Double Tee Drill

A Drill to Improve Bat Path Consistency and Swing Control for Elite Hitters

The Double Tee Drill challenges young players to refine their swing path by avoiding a lower front tee and hitting a higher back tee. This drill is ideal for building bat control and consistency, perfect for players aiming to elevate their hitting skills.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Two adjustable batting tees
  • Baseballs
  • A bat for the player
  • Clear, open hitting area with space to set up tees
  1. Tee Positioning:
  • Place the front tee slightly lower than the back tee.
  • Position the back tee approximately 6-8 inches behind the front tee, aligned so the ball on the back tee is within the hitter’s natural swing path.
  • Place a ball on each tee, ensuring that the front ball is at a height that requires the hitter to keep a level swing to avoid hitting it.
  1. Goal:
  • The batter’s objective is to swing level and avoid the front tee, making solid contact with the ball on the back tee.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Player Positioning:
  • Have the player set up in their regular batting stance, positioned so their natural swing path aligns with the back ball.
  1. Drill Execution:
  • Instruct the player to swing level through the back tee, making solid contact with the ball on the back tee without touching the ball or tee in front.
  • Encourage the hitter to focus on staying compact and controlled with their swing, ensuring they stay on a level plane to avoid knocking the front tee over.
  • The player should take 8-10 swings per round, focusing on quality and control.
  1. Adjustments for Skill Level:
  • For added challenge, increase the height difference between the tees or move them slightly closer together, forcing the hitter to be even more precise with their swing.
  • For players who struggle, lower the front tee slightly more until they can complete the drill without hitting it.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Double Tee Drill is valuable for young hitters looking to improve their swing mechanics. By forcing players to avoid the lower front tee, the drill encourages a level, controlled swing path. This helps players maintain a consistent bat path, an essential skill for hitting line drives and making solid contact.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Bat Path Consistency: The drill teaches players to keep their bat level, crucial for making solid contact.
  • Swing Control: Players develop greater control over their swing mechanics, reducing excess upper body movement.
  • Focus and Precision: The drill requires focus and precision, building mental discipline and patience, especially valuable for high-level players.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Emphasize Body Control: Make sure players focus on controlling their upper body and staying balanced. A common mistake is dropping the shoulder, which can lead to hitting the front tee.
  • Consistency Over Power: Encourage hitters to focus on maintaining a level swing rather than swinging hard. The goal is precision and form, not power.
  • Adjust the Drill for Progress: Once players master the basic setup, gradually increase the difficulty by bringing the tees closer or raising the height of the front tee.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if my player keeps hitting the front tee?
  • If a player consistently hits the front tee, check their shoulder alignment and body balance. Encourage them to stay level and avoid dropping their back shoulder. You can also lower the front tee slightly until they get comfortable with the mechanics.
  1. How does this drill help with in-game hitting?
  • The Double Tee Drill helps players develop a consistent, level swing path, crucial for making contact with pitches across the zone. It simulates situations where they need to control their swing for line drives, especially helpful against high or low pitches.
  1. Can this drill be modified for more advanced players?
  • Yes, for more advanced players, you can add a third tee at a different height or combine this drill with other tee drills. Adding a variation, like slightly changing the position of the back tee, will force the player to adjust and maintain control even under more challenging setups.
  1. How often should I incorporate this drill into practice?
  • The Double Tee Drill can be done once or twice a week as part of hitting practice. It’s a great addition to other batting drills that work on timing and coordination, reinforcing consistent swing mechanics over time.

The Double Tee Drill is an excellent tool for youth hitters who aspire to become elite players. By refining their bat path and swing control, this drill provides the foundation for successful, consistent hitting, preparing players for the challenges of competitive play.