Tee Contact Drill

A Fun and Safe Drill for 6-7 Year-Olds to Build Confidence in Making Contact

The Tee Contact Drill is designed to introduce young players to hitting basics. By focusing on proper grip, stance, and making solid contact with the ball, players develop foundational skills in a fun and safe way.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Batting tee (height-adjustable for younger players)
  • Soft baseballs or foam balls (for added safety)
  • Bat suitable for 6-7 year-olds (lightweight and easy to grip)
  • Cones or markers to create a safe hitting zone
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The batter stands at the tee with feet shoulder-width apart, aligned with the center of the tee.
  • The coach or helper should stand a safe distance behind the player, ready to observe and give feedback.
  1. Tee and Safety Setup:
  • Place the tee on a flat, open area, preferably on grass or a soft surface.
  • Set up cones around the hitting zone to create a safe boundary for other players to stand behind, ensuring no one is in the line of the hit.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Grip and Stance:
  • Show the players the correct way to hold the bat with both hands, ensuring they have a firm grip without squeezing too tight.
  • Help them set up with a balanced stance, feet shoulder-width apart, and knees slightly bent. Their body should be relaxed but ready.
  1. Hitting Execution:
  • With the ball placed on the tee, have the player focus on the center of the ball, guiding them to keep their eyes on it.
  • Encourage a slow and controlled swing, ensuring they make solid contact with the ball rather than swinging wildly. Emphasize keeping their head still and their eyes on the ball all the way through.
  • Allow each player to take 10 swings per round, focusing on making consistent contact with the ball each time.
  1. Fun Variation – “Hit the Target”:
  • Set up a soft target (like a cone or bucket) a few feet in front of the tee and have players aim to knock it over. This adds a fun challenge and rewards contact and control.
  • Celebrate each hit to boost confidence and make the drill engaging.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Tee Contact Drill introduces young players to the fundamentals of hitting in a way that is fun and builds confidence. For 6-7 year-olds, the key goal is developing comfort and confidence with the bat, reinforcing proper stance and grip, and helping them make consistent contact with the ball. By creating a controlled environment with the tee, players can focus on foundational skills without the pressure of a moving ball.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Hand-Eye Coordination: Focusing on the ball and making consistent contact improves players’ ability to track and connect with the ball.
  • Grip and Stance Basics: Learning the correct way to grip the bat and position their body sets the stage for proper hitting mechanics.
  • Balance and Control: The drill encourages players to stay balanced and develop a controlled swing rather than an uncontrolled, forceful swing.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • Safe and Controlled: Using a tee and soft balls reduces the risk of injury, making it ideal for younger players.
  • Builds Confidence: Making consistent contact with the ball allows young players to build self-assurance in their hitting abilities.
  • Fundamental Skill Development: This drill introduces key components of hitting—grip, stance, and contact—in a simplified way.

Cons:

  • Limited Real-Game Simulation: The stationary ball doesn’t replicate live pitches, so it doesn’t prepare players for timing a moving ball.
  • Requires Close Supervision: Young players need guidance to maintain correct form and focus on the basics, so this drill requires active coaching.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Keep it Light and Fun: Celebrate each successful hit and encourage positive reinforcement. Keep the tone playful to maintain their interest and reduce pressure.
  • Focus on Basics, Not Power: Many young players want to swing hard, but emphasize control and balance over power. A solid, controlled swing is more important than how hard they hit.
  • Rotate Players Frequently: For young players, attention spans can be short. Rotate players every 10 swings to keep them engaged and avoid fatigue.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. How do I keep young players from swinging too hard?
  • Encourage them to take controlled, easy swings and remind them that the goal is to make contact with the ball. You can also demonstrate a smooth, relaxed swing and emphasize that contact, not power, is the goal.
  1. What if a player struggles to hit the ball?
  • Adjust the height of the tee and encourage them to slow down. Sometimes, kids swing too fast, so remind them to keep their eyes on the ball and focus on just making contact. Patience and encouragement go a long way.
  1. How can I make the drill more engaging?
  • Use the “Hit the Target” variation to give players a fun objective. You could also incorporate small rewards (like a high-five or sticker) for every successful hit or create a mini-game where they aim to reach a certain number of contacts.
  1. How often should this drill be practiced?
  • For 6-7 year-olds, running this drill 2-3 times per week is ideal. It’s a great drill to warm up with before moving on to other activities or introducing more advanced drills.

The Tee Contact Drill is a fun, engaging way to help young players build confidence and develop the fundamentals of hitting. By focusing on grip, stance, and making contact, this drill sets the stage for future skills and gives players a strong start in their hitting journey.