Basic Contact Tee Drill

A Drill to Improve Hitting Fundamentals by Focusing on Swing Path and Contact Point

The Basic Contact Tee Drill is a fundamental exercise that helps hitters develop a consistent swing path and solid contact point, essential for making reliable, quality contact with the ball. This drill reinforces proper mechanics and builds confidence at the plate.

Difficulty Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (Easy)
Time Estimate: 5-10 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Batting tee
  • Baseballs or soft baseballs
  • A bat for the player
  • Optional: net or backstop for ball containment
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Set up the tee at the player’s natural contact point, typically aligned with their front foot.
  • The batter should stand in their regular batting stance, square to the plate, with the tee placed in the strike zone area they would naturally aim to hit.
  1. Tee Placement:
  • Position the tee so the ball is at waist height, directly aligned with the front foot and slightly ahead in the stance. The goal is to simulate an optimal point of contact for a line drive or solid hit.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Player Setup and Alignment:
  • The hitter sets up in their normal stance, ensuring balance and focus on the ball placed on the tee.
  • Encourage players to focus on a steady, relaxed stance with eyes on the ball and hands set in their natural pre-swing position.
  1. Executing the Swing:
  • The player takes a swing, focusing on making consistent, solid contact with the ball on the tee.
  • Emphasize a direct swing path to the ball, keeping hands inside and driving the bat through the ball to create a level, powerful swing.
  • The hitter should aim to hit line drives or low, solid hits, focusing on control and precision rather than power.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Have each player take 10-15 swings per round, focusing on making clean, quality contact with the ball each time. Rotate players as needed, allowing for feedback and adjustments.
  1. Adjustments:
  • For more advanced players, adjust the tee height or location to simulate different pitch zones (low, high, inside, outside) to further develop their ability to make consistent contact across the strike zone.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Basic Contact Tee Drill is fundamental in building a strong foundation for hitting. By working on a consistent swing path and a solid contact point, hitters develop muscle memory and learn to focus on mechanics without the added pressure of a moving pitch. This drill is invaluable for creating habits that will help players make consistent, solid contact in game situations.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Consistent Swing Path: This drill reinforces a direct, controlled swing path, helping players avoid common mistakes like looping or chopping swings.
  • Contact Point Awareness: By focusing on the tee’s static position, hitters learn to hit the ball at the optimal contact point for better control and power.
  • Mechanics and Balance: This drill allows players to develop good balance and body control, which are essential for achieving a powerful, reliable swing.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Focus on Mechanics: Remind hitters to stay balanced, keep their hands inside, and drive the bat through the ball. Avoid swinging for power; instead, focus on contact and form.
  • Encourage Follow-Through: A proper follow-through reinforces a smooth, controlled swing. Ensure the player completes each swing fully to maintain mechanics and balance.
  • Reinforce Eye Contact: This drill is a perfect opportunity to emphasize the importance of watching the ball through contact, a habit that will carry over into live pitching.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What if the player keeps hitting the tee instead of the ball?
  • If a player consistently hits the tee, adjust their stance or position on the tee. Ensure the tee is set up at their natural contact point, typically aligned with the front foot.
  1. How do I increase the difficulty for advanced hitters?
  • For advanced hitters, you can adjust the height and location of the tee to simulate different pitch zones. This will help the player develop the ability to adjust their swing for various pitch locations.
  1. Can younger players benefit from this drill?
  • Absolutely. This drill is suitable for all ages and is particularly valuable for younger players learning the fundamentals of hitting. It allows them to focus on contact without the added pressure of timing a moving ball.
  1. How often should this drill be run?
  • This drill can be incorporated into every practice, either as a warm-up or as part of a focused hitting session. Frequent repetition will help hitters build confidence and develop consistent habits.

The Basic Contact Tee Drill is a foundational exercise that improves swing mechanics, timing, and contact point awareness. By emphasizing a consistent approach to contact, this drill prepares players for more complex hitting situations, helping them become more reliable, powerful hitters.