As a kid growing up in the city, the summer months were spent honing our baseball skills playing Wiffle Ball. It was inexpensive, safe and required very little space.
In today's world, the advantages of playing Wiffle Ball to teach our kids are even more apparent and appropriate. Besides teaching kids baseball, it promotes exercise for our video game minded children, allows them to play in the yard safely, and most importantly allows parents to monitor the kids and protect them from the predators in the world.
Other reasons for teaching baseball using Wiffle Ball are:
Baseballs can hurt!
I remember my son, on his very first at-bat was hit by a pitch. Although he got over it pretty quickly, his younger sister, also a teammate, was traumatized and refused to bat. I pitched her Wiffle Balls until she was able to overcome her fear.
Children can play in small groups and are less intimidated to learn (and embarrass themselves)
My neighbor's wanted their children to learn baseball but hesitated to enroll them in an organized league. I invited the whole family to play "Wiffle" in our backyard. Although the neighbors weren't very successful hitting the ball at first, there was no sign of intimidation or embarrassment. We've all played a couple more then and boy have they improved.
Wiffle Balls come in softball size too!
Using the larger can instill confidence in hitting (it's easier to hit a bigger ball!)
Wiffle Ball bats are lighter and easier to swing!
One size fits all - whether you're 9 or 99.
Catching Wiffle Balls doesn't require a baseball glove!
It's easy to start a Wiffle Ball game. All you need is a Wiffle Ball and Wiffle Bat.
About the author: Robert Bulka is a former college baseball pitcher and current coach in the New York Metropolitan area. For more great tips for teaching kids how to play baseball go to http://TeachKidsBaseball
Print this page
