Shuffle Soft Toss

A Dynamic Drill to Improve Footwork and Balance While Hitting

The Shuffle Soft Toss drill combines footwork and hitting mechanics by having the hitter perform a lateral shuffle step before making contact. This drill helps develop better balance, coordination, and footwork, simulating in-game movements.

Difficulty Rating: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate)
Time Estimate: 8-12 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs or tennis balls (to minimize injury risk)
  • L-screen or protective net (optional for the coach’s safety)
  • A bat for the player
  • Bucket of balls for the coach
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The batter stands a few feet away from their usual stance position, ready to perform a lateral shuffle (side step) into their hitting stance.
  • The coach positions themselves 6-8 feet in front of the batter, protected behind an L-screen or net.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • Make sure there is enough space for the hitter to shuffle sideways and set up in their regular hitting position. The coach should have room to toss balls at a consistent height into the strike zone.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • The coach stands approximately 6-8 feet from the batter, ready to toss the ball. Stay behind an L-screen or protective net for safety.
  1. Soft Toss Execution:
  • Before each toss, the hitter performs a lateral shuffle step to either the left or right, simulating in-game footwork movement. The shuffle should be controlled and balanced.
  • After the shuffle, the hitter quickly regains their stance and prepares for the toss. The coach should toss the ball underhand into the strike zone as the hitter finishes their shuffle, giving the player time to react.
  • The hitter should maintain balance and proper mechanics as they make contact with the ball, focusing on staying controlled despite the lateral movement.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Perform 10-12 swings per round, with each swing preceded by a shuffle step. Rotate players after each set, giving time for feedback and rest between rounds. Depending on the group size, this drill should last around 8-12 minutes.
  1. Adjustments:
  • For younger or less experienced players, the shuffle can be smaller and slower, allowing the player to focus on balance and mechanics. As the player improves, the speed and distance of the shuffle can be increased to simulate more realistic lateral movement.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Shuffle Soft Toss drill is designed to help hitters improve their footwork, balance, and body control during hitting. Lateral movement is common in game situations, especially when adjusting to pitches or when moving to a better hitting position. This drill teaches hitters how to stay balanced and maintain good swing mechanics even after moving their feet, which is crucial for in-game success.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Footwork and Balance: The drill helps players develop better footwork and body control, teaching them to move laterally and quickly reset into a balanced hitting position.
  • Coordination and Timing: Hitters must learn to coordinate their shuffle step with the timing of the toss, which mimics real-game adjustments to pitch location.
  • Swing Mechanics Under Movement: By focusing on maintaining proper swing mechanics after movement, players improve their ability to make solid contact with the ball despite having to adjust their body position.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Focus on Balance: Remind players that the key to this drill is maintaining balance throughout the shuffle and into their swing. They should not rush the movement but rather focus on staying under control.
  • Controlled Shuffle: The shuffle step should be deliberate and not too large. Players should move quickly but remain in control, making sure to reset their stance properly before swinging.
  • Proper Timing: Toss the ball when the player finishes their shuffle and is in position to hit. This timing simulates in-game situations where a hitter must reset after adjusting to a pitch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if the hitter loses balance during the shuffle?
  • If a player struggles to stay balanced, slow down the speed of the shuffle and emphasize controlled movement. It’s better for the player to shuffle slowly and stay balanced than to rush and lose control. As they get more comfortable, they can increase the speed of their shuffle.
  1. Is this drill suitable for younger players?
  • Yes, the drill can be modified for younger or less experienced players by reducing the speed and distance of the shuffle. Focus on balance and controlled movements first, and build up the difficulty as the players gain confidence.
  1. How can I challenge more advanced hitters?
  • For advanced hitters, you can vary the speed of the toss or move the toss location to force the hitter to adjust more quickly. You can also increase the distance of the shuffle or ask the player to perform multiple shuffle steps before hitting.
  1. How often should this drill be run?
  • This drill can be incorporated 1-2 times per week, especially when focusing on footwork, agility, or body control during hitting practice. It pairs well with other dynamic drills that challenge hitters to adjust to movement.