HIGH SOFT TOSS Hitting Drill

A Drill to Help Hitters Focus on Maintaining a Level Swing on High Pitches

The High Soft Toss drill simulates high pitches by tossing the ball slightly higher than normal, encouraging hitters to focus on keeping their swing level and staying under control. It is an excellent way to develop proper swing mechanics on pitches that are in the upper part of the strike zone.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs or tennis balls (to reduce the risk of injury)
  • L-screen or protective net (optional but recommended for coach safety)
  • A bat for the player
  • Bucket of balls for the coach
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The batter stands in their regular hitting stance, ready to swing.
  • The coach positions themselves directly in front of the batter, about 6-8 feet away, preparing to toss the ball higher than usual.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • Ensure there is enough space for the coach to stand safely and toss the ball at an elevated height into the batter’s hitting zone.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand approximately 6-8 feet in front of the batter, protected by an L-screen or a protective net if possible. You’ll be tossing the ball slightly above the belt, aiming for the upper part of the strike zone.
  1. Soft Toss Execution:
  • Toss the ball underhand, but instead of aiming for the usual waist-high target, toss the ball to simulate a pitch at or slightly above chest level. The batter’s goal is to maintain a level swing plane and make solid contact without “uppercutting” or dropping their back shoulder.
  • Vary the height of your tosses slightly, ensuring that each toss is a challenge for the batter to maintain proper form.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each batter should take 10-12 swings per round. After each round, rotate players to give them time for rest and feedback. Ideally, the drill should last for 10-15 minutes, depending on the number of players.
  1. Adjustments:
  • If a batter struggles with the high pitch, slow down the toss or adjust the height to build confidence. You can gradually increase the toss height as the player improves in maintaining a level swing plane.

Why You Run This Drill:

The High Soft Toss drill helps hitters develop the ability to handle pitches in the upper part of the strike zone while maintaining proper mechanics. Many young hitters have a tendency to uppercut or drop their back shoulder when facing high pitches, leading to weak fly balls or pop-ups. This drill reinforces the importance of staying level and balanced through the swing, even on higher pitches.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Swing Plane Control: The drill emphasizes maintaining a level swing plane on high pitches, preventing players from dipping their shoulders or losing control of the bat.
  • Pitch Recognition: Helps hitters become more comfortable handling high pitches and recognizing how to approach them.
  • Balance and Mechanics: Encourages the player to maintain balance and avoid over-swinging or reaching for the ball on high pitches.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Level Swing: Remind the player to stay level with their swing. The common mistake is uppercutting or trying to “lift” the ball, so use cues like “stay on top” or “keep your swing level” to keep them focused.
  • Balance is Key: Ensure that the hitter stays balanced throughout their swing. If they are leaning back or losing balance, they may not be handling high pitches properly.
  • Bat Angle: Watch for the angle of the bat. It should stay on plane through the zone rather than angling upward too early.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if my player keeps hitting weak pop-ups during the drill?
  • If a player is consistently hitting pop-ups, it’s likely because they’re uppercutting or dropping their back shoulder. Encourage them to stay level with their swing and focus on driving the ball rather than lifting it. You can lower the height of the toss slightly until they can make adjustments.
  1. Can this drill be used for all ages?
  • Yes, the High Soft Toss drill can be adapted for all age levels. For younger players, you may want to toss the ball only slightly higher than usual to help them adjust. For more advanced players, you can increase the height to challenge their ability to stay level.
  1. How can I make this drill more challenging for advanced hitters?
  • For advanced hitters, you can increase the speed of the toss slightly or move the toss location to vary the pitch’s trajectory. Additionally, try mixing in normal soft tosses with the high soft tosses to keep the hitter adjusting to different pitch heights.
  1. How often should this drill be run?
  • The High Soft Toss drill can be incorporated into regular batting practice 1-2 times per week to work on handling high pitches. It’s a great complement to other hitting drills that focus on low and middle pitch locations.