Reverse Angle Front Toss Drill

An Unconventional Drill to Strengthen Inside-Out Swing Mechanics

The Reverse Angle Front Toss Drill challenges hitters by tossing from an unusual angle—behind and to the side of the hitter. This setup encourages hitters to keep a strong inside-out swing, staying through the ball and resisting the urge to cut their swing short.

This drill is an effective, unconventional drill to develop a strong, inside-out swing and keep the bat in the zone longer. With regular use, this drill will help players build a more controlled, balanced approach at the plate, making them better hitters against a variety of pitches.

Difficulty Rating: ★★★★☆ (Advanced)
Time Estimate: 10-12 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs or tennis balls (to minimize injury risk)
  • L-screen or protective net (optional for added coach protection)
  • A bat for the player
  • Bucket of balls for the coach
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The batter stands in their regular hitting stance, ready to swing.
  • The coach stands at a reverse angle—behind and slightly to the side of the hitter (typically on the batter’s open side, first-base side for a right-handed hitter, third-base side for a left-handed hitter). This setup creates a backward diagonal angle for the tosses.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • Ensure there’s enough space for both the coach and player. The tosses should come in at a backward angle, making contact with the ball more challenging and encouraging the batter to stay through the swing.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand behind and to the side of the batter, positioning yourself about 4-5 feet away. Use an L-screen or protective net if possible for additional safety.
  • Position yourself at an angle where you can toss the ball underhand toward the hitter, entering the strike zone from a backward angle.
  1. Soft Toss Execution:
  • Begin tossing the ball underhand from this reverse angle, aiming for the batter’s strike zone.
  • The batter should focus on keeping a strong inside-out swing, keeping the bat in the zone as long as possible rather than pulling off the ball or yanking it.
  • Each toss will feel unconventional, as the ball is coming from an unexpected angle, forcing the hitter to adapt and keep their bat path direct.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Have each batter take 10-12 swings per round, focusing on making solid contact without cutting the swing short. After each round, provide feedback on the hitter’s bat path and inside-out swing mechanics. Repeat for 2-3 rounds as needed.
  1. Adjustments:
  • If a player struggles, slow down the tosses or adjust the angle slightly to help them get comfortable. As they improve, try increasing the speed of the tosses to further challenge their mechanics.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Reverse Angle Front Toss Drill helps players develop a strong, inside-out swing, encouraging them to stay through the ball and extend their bat path. This unconventional angle requires players to focus on keeping their bat in the hitting zone longer, improving both contact quality and swing consistency. It’s particularly effective for preventing common hitting mistakes, such as rolling over or cutting the swing short, which can lead to weak ground balls or pop-ups.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Inside-Out Swing Mechanics: This drill reinforces an inside-out approach, which is crucial for hitting to the opposite field and staying balanced through the swing.
  • Extended Bat Path: By staying in the hitting zone longer, hitters improve their chances of making solid contact and develop better consistency.
  • Balance and Control: The unusual angle requires the hitter to stay balanced and controlled, preventing them from pulling off or getting too anxious with their swing.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Focus on Staying Inside the Ball: Remind players to focus on keeping their hands inside the ball, avoiding the urge to pull or roll over their swing. The key is a smooth, controlled follow-through.
  • Encourage an Inside-Out Approach: Use cues like “stay through the ball” or “keep the bat in the zone” to help hitters resist the urge to yank the bat and instead focus on extending their swing.
  • Control over Power: Emphasize control and swing mechanics over power. The unusual angle is meant to test mechanics, so consistent contact is more important than hitting the ball hard.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if the hitter is struggling with the angle?
  • This drill can be challenging because of the unconventional toss angle. If the hitter struggles, slow down the speed of the tosses or adjust the angle slightly until they feel comfortable. Focus on keeping the hitter balanced and in control.
  1. Can this drill be used with younger players?
  • This drill is most effective with intermediate or advanced hitters who already have a good sense of their swing mechanics. Younger players may find it confusing, so start with simpler drills on inside-out mechanics before introducing the reverse angle.
  1. How do I challenge more advanced hitters?
  • For more advanced players, you can vary the toss location, aiming for different parts of the strike zone. You can also increase the speed of the toss to simulate higher-intensity game situations, pushing the hitter to adapt quickly.
  1. How often should I run this drill?
  • This drill is best used 1-2 times per week as part of a more extensive hitting practice. It’s a good tool to reinforce inside-out mechanics and help hitters get comfortable with an extended bat path. Pair it with traditional soft toss drills to give players a well-rounded approach.