BOUNCE SOFT TOSS Hitting Drill

A Challenging Drill for Hitting Adjustment and Swing Adaptability

The Bounce Soft Toss drill challenges players by bouncing the ball in front of them, forcing hitters to adjust their swing to varying ball heights. This drill improves the player’s ability to read pitches and make quick adjustments to contact balls in different strike zones.

The Bounce Soft Toss drill is an excellent way to teach players how to adapt their swing to changing pitch heights, helping them become more versatile hitters. With consistent use, it will build confidence and skill in making adjustments to unpredictable pitches.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs or tennis balls (to minimize injury)
  • L-screen or protective net (to protect the coach)
  • A bat for the player
  • Bucket of balls for the coach
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The batter stands in their normal hitting stance, ready to hit.
  • The coach sets up behind an L-screen or protective net, about 8-10 feet in front of the batter, just outside the hitting zone.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • The coach should kneel or sit behind the protective net, preparing to bounce the ball in front of the batter so that it rises into the hitting zone.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • The coach sits or kneels behind the L-screen to toss the ball safely while maintaining a straight line to the hitter.
  1. Soft Toss Execution:
  • The coach bounces the ball 3-5 feet in front of the batter, allowing the ball to rise into the hitting zone.
  • Vary the height and speed of the bounces slightly to simulate different pitch locations and timing.
  • The batter focuses on making solid contact while adjusting to the ball’s trajectory as it rises off the bounce.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each batter should take 10-12 swings per round. Rotate players after each round to ensure rest and coaching feedback time.
  1. Adjustments:
  • If a batter struggles with the drill, slow down the toss or ensure the bounce is more predictable. As they improve, increase the difficulty by changing bounce height or speed.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Bounce Soft Toss is designed to help players adjust to varying pitch heights and read pitches more effectively. Because the ball is bouncing, it forces the hitter to wait and adjust their timing, making it a great drill for teaching patience and focus on the ball. It also encourages players to hit balls in different parts of the strike zone, from low to high, improving their overall adaptability at the plate.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Adjustability: The bounce forces players to adjust their swing mid-motion, teaching them to adapt to changing pitch heights.
  • Pitch Recognition: This drill sharpens a batter’s ability to track a moving ball and read its trajectory.
  • Swing Mechanics: The varied height and movement of the ball encourage proper body control and balance during the swing.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Focus on the player’s balance during the swing. Make sure they’re not lunging or reaching for the ball; they should let the ball come to them.
  • Help players focus on tracking the ball from the bounce to contact, keeping their eyes locked on the ball’s movement.
  • Encourage players to keep a short, compact swing and adjust their hands based on where the ball is rising in the strike zone.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if the player swings too early or misses the ball?
  • Remind the player to wait for the ball to rise into the hitting zone. The bounce is intended to slow down the process, so emphasize patience and timing.
  1. How do I vary the toss to keep it challenging for more experienced players?
  • For more advanced hitters, vary the bounce height and speed, forcing them to adjust to more unpredictable balls. You can also simulate different types of pitches by changing the angle or spin of the toss.
  1. Is this drill suitable for younger players?
  • While it’s a more challenging drill, younger players can still benefit from it with slower, more controlled bounces. This will help them develop the foundational skills of pitch tracking and swing adjustment.
  1. How close should I be to the hitter?
  • Stay about 8-10 feet from the batter, but adjust based on the age and skill level. Younger players may benefit from a shorter distance, while more advanced players can handle further distances and more varied tosses.