keep it fun for him u cant make him want to do try harder when its what he wants he will go harder and try harder just keep him encouraged that what I do I'm a coach with a son so its worked for me just always keep him positive cheer when he does good and he should want to do better

I had a lot players like this when they first come into baseball, sometimes it's not about not wanting to try hard, but a lot about not wanting to fail or even about being a little shy. I would steer you to webball.com, they have an area on this web dedicated to younger players and beginning skill development. As a parent keep everything positive and give lot's of encouragement. If he really loves the game, he'll come around.

Age 7 is very very very young to have the attention to play baseball.

At age 7 it is all about fun. Like hitting the ball off a tee and running around the bases. Or a one on one game of catch with a grown up.

One thing that could make him try hard is a goal. Say if he does tries in practice or a game you'll take him out for ice cream or something like that.

my son, who is now a college baseball player, has been playing baseball since he was in kindergarten. a coach scouted him out his second year of T-BALL, if you can believe that! So, he tried out for the guys team the end of t-ball and loved it. But, even though he was only 7, his goal was to play baseball for the rest of his life. The select team was very disciplined, but he enjoyed the repetition of learning all it took to become a better baseball player. Some want to, while others just aren't ready yet. My youngest had the talent, but hated how slow the game was. He quit select after 3rd grade and focused on contact sports. That was more fun for him. My advice is to just ask him if he'd like to go for lessons in hitting, pitching, catching~whatever the position is HE likes. There are many reputable coaches (most are ex-players) in most cities. But like Sidd commented, just allow him to enjoy baseball right now. Get out there and play with him if he asks. Then, go from there! It's a long journey, but we've enjoyed EVERY MINUTE OF IT. College baseball is like the reward for all our son's hard work!

Make it always like a fun game.
There are many drills you can try like games.
He won't even notice that he is practicing.
When you see the fun is decreasing a little, try something different, in that way he'll keep the interest in the game.
Always let him know when he does it good. And when he doesn't let him know that is Ok, that soon he'll do it great.

This is the besy way to learn how to play defense
http://www.cspnsports.com/batters_out

A lot of kids love the game, but aren't sure where they fit. It's important to lay out their different "jobs" when on the field or running bases. Create very, very simple scenarios and give them "1" job to do. ie. Action in the outfield can be slow when kids first move up to "live-ball", but if you give your players each a job of backing up a base when a throw is made, they remain more engaged.

Stay away from asking the kids "Why did you...." They immediately feel they failed at something and will never acknowledge what they did correctly. Instead try to build on whatever success happened. It can be as simple as an accurate throw, hard throw, good throw, perfect throw/catch, etc.. If your 1st baseman is making outs regularly, next introduce him to managing the field after the out. Help them to know the play isn't over, but that the 1st out is the most important.

Lastly, I've never been a fan of the "I'll buy you something if you do well" theory. I prefer unplanned surprises for either large or trivial accomplishments, but never relate them to just 1 thing that they did in the game. This helps, so that you don't start the "No, we aren't getting sno-cones because you struck-out or didn't pay attention or threw dirt-clods around. Sometimes even if it was a rough game, taking the kids out for ice-cream lets them know it's not the end of the world.

I have 3 boys 7, 10, & 17. They all play baseball, it's become part of our family. I have never pushed them, more than anything they push themselves. They often go out an practice on their own, even the 7yr old. They have all played basketball, soccer, football, golf,and gymnastics as well. The oldest gravitated to baseball. I think the middle one will probably play football. The jury is still out on my little lefty. My point is, offer your son a variety of sports and sit back a enjoy. When kids are passionate about something you don't have to ask them to work harder, you ask them to take a break.

all you need is to give him encourage to play the game u cant push someone to hard because it will kill his passion for it, he will come around is just like a baby learning how to walk, most important thing is to have perseverance with him. teach him how to bat,pitch and run the bases. make it fun for him.

Practice, Practice, Practice. Have him throw, hit, and catch as much as possible with his friends and you of course. In time he will improve if he truly wants to make this his sport of choice. Keep it fun and simple. Don't force him to like too much too soon. Have him watch games on TV and point out how the players do the simple things like catch a flyball, field ground balls or make really good contact. See if there are any major league players that he really likes and get him some books/video's about this player to give him someone to model.

Baseball is the greatest sport on earth. Good luck to you and your son.

I have twin boys and one of them has all heart and the other all talent. They both love baseball and I find it hard to get the talented boy to participate in practice. So, what I've been doing is making all the drills competitive... they love to win. The talent shows up and tries hard and the heart gives 100% no matter what (both enjoy the competition). So, keep it fun but make it competitive.