Batting Line Drill For Tee Ball

A Fun and Safe Tee Ball Drill for Building Basic Hitting Skills

The Batting Line Drill helps introduce young players to hitting by allowing each child to take turns hitting off the tee. This simple and engaging drill ensures that each player gets equal turns and is designed to make the experience fun, safe, and structured.

This a nice variation on the standard batting tee drill, that keeps the younger Little League Tee Ball kids moving and focused. Because this hitting drill rotates so fast – there is no chance of these little guys tuning out and not paying attention!

Difficulty Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (Easy)
Time Estimate: 10-15 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Batting tee
  • Lightweight bat appropriate for 4-5-year-olds
  • Soft or foam baseballs for safety
  • Bucket for extra balls
  • Safety cones or markers for designating waiting areas
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Set up the tee at home plate, and place the bucket of balls next to the tee for easy access.
  • Line up players about 5-10 feet behind the batter in a designated “on-deck” area, clearly marked by cones or markers.
  • Position a coach or assistant coach next to the batter to help with stance, swing, and encouragement.
  1. Safety Setup:
  • Place cones or markers around the tee to create a safe distance where other players should wait. Reinforce with players the importance of staying behind the cones until it’s their turn.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Start the Lineup:
  • Line up all players behind the on-deck area, keeping a safe distance from the batter.
  • One by one, each player steps up to the tee and takes 3-5 swings. Coaches should assist younger players with positioning and adjusting their grip on the bat if needed.
  1. Encourage and Instruct:
  • Each player should aim to make contact with the ball and focus on keeping their eyes on the ball. Coaches can give simple reminders like “keep your eye on the ball” or “swing straight.”
  1. Rotate the Line:
  • After each player has taken their swings, they return to the end of the line, and the next player steps up. This rotation continues until each player has had a few turns, ensuring everyone gets equal opportunities.
  1. Celebration and Encouragement:
  • Clap, cheer, and offer praise after each turn. Tee ball players thrive on positive reinforcement, so keep the energy fun and exciting.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Batting Line Drill helps young players build foundational skills in hitting while maintaining a structured, turn-based environment that’s easy for them to follow. By taking turns and watching each other hit, players can observe proper form, build patience, and learn the importance of waiting for their turn. This drill also makes hitting fun and allows them to celebrate each other’s successes.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Hand-Eye Coordination: By focusing on hitting the stationary ball, players improve their ability to coordinate their swing with visual focus.
  • Basic Swing Mechanics: Young players begin to understand the concept of a swing and proper grip.
  • Turn-Taking and Patience: Lining up and taking turns reinforces important social skills, teaching players patience and focus.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • Easy to Run: Simple setup with minimal equipment and easy instructions.
  • Safe and Controlled Environment: Players are kept at a safe distance from the hitter, reducing risks.
  • Fun and Engaging: Positive reinforcement and cheering make the drill enjoyable and keep kids engaged.
  • Equal Opportunity: Each player gets equal turns, ensuring fair participation.

Cons:

  • Limited Individual Attention: Coaches may not be able to give extensive individual feedback in a group setting.
  • Waiting Time: With larger groups, some players may wait longer for their turn, so be prepared to keep them engaged.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Keep It Simple: Use simple language and focus on one or two key instructions at a time, like “keep your eye on the ball” or “swing straight.”
  • Celebrate Every Hit: Even small successes should be celebrated. This will keep kids excited about hitting and looking forward to their next turn.
  • Stay Engaged: Make the waiting time fun by encouraging players to clap for each hitter or lead small chants.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. How can I keep the players waiting in line engaged?
  • Encourage them to cheer for their teammates and practice their swing motions without a bat. You can also engage them in small games, like clapping in rhythm, while they wait.
  1. What if a player struggles to make contact?
  • Help them with positioning and gently guide their swing. With tee ball players, the emphasis should be on having fun and building confidence rather than perfect form.
  1. How many swings should each player take?
  • Typically, 3-5 swings per turn keeps the line moving quickly while giving each player enough chances to practice.
  1. How often should this drill be run?
  • This is a great warm-up drill that can be run at the beginning of each practice. Regular practice will help build confidence and improve their basic hitting skills over time.

The Batting Line Drill is an effective way to introduce young players to hitting while teaching patience, teamwork, and basic hitting mechanics in a fun, structured setting. With consistent practice and plenty of positive encouragement, young players will look forward to taking their turn at the tee!