Low Soft Toss

A Drill to Help Hitters Focus on Driving Through Low Pitches

The Low Soft Toss drill simulates low pitches, challenging hitters to keep their body down and maintain proper mechanics while driving through the ball. This drill is essential for helping players learn to hit low pitches effectively.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs or tennis balls (to minimize injury risk)
  • 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 stands in their regular hitting stance.
  • The coach sets up directly in front of the batter, approximately 6-8 feet away, and prepares to toss the ball lower than usual, simulating pitches that are below the belt or around knee height.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • The coach should toss from an underhand position, aiming for a low spot in the strike zone, typically knee height or just above it.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • The coach stands around 6-8 feet from the batter, either directly in front or slightly off to the side behind an L-screen or protective net, depending on safety needs.
  1. Soft Toss Execution:
  • The coach tosses the ball underhand but aims for a lower part of the strike zone, simulating a pitch just above the knees.
  • The batter focuses on keeping their body down, bending their knees, and maintaining balance while driving through the low pitch.
  • The hitter should aim to drive the ball forward with power, not lifting or popping up, which often occurs on low pitches when hitters don’t get low enough with their body.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each batter should take 10-12 swings per round, focusing on maintaining balance and driving the ball through the zone. After each round, rotate players to allow for feedback and rest between swings.
  1. Adjustments:
  • If the player struggles with low pitches, the coach can toss the ball slightly higher and gradually lower it as the player’s mechanics improve. You can also adjust the toss speed to make it more challenging as the player becomes more comfortable.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Low Soft Toss drill is essential for developing a hitter’s ability to handle pitches in the lower part of the strike zone. Many young hitters struggle with low pitches, often popping them up or swinging over them. This drill teaches hitters to stay down through the ball, use their legs for power, and drive low pitches with proper swing mechanics.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Hitting Low Pitches: Players learn how to handle and drive low pitches, which are often more challenging to hit with consistency.
  • Body Control and Balance: The drill emphasizes the importance of maintaining body control, bending the knees, and staying balanced throughout the swing.
  • Proper Swing Plane: By focusing on staying low and level, hitters develop a consistent swing plane that can adjust to low pitches without sacrificing power or control.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Keep the Body Low: Remind players to bend their knees and keep their body down while driving through the ball. Players often have a tendency to rise up or lift their shoulders when swinging at low pitches.
  • Drive the Ball, Don’t Lift: Encourage hitters to focus on driving the ball forward, not trying to lift it into the air. Low pitches should be hit on a line or driven into the gaps.
  • Balance is Key: Maintaining balance through the swing is essential. If the hitter is leaning back or losing control, they won’t be able to drive the ball with power.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if the player keeps popping up the ball?
  • Popping up the ball on low pitches usually indicates that the player is standing up too much during their swing or uppercutting. Emphasize staying low, bending their knees, and swinging through the ball with a level bat.
  1. Can this drill be used with younger players?
  • Yes, this drill is suitable for players of all ages, but younger players may need more time to adjust to maintaining proper form on low pitches. For younger players, focus on slower, more controlled tosses until they develop the necessary mechanics.
  1. How can I increase the difficulty for more advanced hitters?
  • For advanced hitters, you can vary the speed of the toss, move the toss lower to simulate even tougher pitches, or mix high and low tosses to simulate different pitch locations. This will challenge hitters to adjust and stay consistent with their mechanics.
  1. How often should I run this drill?
  • This drill can be run 2-3 times a week, especially during hitting sessions focused on pitch location and swing mechanics. It pairs well with other soft toss drills that target different parts of the strike zone, giving hitters a well-rounded approach.