Toss & Stop Batting Drill

A Challenging Drill to Build Elite-Level Bat Control and Focus for Situational Hitting

The Toss and Stop Batting Drill is designed to challenge hitters by requiring them to control their swing and stop their bat immediately after contact. This drill develops elite-level bat control, which is critical for situations that require precise contact, like bunting or soft line drives.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs or tennis balls (to minimize injury risk)
  • L-screen or protective net (for coach’s safety)
  • A bat for the player
  • Bucket of balls for the coach
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The batter stands in their regular stance, prepared to swing.
  • The coach positions themselves about 6-8 feet in front of the batter, ideally behind an L-screen or net for safety.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • Ensure there is enough room in front of the batter to control the toss accurately, aiming for the strike zone where the batter can comfortably reach the pitch.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand about 6-8 feet in front of the batter with a protective L-screen in place. This ensures the coach is safe from potential contact while tossing.
  1. Toss Execution:
  • Begin by tossing the ball underhand at a moderate, controlled speed toward the batter’s strike zone.
  • The batter swings to make contact but must stop the bat immediately after hitting the ball. The goal is to freeze the bat immediately after contact to practice precise control.
  • Toss the ball to different locations (inside, outside, low, high) to increase the challenge and simulate different pitch locations.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each batter should take 8-10 swings, focusing on stopping their bat after contact with each toss. After each round, rotate players to provide time for rest and individualized feedback.
  1. Adjustments:
  • For players struggling to stop the bat, slow down the speed of the toss slightly. As they become more comfortable, gradually increase the toss speed and vary the pitch location for added difficulty.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Toss and Stop Batting Drill is specifically designed for building bat control, a skill essential for elite players. In situations like bunting or placing soft hits, players need to keep the bat controlled and prevent an excessive follow-through that could impact accuracy. This drill builds focus, bat discipline, and situational awareness, helping players develop the skills to place their hits precisely. For 10-12-year-olds aiming to improve to an elite level, learning to control the bat is a foundational skill that will make them more versatile hitters.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Bat Control and Precision: Teaches players to control their swing and prevent excessive follow-through, which is important for situational hitting.
  • Hand-Eye Coordination: By varying the pitch location, players improve their ability to make quick adjustments and control the bat path.
  • Situational Awareness: This drill reinforces skills for contact hitting situations, like bunting or hitting to specific infield zones.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Focus on Control Over Power: Remind players that the goal of this drill is control, not power. It’s about stopping the bat immediately after contact to develop precision.
  • Keep the Swing Short and Compact: Encourage players to use a short, controlled swing rather than a full power swing. This helps in stopping the bat quickly and keeping it steady.
  • Emphasize Balance: The player should maintain balance through the swing and stop. An unbalanced hitter will struggle to control the bat effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if the player can’t stop their bat after contact?
  • If a player is struggling, remind them to shorten their swing. You can slow down the toss speed or even reduce the distance of the toss to help them control the bat better. Encourage them to stay relaxed and focus on bat control rather than hitting hard.
  1. How does this drill help with bunting or contact hitting?
  • This drill teaches players to control their bat and avoid excessive follow-through, which is essential for situations like bunting or placing soft hits. The skills developed here will help players approach the ball with the precision needed for contact hitting.
  1. Is this drill too difficult for players new to soft toss?
  • This drill is designed to be challenging but can be adapted for players learning soft toss by using slower, more controlled tosses. If needed, have players focus on stopping their swing after contact without tossing the ball too fast.
  1. How often should I run this drill?
  • This drill can be included 1-2 times a week in batting practice sessions, especially when focusing on bat control and situational hitting. It’s a great supplement to other hitting drills focused on contact and mechanics.

The Toss and Stop Batting Drill is an effective way to teach 10-12-year-old players how to control their bat and hit with precision. With consistent practice, players will gain confidence in making controlled contact and improve their situational hitting skills, giving them an edge as versatile hitters.