
When your child is paralyzed by the fear of repeating a past mistake, especially in a performance setting like sports or the arts, this book offers a relatable path forward. Wild Pitch follows Robbie Hammond, a young baseball pitcher with a powerful arm but zero control. His teammates and his coach, who is also his father, are frustrated. But Robbie's struggle stems from a traumatic event in a previous game that he's kept secret. This story expertly navigates themes of performance anxiety, resilience, and the courage it takes to ask for help. For ages 8 to 12, it’s a perfect choice for kids who need to see that one mistake doesn't define them and that true strength comes from facing your fears.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals directly with performance anxiety and sports-related psychological trauma (the fear of repeating a harmful mistake). The approach is secular and practical. The resolution is hopeful and realistic: Robbie learns coping mechanisms and the importance of communication, but his fear doesn't magically vanish. He learns to manage it, which is a powerful message.
This is for the 8 to 12-year-old child involved in any competitive activity (sports, music, public speaking) who is struggling with performance anxiety or is mentally stuck on a past failure. It's particularly resonant for the child who is "in their head" and whose fear of messing up is preventing them from enjoying something they love.
The book can be read cold. No specific preparation is needed. However, parents can use the story to open a conversation about mental blocks like the "yips" and the difference between physical and mental challenges in performance. The scene where Robbie remembers hitting the other player is a key moment for discussion. A parent has just seen their child become withdrawn or anxious before a game, recital, or test. The child might be making excuses to quit an activity they previously enjoyed, or says things like, "I'm just going to mess up again," or "What if I hurt someone?"
Younger readers (8-9) will connect with the straightforward baseball action and the clear problem of Robbie's wild pitching. They'll root for him to succeed. Older readers (10-12) will better appreciate the psychological depth of Robbie's anxiety, the complex father-son-coach dynamic, and the more subtle themes of teamwork and mental resilience.
Co-authored by baseball hall-of-famer Cal Ripken Jr., this book has an unparalleled authenticity in its depiction of the mental game. Unlike many sports books that focus only on the big win, this one dives deep into the psychology of a young athlete, making it a rare and valuable tool for discussing performance anxiety and the courage to face internal fears.
Robbie Hammond is a talented pitcher who has lost all control on the mound, jeopardizing his team's season. His teammates suspect nepotism since his dad is the coach. The true cause is a psychological block, a form of the "yips," stemming from a traumatic incident in last year's all-star game where he accidentally hit a batter with a pitch. The story follows Robbie's internal struggle with this secret fear and his journey to regain his confidence with the help of his father and a supportive friend.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.