Hokiebird

Try spending a little extra time in practice on some hitting drills. We use the Oklahoma drill alot to get our kids pumped up. Also, be sure you pair them up evenly so they won't get hurt or overly intimidated. Last but not least give tons of praise for good hits. We give each kid that makes a really good hit during a game a skull and cross bone sticker for his helmet. Good luck!!

Lori, I went through a similar situation with my 9yr. old son in baseball. He got drilled by a couple of hard pitches and became very afraid of hitting and seemed to lose all his confidence. He too was playing with older & bigger players at the time. I really pushed him to continue thru the season and not be a "quitter". Then during one game I really paid attention to his expressions and body language and I realized how worried and upset he was. As his coach I wanted to make him get back in there and hit, but as his father it broke my heart to realize that he was doing it for me! Lori, listen to him and let him decide. It's just football, and he's only 7!! Maybe he will come back to football when he's a little older. I also think putting 7-8-9 year olds together is a bit much. Our area plays 6&7's and 8&9's together. That seems to make them a little closer size wise. Good Luck!