Soft Toss With Eyes Closed

A Unique Drill to Sharpen Focus and Improve Reaction Speed

The Soft Toss with Eyes Closed drill challenges hitters by having them close their eyes before the toss and react only after hearing an audible cue from the coach. This drill trains the hitter’s reaction time, focus, and ability to quickly lock in on the ball once it’s in the air.

Difficulty Rating: ★★★★☆ (Challenging)
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 hitter
  • Bucket of balls for the coach
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The hitter takes their normal stance in the batter’s box, preparing to swing.
  • The coach sets up in front of the hitter, about 5-7 feet away, behind an L-screen or protective net.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • Ensure that the area is safe, with plenty of space for both the coach and hitter. The coach should have a clear view of the hitter to provide a visual and audible cue.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand 5-7 feet in front of the hitter, positioned safely behind an L-screen or net, with a bucket of balls ready to toss.
  1. Soft Toss Execution:
  • The hitter starts with their eyes open, taking their regular stance.
  • Before the toss, instruct the hitter to close their eyes. The coach then prepares to toss the ball.
  • When the coach is ready to toss, they give an audible cue (such as “Now!” or “Go!”) as the ball is tossed into the strike zone. The hitter opens their eyes only when they hear the cue and reacts as quickly as possible to make contact.
  • The coach should toss at a normal speed, with some variation in location within the strike zone to challenge the hitter’s focus and timing.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each hitter should take 8-10 swings per round, focusing on reacting quickly to the audible cue. Rotate players after each round to allow for feedback and rest.
  1. Adjustments:
  • For beginners, you can give the cue slightly before the toss to give the hitter more time to adjust. For advanced players, the cue should be given at the same time as the toss to simulate the speed of live hitting scenarios.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Soft Toss with Eyes Closed drill helps hitters develop better focus, quick reactions, and the ability to pick up the ball quickly as it enters the hitting zone. By closing their eyes and opening them only at the sound of an audible cue, hitters must rely on their instincts and reaction time, making them more prepared for real game situations where they have to quickly identify pitch location and speed.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Reaction Time: The drill sharpens a hitter’s ability to react quickly once the ball is in motion.
  • Focus: Hitters must quickly lock in on the ball after opening their eyes, teaching them to focus on the ball immediately as it enters the hitting zone.
  • Timing and Hand-Eye Coordination: This drill improves timing, as hitters must judge the speed and location of the ball in a short time frame, improving their hand-eye coordination.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Emphasize Relaxation: Many players may become tense when they close their eyes and anticipate the cue. Encourage them to stay relaxed and react naturally when they hear the signal.
  • Start Slow, Then Speed Up: For younger or less experienced players, give the audible cue slightly before tossing the ball. As they become more comfortable, reduce the time between the cue and the toss to make the drill more challenging.
  • Focus on Consistency: The hitter should focus on making consistent contact rather than swinging for power. The goal is to react quickly and stay controlled through the swing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Why is this drill important for hitters?
  • This drill trains hitters to pick up the ball quickly, which is vital in game situations where they have only a fraction of a second to identify a pitch’s speed and location. It also helps with reaction time and focus.
  1. What should I do if the hitter is struggling to make contact?
  • If a player is consistently missing the ball, slow down the speed of the toss and give the audible cue earlier to give them more time to adjust. As they improve, gradually increase the difficulty by shortening the cue time and speed of the toss.
  1. Can this drill be used for younger players?
  • Yes, but it’s important to adjust the difficulty based on their experience. For younger players, ensure the toss speed is slower and give them more time to react after the audible cue. The goal is to build confidence and reaction skills.
  1. How often should this drill be incorporated into practice?
  • This drill can be used 1-2 times per week during hitting practice. It’s especially useful before games to sharpen players’ reaction time and focus.