Fix Game-Day Hitting: Stop Youth Strikeouts Fast

Why Your Kid Crushes BP but Freezes in Games — And How to Fix It

Stop the frustration of watching your child dominate in the cage but go silent when the game is on the line. Here’s the science-backed reason why—and how to fix it fast.

If you’re a baseball or softball parent, you’ve likely asked this heart-wrenching question: “Why can my kid crush every ball in practice but strike out looking in games?”

You’re not alone—and your athlete isn’t broken.

In this must-listen episode of the Swing Smarter Hitting Training Podcast, Joey Myers breaks down the #1 frustration busy parents share online, from TikTok to Reddit threads: the practice-to-game performance gap. More than just a mental hiccup, this disconnect reveals critical flaws in how most youth athletes are trained for real pressure—and how you can help your hitter finally perform when it counts.

🔍 Key Takeaways: Why This Problem Exists (and What Actually Fixes It)

BP Confidence Is a Lie (Unless You Train Chaos)

Batting practice is predictable. The pitch speed, timing, and rhythm stay the same. It creates a false sense of security—because in games, pitch speeds vary, emotions spike, and chaos reigns.
It’s Not Mechanics, It’s Mental Interference

Quoting Dr. Bhrett McCabe: “Stress reveals the truth, not skill.”

Game pressure activates the prefrontal cortex—your brain’s overthinking center. That’s why your smooth practice hitter suddenly looks stiff and hesitant in the box.
The Brain Needs Pressure Reps

Kids don’t freeze because they lack talent. They freeze because they’ve never trained to thrive under uncertainty. Without exposure to pitch variation, pressure cues, and consequence-based reps, their brains default to hesitation.
Training the Chaos: The One-Two Count Drill

Start your hitter in a 1–2 count. Mix pitch speeds, use real consequences (like rewards or penalties), and encourage foul ball battles. This rewires confidence through controlled adversity—preparing their brain for real-game decision making.

🎯 Practical Drill You Can Use This Week

The “One-Two Count Battle” Drill

Set up your hitter in a 1–2 count.
Mix in different pitch types, speeds, and locations.
Allow foul balls to extend the at-bat.
Reward good contact (not just hits), and pause to reflect on poor decisions.
Optional: Add crowd noise or have teammates watch to simulate pressure.

This drill builds emotional resilience while enhancing pitch recognition—bridging that frustrating BP-to-game performance gap.

💡 Tools That Help Reinforce This Episode

✅ Swing Shift Daily Hitting System

Designed for busy parents and serious youth hitters, this system delivers 3–5 minute daily video lessons that train chaos, rhythm, and reaction.
✅ V-Flex Strike Detection System

This revolutionary tool sharpens pitch recognition without swinging a bat—rewiring the brain to spot strikes faster, react smarter, and swing with intent under real pressure.
✅ Top-Hand Drills to Fix Bat Drag

Build barrel control and swing precision so your hitter doesn’t just survive under pressure—they thrive.

📌 Final Thoughts: From Practice Star to Game-Day Hero

Performance isn’t about who hits the most in practice—it’s about who performs under pressure. As Marcus Aurelius said:

“You don’t become strong by avoiding resistance. You become strong by enduring it.”

Let’s help your young athlete build confidence through challenge, so when the lights are on and the count is full… they don’t freeze.

They compete.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode here and start training smarter—not harder.

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Joey Myers

Author at Hitting Performance Lab

Welcome to HittingPerformanceLab.com, where passion meets expertise. As the founder and author, I've crafted over 400 captivating blog posts and authored the Amazon bestselling book "Catapult Loading System," guiding small hitters to drive the ball consistently over 300 feet.

With 28,000+ online bat speed program sales, my methods have transformed coaches, instructors, and parents just like you. I'm affiliated with esteemed organizations like ABCA, IYCA, and SABR, advocating for positive coaching. With 15+ years in corrective fitness and a Division One baseball background, my knowledge is unmatched.

Join our blog and unlock the secrets to successful hitting, elevate your performance, and ignite your passion. Welcome to the world of limitless possibilities at HittingPerformanceLab.com.