the way of a wild pitch.
5. Make a plan. Make sure you know what to do if an injury occurs. Have a properly stocked first aid kit and always have a cell phone close by in case of an emergency.
I have been to a pregame and witness this happen. I was coaching an away game and a young athlete was getting loose in a batting cage, not paying attention and he got hit in the face high on his cheekbone. I know that it could have been prevented if only proper instruction would have been taken. No matter what the age of the athlete is, stay out of the hospital emergency room and stay on the baseball field. Safety is the best game to play.
Baseball pitching machine are very simple and easy to operate. The key is to use them properly. I have been to many of practices and watch untrained coaches and players use equipment and get hurt. Here are 5 key tips to reduce of chance of injury when using a pitching machine.
1. Adult supervision is a must. There is something to be said about good adult supervision. We as adults are supposed to be more mature and smarter. Everyone can remember being a kid. As children we feared nothing. Coaches and parents look for hidden dangers. If you see something, point it out to the player. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
2. Batting helmets are a must. Batting helmets are a mandatory product to help prevent or lessen the chance of head or facial injuries. Proper fit is a key to safety. Chin straps are good to keep a secure fit. Face guards will also help eliminate facial injuries.
3. Make sure the balls are dry in the pitching machine. Balls will absorb moisture from many sources and become dangerous. Look out for bad pitches. Make sure that the pitching machine and baseballs are dry before use. A great idea is to use pitching machine baseballs. They are designed not to absorb moisture. The pitching machine baseballs will give a batter a consistent pitch every time.
4. Common sense will take players a long way. Have the player focused. Teach the player on what to do if there is a wild pitch. Teach them proper technique on how to get out of the way of a wild pitch.
5. Make a plan. Make sure you know what to do if an injury occurs. Have a properly stocked first aid kit and always have a cell phone close by in case of an emergency.
I have been to a pregame and witness this happen. I was coaching an away game and a young athlete was getting loose in a batting cage, not paying attention and he got hit in the face high on his cheekbone. I know that it could have been prevented if only proper instruction would have been taken. No matter what the age of the athlete is, stay out of the hospital emergency room and stay on the baseball field. Safety is the best game to play.
About the Author:
Coach Chuck Stewart manages an e-commerce site offering pitching machines and batting cages . Coach Chuck has a pitching machine for every size and age of athlete.
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