Opposite Field Soft Toss Hitting Drill

A Drill to Teach Hitters How to Drive the Ball to the Opposite Field

The Opposite Field Soft Toss drill encourages hitters to focus on hitting outside pitches by driving the ball to the opposite field. This drill helps players develop better plate coverage, timing, and control when hitting outside pitches.

Difficulty Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (Moderate)
Time Estimate: 10-12 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs or tennis balls (to minimize risk of injury)
  • L-screen or protective net (optional for coach’s safety)
  • A bat for the player
  • Bucket of balls for the coach
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The batter sets up in their regular hitting stance, ready to hit.
  • The coach stands about 6-8 feet directly in front of the batter, just off to the side slightly (first base side for a right-handed batter, third base side for a left-handed batter). The toss will come from a slightly outside angle to simulate an outside pitch.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • The coach positions themselves so the toss can be aimed just outside the strike zone, ensuring that the hitter is encouraged to drive the ball toward the opposite field.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand at a slight angle to the front of the batter, far enough outside to simulate an outside pitch but still close enough for soft toss execution. The coach should be around 6-8 feet away from the batter.
  1. Soft Toss Execution:
  • Toss the ball gently underhand, aiming for a spot just on the outside of the plate. The goal is to have the batter work on driving the ball the opposite way.
  • Focus on consistency in the location of the toss, ensuring the ball consistently lands in the outer half of the strike zone.
  • The batter should aim to hit the ball to the opposite field (right field for a right-handed batter, left field for a left-handed batter) by keeping their hands inside the ball and staying balanced through the swing.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each batter should take 10-15 swings per round, focusing on driving the ball to the opposite field. Rotate players after each round, offering individualized feedback and adjustment tips between turns.
  1. Variations:
  • As the player becomes more comfortable, the coach can vary the speed and height of the toss slightly to simulate a wider range of pitch types. For advanced players, you can move the toss further outside to encourage a more difficult adjustment.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Opposite Field Soft Toss drill is designed to help players develop the ability to handle outside pitches effectively and drive them to the opposite field. Many hitters, especially younger ones, have a tendency to pull the ball, but learning to go the opposite way helps players cover more of the plate, handle different pitch locations, and become more complete hitters. This drill promotes proper swing mechanics, hand placement, and balance.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Opposite Field Hitting: Players learn to recognize and drive outside pitches to the opposite field, enhancing their ability to hit for all fields.
  • Plate Coverage: By focusing on the outer half of the plate, players develop a better understanding of plate discipline and strike zone management.
  • Swing Path and Bat Control: The drill reinforces a direct swing path and bat control, preventing hitters from over-rotating or pulling off outside pitches.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Balance and Timing: Make sure players stay balanced through the swing and avoid lunging at the ball. The key is to stay patient and let the ball travel before making contact.
  • Keep Hands Inside: Remind hitters to keep their hands inside the ball, driving it the other way with control rather than trying to force the ball to the opposite field.
  • Focus on Contact, Not Power: Opposite field hitting is about control and placement rather than power, so encourage hitters to focus on consistent, solid contact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. How do I know if the player is hitting the ball to the opposite field correctly?
  • Watch for where the ball lands. If the player is making contact and driving the ball toward the opposite field gap, they’re likely executing the drill correctly. If the ball is being pulled, they may need to adjust their swing path or balance.
  1. What should I do if the player keeps pulling the ball?
  • If the player is pulling the ball too much, it could mean they’re not staying inside the ball or are swinging too early. Encourage them to wait longer and let the ball travel deeper into the zone before making contact.
  1. Can this drill be used for more advanced players?
  • Yes, this drill is valuable for hitters of all levels. For advanced players, you can increase the difficulty by speeding up the toss, moving the toss further outside, or alternating between inside and outside pitches to simulate game situations.
  1. How often should this drill be incorporated into practice?
  • This drill can be a regular part of a hitting routine, used 2-3 times per week to reinforce opposite field mechanics. Consistent repetition helps build muscle memory and improves performance in games.