Soft Toss For 6-7 Year Olds

A Simple Drill to Improve Timing and Hand-Eye Coordination

The Soft Toss Drill is a foundational hitting exercise where coaches gently toss balls to players, allowing them to work on timing, hand-eye coordination, and swing mechanics in a controlled setting.

Difficulty Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (Easy)
Time Estimate: 10-15 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs or tennis balls (to minimize injury risk)
  • L-screen or protective net (optional but recommended for coach’s safety)
  • A bat for the player
  • Bucket of balls for the coach
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The batter stands in their regular stance in the batter’s box, prepared to swing.
  • The coach positions themselves about 5-7 feet in front of the batter, behind an L-screen or net for safety.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • Ensure the tossing area is clear of other players and equipment. The coach should be positioned safely to toss balls underhanded to the batter.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand about 5-7 feet in front of the batter, slightly to the side and behind an L-screen if possible for protection. The goal is to give the batter a safe, steady target.
  1. Soft Toss Execution:
  • Gently toss each ball underhand, aiming for the middle of the strike zone. Tosses should be consistent, allowing the batter to focus on timing and mechanics rather than adjusting for erratic tosses.
  • Encourage the batter to focus on making clean contact with the ball, keeping their head down, eyes on the ball, and using a smooth, controlled swing.
  • Vary the location of tosses slightly (inside, middle, outside) to simulate different pitch locations, but keep the speed steady to reinforce timing.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each batter should take 10-15 swings per round. Rotate players after each round, giving time for feedback and adjustments.
  1. Adjustments:
  • For younger players, keep the tosses steady and slow to build confidence. For older or more experienced players, you can slightly vary the toss speed and height for an added challenge.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Soft Toss Drill is a fundamental exercise for building a hitter’s timing, hand-eye coordination, and swing mechanics. It is one of the simplest yet most effective drills for players of all skill levels, as it allows hitters to focus on consistent contact, body control, and rhythm without the pressure of a live pitch. The drill helps players groove their swings, build muscle memory, and make adjustments to improve their overall hitting mechanics.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Timing and Rhythm: The consistent toss allows players to work on timing their swing with a rhythm, which is critical for game situations.
  • Hand-Eye Coordination: By tracking the ball from the coach’s hand to the point of contact, players develop better hand-eye coordination, a key skill in hitting.
  • Swing Mechanics and Consistency: Soft toss allows players to refine their mechanics, including stance, balance, hand positioning, and swing path.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Focus on Balance: Remind players to keep their balance throughout the swing. Many young players tend to fall forward or back after making contact, so encourage them to stay grounded.
  • Keep Eyes on the Ball: This drill is an excellent opportunity for players to focus on tracking the ball. Remind them to watch the ball all the way from the toss to contact.
  • Emphasize Quality over Quantity: Encourage players to focus on good contact and form with each swing rather than just hitting as many balls as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What if the player struggles to make consistent contact?
  • If a player struggles, slow down the toss and make sure it’s in a comfortable hitting zone. Remind them to keep their eye on the ball and stay relaxed in their stance.
  1. Can this drill be used for players of all ages?
  • Yes, this drill is suitable for players of all ages and skill levels. For younger players, focus on slower, consistent tosses, while older players can handle slightly more variation in speed and location.
  1. How can I make the drill more challenging for advanced hitters?
  • To increase the difficulty, vary the toss speed or location to simulate different pitches. Advanced hitters can also work on specific swing adjustments, like hitting to the opposite field or focusing on inside pitches.
  1. How often should this drill be incorporated into practice?
  • Soft Toss can be used in nearly every practice session. It’s an excellent warm-up drill before moving on to more complex hitting exercises and helps build confidence in younger players while refining technique in older players.

The Soft Toss Drill is a staple of any baseball practice, allowing players to build their hitting skills in a comfortable, controlled environment. Regular use of this drill will help players develop confidence, timing, and consistent swing mechanics, making it an essential tool in a coach’s training toolkit.