Launch Angle Hitting Drill For Bat Speed

A Drill to Help Hitters Focus on Creating an Optimal Launch Angle, Bat Path And Bat Speed

The Launch Angle Drill teaches players to hit with purpose, emphasizing upward extension after contact. This drill helps optimize the player’s bat path, speed, and overall swing mechanics to generate better ball trajectory and power.

The Launch Angle Drill is a valuable tool for hitters aiming to improve their power, trajectory, and consistency at the plate. With careful practice and attention to balance and swing mechanics, this drill can help players develop the skills necessary to drive the ball with authority.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs, regular baseballs, or tennis balls
  • L-screen or protective net (optional for coach safety)
  • A bat for the player
  • Bucket of balls for the coach
  • Target (optional) – like a net or marker in the outfield to help players visualize a desired trajectory
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The batter stands in their regular hitting stance, ready to swing.
  • The coach positions themselves about 6-8 feet in front of the batter, with a protective screen if available, to toss balls at a consistent height.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • The coach should have clear space to toss the ball safely. The player should have an unobstructed view of a target or visual marker that represents an optimal launch angle.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand approximately 6-8 feet in front of the batter, behind an L-screen or protective net if available, with a bucket of balls ready to toss at a consistent height.
  1. Soft Toss Execution:
  • The coach tosses the ball underhand into the hitter’s strike zone.
  • The batter focuses on making contact with the ball while trying to generate an upward extension in their swing. They should aim to hit the ball at a specific launch angle that sends it on a high trajectory toward a target area, ideally 15-25 degrees above horizontal for line drives.
  • Remind the player to maintain control and balance through the swing, focusing on a smooth, upward extension rather than a “chopping” motion. The goal is to create a slight upward swing path that maximizes power and trajectory without compromising contact.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each player should take 10-15 swings, focusing on consistent upward contact with each toss. Rotate players as needed and provide individual feedback to help refine their launch angle.
  1. Adjustments:
  • For more advanced hitters, introduce different pitch locations to work on creating an optimal launch angle from various contact points (inside, outside, high, low). For beginners, keep the tosses consistent and focus on swing path and upward extension.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Launch Angle Drill helps players develop a swing path that maximizes power and hitting consistency. By focusing on the ideal launch angle, hitters learn to drive the ball with an upward trajectory, which leads to more extra-base hits and can increase their ability to hit line drives and home runs. This drill also helps players understand the mechanics of their swing, encouraging them to swing with purpose rather than simply making contact.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Optimized Swing Path: Helps players develop a bat path that produces an upward launch angle, improving their ability to hit balls on a line or in the air.
  • Power and Trajectory: Emphasizes upward extension after contact, which can increase the distance and trajectory of hits.
  • Control and Balance: Teaches players to maintain control and balance while generating upward power, which is crucial for consistent contact.

Pros and Cons of the Launch Angle Drill

Pros:

  • Builds Power: Focusing on launch angle can help hitters develop a more powerful swing that produces better contact and deeper hits.
  • Improves Swing Path: Encourages players to create a consistent upward swing path, which can lead to more line drives and extra-base hits.
  • Enhances Hitting Confidence: Players who learn to drive the ball with a specific angle gain confidence in their ability to hit for power and consistency.

Cons:

  • Potential Overemphasis on Fly Balls: If overused, players may become too focused on hitting fly balls, which can lead to pop-ups and missed opportunities to make solid, level contact.
  • Challenging for Younger Players: This drill may be difficult for younger players who are still working on basic swing mechanics, as it requires a degree of control and strength.
  • Risk of Poor Swing Mechanics: If not coached properly, players may develop a habit of lifting or “uppercutting” the ball too much, which can lead to inconsistent contact and weak hits.

Coaching Notes & FAQs

Coaching Tips:

  • Focus on Smooth Extension: Emphasize that the goal is a smooth, upward extension rather than a steep uppercut. The batter should feel like they are driving through the ball with power, not just trying to lift it.
  • Use Visual Targets: If possible, set a target or mark on a net or in the outfield to give players a visual of where they want the ball to go, helping them better understand the angle they’re aiming for.
  • Balance and Control: Make sure players stay balanced through the swing. Launch angle training can sometimes lead to over-swinging or losing balance, so remind them to maintain control.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if the player is popping up too many balls?
  • If the player is consistently hitting pop-ups, they may be overemphasizing the upward swing. Encourage them to flatten their swing slightly and focus on driving through the ball with a slight upward motion instead of lifting.
  1. Can this drill be used with younger or less experienced players?
  • It can be adapted for younger players by focusing more on creating a smooth, balanced swing path rather than emphasizing specific angles. Start with consistent soft tosses, and emphasize upward extension only as they grow more comfortable with basic mechanics.
  1. How often should this drill be incorporated into practice?
  • The Launch Angle Drill is best used 1-2 times per week, especially as part of a hitting practice focused on power and consistency. Overemphasis on launch angle can lead to mechanical issues, so it should be balanced with other drills focusing on contact and control.
  1. How can I make the drill more challenging for advanced hitters?
  • For advanced hitters, vary the pitch locations and speeds, simulating game-like conditions. This forces players to adjust their swing angle depending on the pitch location, teaching them to produce optimal launch angles on different pitches.