BOTTOM HAND Soft Toss

A Drill to Improve Hand-Eye Coordination and Bat Control

The Bottom Hand Soft Toss drill focuses on enhancing hand-eye coordination and bat control by isolating the batter’s bottom hand. This drill helps hitters develop better control and balance, teaching them how to guide the bat through the zone with precision and consistency.

The Bottom Hand Soft Toss drill is a valuable tool for building the hand-eye coordination, bat control, and swing consistency that all great hitters need. By regularly incorporating this drill into practice, players will see improvement in their ability to make solid contact and control their bat through the strike zone.

Difficulty Rating: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate)
Time Estimate: 8-10 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs or tennis balls (to minimize injury risk)
  • L-screen or protective net (optional for coach safety)
  • A short bat or regular bat (a short bat can be easier for younger players)
  • Bucket of balls for the coach
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The batter stands in their normal batting stance, gripping the bat with only the bottom hand (left hand for right-handed batters, right hand for left-handed batters). The top hand should be placed behind their back or by their side.
  • The coach sets up about 5-7 feet in front of the batter, protected by an L-screen or net.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • Ensure there is adequate space for the coach to toss the ball and the hitter to swing freely with only the bottom hand on the bat. The toss should be aimed at the batter’s strike zone, typically waist to chest height.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand 5-7 feet in front of the batter behind an L-screen or net for safety. You’ll be tossing the ball underhand at a controlled speed to allow the hitter to focus on bat control with their bottom hand.
  1. Soft Toss Execution:
  • The batter grips the bat only with their bottom hand, focusing on controlling the swing with precision and balance. The top hand is kept behind the back or resting at the side.
  • The coach tosses the ball underhand into the strike zone, aiming for consistency to allow the batter to focus on making solid contact.
  • The hitter should swing smoothly with the bottom hand, guiding the bat through the zone while maintaining good balance and body control.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each hitter should take 10-12 swings per round with only the bottom hand on the bat. After one round, rotate players or allow for a short rest before beginning another set. Depending on the group size, this drill should take 8-10 minutes.
  1. Adjustments:
  • For younger players, using a shorter bat can help with control and bat speed. For more advanced hitters, you can vary the toss location to challenge their ability to adjust with only one hand.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Bottom Hand Soft Toss drill is vital for developing hand-eye coordination, bat control, and the ability to guide the bat through the hitting zone with precision. The bottom hand plays a crucial role in helping hitters stay on plane and stay through the ball, making it essential for consistent contact and power generation. Isolating the bottom hand allows hitters to strengthen this part of their swing, improving their overall mechanics.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Hand-Eye Coordination: By focusing on hitting with only one hand, the batter improves their ability to track the ball and make solid contact.
  • Bat Control: This drill teaches the hitter to control the bat through the zone with more precision, which is key for handling different pitch locations and speeds.
  • Swing Path Consistency: The bottom hand helps keep the bat on the proper swing plane, and this drill reinforces the importance of staying level and through the ball.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Balance and Control: Remind players to stay balanced throughout the swing and focus on controlling the bat with their bottom hand. Avoid over-swinging or losing balance, as this will lead to poor mechanics.
  • Use a Short Bat if Needed: For younger or less experienced players, using a shorter bat can help them maintain better control while using only one hand.
  • Smooth, Controlled Swings: Encourage hitters to focus on smooth, controlled swings rather than trying to hit the ball with too much force. The goal is bat control and hand-eye coordination, not power.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What role does the bottom hand play in the swing?
  • The bottom hand is critical for guiding the bat through the zone and staying on the swing plane. It helps control the bat path and ensures the hitter stays level through the ball, making it a crucial component of a powerful, controlled swing.
  1. What should I do if the player struggles to make contact with one hand?
  • If the player is struggling, slow down the toss and ensure it’s at a comfortable height in the strike zone. Remind them to stay balanced and not to rush their swing. Using a shorter bat can also help with control.
  1. Can this drill be used for younger players?
  • Yes, this drill can be adapted for younger players by using a smaller bat and focusing on slower, more controlled tosses. The goal is to develop hand-eye coordination and bat control at an early age.
  1. How often should this drill be used?
  • The Bottom Hand Soft Toss drill can be used 1-2 times per week as part of a larger hitting routine. It’s an excellent drill for building foundational skills and can be alternated with top hand drills for a complete swing development program.