Hit and Hold Drill For Bat Speed

A Drill to Improve Balance and Reinforce Proper Mechanics Through Controlled Follow-Through

The Hit and Hold Drill is designed to help players maintain balance and achieve a strong finish after making contact. By holding their follow-through, hitters can focus on good mechanics, body control, and balance, which are crucial as bat speed and power increase.

The Hit and Hold Drill is an effective way to teach players the importance of balance, body control, and a consistent follow-through. By reinforcing good mechanics and encouraging a balanced finish, this drill helps hitters become more disciplined, focused, and consistent at the plate. With regular practice, players will develop stronger, more controlled swings and a better understanding of their mechanics.

Difficulty Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (Moderate)
Time Estimate: 8-10 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs, regular baseballs, or tennis balls
  • Bat for the hitter
  • L-screen or protective net (optional for safety)
  • Bucket of balls for the coach
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The batter stands in their regular batting stance, ready to hit.
  • The coach or a partner can either use soft toss (from the side) or front toss (from behind an L-screen) to deliver pitches at a comfortable, controlled speed.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • Set up in an area where there is ample space for the hitter to swing and hold their finish position without interference.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand at an angle to the hitter (if using soft toss) or directly in front behind an L-screen (if using front toss). Use a controlled, consistent toss speed to ensure the batter can focus on their mechanics and follow-through.
  1. Drill Execution:
  • The hitter takes a normal swing, aiming for solid contact with the ball.
  • After making contact, the hitter should “hold” their finish position for 2-3 seconds, focusing on their follow-through position. They should end with a balanced, controlled stance.
  • Emphasize proper follow-through mechanics, such as keeping their head down, their weight balanced over their back leg, and their body aligned. This ensures they’re finishing in a strong, balanced position rather than falling off or losing control.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each hitter should complete 10-15 swings per round, holding their finish position on each swing. Rotate players after each round, offering feedback on their balance, control, and follow-through form.
  1. Adjustments:
  • If the hitter struggles to maintain their finish, slow down the toss speed and encourage a lighter swing to help them focus on balance and form before increasing bat speed.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Hit and Hold Drill is designed to improve balance, body control, and follow-through mechanics. By forcing players to hold their finish, they can focus on the end of their swing and ensure they are balanced and not over-rotating or falling forward. This drill also reinforces the importance of a controlled swing, even as bat speed increases, which is essential for developing consistent power and accuracy.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Balance and Control: Holding the finish position improves a player’s ability to stay balanced throughout the swing, reducing the tendency to fall forward or back.
  • Mechanics and Follow-Through: Reinforces good follow-through mechanics, teaching players to finish their swing in a controlled, balanced position.
  • Focus and Discipline: Helps players learn to control their body, reinforcing the importance of focusing on each part of the swing, from start to finish.

Pros and Cons of the Hit and Hold Drill

Pros:

  • Reinforces Good Mechanics: Encourages players to focus on their swing fundamentals and finish position, helping to establish strong mechanics.
  • Improves Balance: Teaches hitters to maintain body control and balance throughout the swing, preventing off-balance finishes.
  • Develops Mental Discipline: By holding the finish, players learn to stay focused on each swing, building concentration and consistency.

Cons:

  • Limited Game-Like Simulation: This drill is more focused on mechanics and balance, so it doesn’t replicate the reactive nature of live hitting.
  • Not Suitable for All Skill Levels: Younger players or beginners may struggle with the coordination needed to hold their finish position, so it may need to be modified for their level.

Coaching Notes & FAQs

Coaching Tips:

  • Emphasize the Finish Position: Encourage players to stay balanced over their back leg and keep their head down and eyes forward. This reinforces a proper swing path and helps avoid over-rotating.
  • Start Slow: If players are struggling to hold their finish, have them reduce swing speed and focus on a controlled motion first. Once balance improves, they can gradually increase bat speed.
  • Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise players when they hold a strong, balanced finish. Reinforcement will help them associate the feeling of balance with a successful swing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if a player is falling forward on their finish?
  • If the player is losing balance and falling forward, encourage them to shift their weight back slightly and stay balanced over their back leg. This may also mean slowing down their swing to help them find their balance before increasing speed.
  1. Can this drill be used for younger players?
  • Yes, this drill can be modified for younger players by using a lighter bat or reducing the speed of the toss. Emphasize balance over power for younger players to build strong fundamentals.
  1. How often should this drill be incorporated into practice?
  • The Hit and Hold Drill can be used once or twice a week, especially during practice sessions focused on mechanics and balance. It’s particularly useful as a warm-up drill before moving into full-speed swings.
  1. How do I know if a player is holding their finish correctly?
  • A correct finish position should include a balanced stance, weight primarily over the back leg, head down with eyes on the contact point, and hands high on the follow-through. If these elements are in place and the player can hold the position without wobbling, they are likely executing it well.