Soft Toss With Mini-Whiffles

A Precision Drill to Sharpen Hand-Eye Coordination Using Miniature Wiffle Balls

The Soft Toss with Mini-Whiffles drill focuses on improving hand-eye coordination by using smaller balls, such as golf-sized wiffle balls, for soft toss. This drill challenges hitters to focus on making precise contact, improving their concentration and fine-tuning their swing mechanics.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Mini wiffle balls (golf ball size or similar)
  • Lightweight bat (you can use a regular bat, but a lightweight or smaller bat is often preferred)
  • L-screen or protective net (optional for coach safety)
  • A bucket of mini-wiffle balls for the coach
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The batter stands in their normal batting stance, holding the bat as usual.
  • The coach sets up 5-7 feet in front of the hitter, behind an L-screen or protective net if necessary. They will toss the mini-wiffles underhand, aiming for the strike zone.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • Ensure there is enough space for the batter to swing freely and for the coach to safely toss the mini-wiffle balls.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand 5-7 feet from the batter, behind a protective net or L-screen. Have a bucket of mini-wiffle balls ready, as the smaller balls will likely require more tosses.
  1. Soft Toss Execution:
  • The coach tosses the mini-wiffle balls underhand, aiming for the strike zone.
  • The smaller size of the balls forces the batter to focus on precision and timing to make solid contact.
  • The hitter should focus on staying balanced and using a short, controlled swing to make contact with the smaller target.
  • Vary the speed and location of the tosses slightly to challenge the hitter’s ability to adjust and maintain focus on the smaller target.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each batter should take 12-15 swings per round, focusing on consistent, quality contact rather than power. Rotate hitters to allow rest and provide feedback after each round.
  1. Adjustments:
  • For younger players, slow down the toss speed and ensure a consistent toss location. For more advanced hitters, increase the toss speed or vary the location to challenge their timing and focus.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Soft Toss with Mini-Whiffles drill is specifically designed to improve hand-eye coordination and fine-tune a hitter’s focus on making precise contact. Because mini-wiffle balls are smaller than a regular baseball, this drill forces players to zero in on the ball more carefully, making it a great exercise for sharpening concentration and bat control. This heightened level of focus can lead to more consistent contact in live game situations, where hitting regular-sized baseballs feels easier in comparison.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Hand-Eye Coordination: The smaller target forces players to concentrate harder, improving their ability to track and hit the ball.
  • Bat Control: This drill encourages hitters to use a short, controlled swing to make solid contact, improving their overall bat control and swing mechanics.
  • Concentration: Because mini-wiffles require greater focus, the drill helps players develop the mental toughness needed to stay locked in on each pitch.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Focus on Precision, Not Power: Emphasize to players that this drill is about making solid, consistent contact rather than hitting the ball hard. The smaller target requires more precision and patience.
  • Balance and Control: Make sure hitters stay balanced and don’t over-swing. The focus should be on controlled, smooth swings that prioritize accuracy over force.
  • Vary Toss Speed and Location: As hitters become more comfortable, vary the speed and location of the tosses to challenge their ability to adjust and focus on the smaller ball.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What if the hitter struggles to make contact with the mini-wiffle balls?
  • If the hitter is struggling, slow down the tosses and ensure the ball is in a comfortable part of the strike zone. Encourage the hitter to stay calm and focus on keeping their eye on the ball all the way through the swing. Gradually increase the difficulty as they improve.
  1. Can younger players benefit from this drill?
  • Yes, younger players can benefit from this drill, but it’s important to start with slower, more consistent tosses and possibly use a lighter bat to make it easier for them to handle the smaller target. The focus should be on hand-eye coordination development at a manageable pace.
  1. How can I make this drill more challenging for advanced hitters?
  • For advanced hitters, you can increase the toss speed, change the toss location more frequently, or even alternate between regular-sized balls and mini-wiffles to challenge their adjustment ability. Additionally, you can mix in low, high, or outside tosses to keep them focused on adjusting their swing path.
  1. How often should this drill be included in practice?
  • This drill can be used 1-2 times per week as part of a broader hitting routine. It works especially well when combined with regular-sized ball drills, helping players sharpen their precision and hand-eye coordination in a more focused setting.