Day 1: Your Starting Point
One brave step. One calm reset. Your player chooses the pace.
Safe, Strong, and in Control
Name what fear does and choose one safe first rep.
Your one job
Tell a trusted adult or coach what feels hardest right now.
The reason
Being brave does not mean pretending you are not nervous. It means taking one safe step that you choose. Your job is to learn, not to prove you are tough.
See the ball, make a choice
Watch five slow, predictable balls travel without swinging.
You can say “watch,” “take,” or “go.” Taking a ball is a smart choice.
Stay athletic
Build and hold your athletic position for three calm breaths.
Stay in your athletic position: eyes up, knees bent, and body balanced. A parent or guardian helps make every rep slow, visible, and safe.
Say it before every rep
Feet set. Eyes level. I choose the next rep.
Take one slow breath. Set your feet. Look at the next ball only when you are ready.
Check in
Rate readiness 1–5 and name one thing you can control.
Circle a number from 1–5 for how ready you felt. Then tell your parent or guardian one thing you did well.
Coach note
Use calm words: “You are in control of the next safe step,” “Taking is a skill,” and “We can repeat this level.” Avoid saying “don’t be scared,” “just stand in there,” or comparing your player to anyone else. Use foam balls, whiffle balls, tennis balls, a tee, or gentle controlled toss when that is the right level.
Your player picks the next safe step.
Use a foam ball or only rehearse the stance.
Repeating a day is a smart choice, never a step back. Stay here as many sessions as you need.
REPEAT DAY 1Track ten soft balls from a comfortable distance.
I’M READY · GO TO DAY 2 →Readiness check-in
How ready did your player feel today? A lower number is information, not a grade.
Saved on this device.
Day 1 done?
Mark it complete after you try it. Repeating a day never blocks finishing the course.
Practice safely
Stop for pain, dizziness, new vision symptoms, or panic that does not settle. Do not surprise, crowd, shame, or force the hitter. Stop for pain, dizziness, new vision symptoms, suspected head injury, concussion concerns, or distress that does not settle. Ask a qualified professional before return when a clinician has restricted play.
This course is coaching, not medical or mental-health treatment.