Side Soft Toss Hitting Drill

A Drill to Teach Hitters to Stay Inside the Ball and Drive it to the Middle or Opposite Field

The Side Soft Toss drill focuses on teaching hitters to stay inside the ball, working on driving it up the middle or toward the opposite field. By tossing the ball from an angle, this drill helps players develop proper swing path and bat control.

The Side Soft Toss drill is a highly effective tool in teaching players how to handle outside pitches and develop into well-rounded hitters. Regular use of this drill will improve swing mechanics, bat control, and the ability to hit to all parts of the field.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs or tennis balls (to reduce risk of injury)
  • L-screen or protective net (optional but recommended for safety)
  • A bat for the player
  • Bucket of balls for the coach
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The batter stands in their regular stance, with the coach positioned about 6-8 feet to the side of the batter (either on the front side or behind depending on the direction of the batter’s swing). The angle of the toss should simulate an outside pitch or a ball headed toward the middle.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • The coach should stand at an angle to the batter, either on the same side as their back leg (for right-handers, this is the third-base side) or on the opposite side. The toss should be at an angle that mimics a pitch that’s on the outer half of the plate.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand approximately 6-8 feet from the batter, positioned at about a 45-degree angle to their side, allowing you to toss the ball from an angle that simulates an outside pitch.
  1. Soft Toss Execution:
  • Toss the ball gently underhand from the side, aiming for a spot in the hitting zone where the batter can make solid contact. Make sure the toss comes from a slightly outside angle, so the batter has to adjust to hitting the ball up the middle or to the opposite field.
  • The batter should focus on keeping their hands inside the ball, driving it either up the middle or toward the opposite field. This ensures proper swing mechanics and reinforces hitting the ball where it’s pitched.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each batter should take 10-15 swings per round, focusing on hitting the ball with control rather than power. Rotate players after each round, offering feedback and coaching on technique.
  1. Variations:
  • For more advanced hitters, you can vary the speed and location of the toss to simulate different pitch speeds and locations, forcing the batter to make further adjustments.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Side Soft Toss drill is designed to help players develop a proper swing path, teaching them to hit the ball up the middle or to the opposite field. By tossing the ball from an angle, this drill encourages hitters to keep their hands inside the ball, which helps prevent pulling off pitches and reinforces the importance of staying balanced through the swing. It’s an essential drill for improving contact with outside pitches and developing the ability to hit to all fields.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Staying Inside the Ball: This drill emphasizes keeping the hands inside the ball, a critical skill for hitting outside pitches and maintaining good bat control.
  • Opposite Field and Middle-of-the-Field Hitting: Helps hitters learn to drive the ball up the middle or toward the opposite field, which is crucial for becoming a well-rounded hitter.
  • Swing Mechanics and Bat Path: The drill reinforces good mechanics by promoting a direct, controlled swing path through the hitting zone.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Balance and Control: Remind players to focus on staying balanced through the swing and not pulling off the ball too early. Encourage a smooth, direct swing rather than trying to muscle up or pull the ball.
  • Placement of Toss: Make sure the toss is consistently at an angle that forces the player to stay inside the ball. If the toss is too straight, it won’t challenge the player to hit to the opposite field or up the middle.
  • Swing Path Focus: Use cues like “keep your hands inside” and “drive the ball the other way” to reinforce the goal of hitting the ball up the middle or toward the opposite field.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Which side should I toss from?
  • For a right-handed batter, the coach typically tosses from the first-base side. For a left-handed batter, toss from the third-base side. The goal is to simulate an outside pitch that needs to be driven up the middle or the opposite field.
  1. What should I do if the batter keeps pulling the ball?
  • If the player pulls the ball too often, it usually means they’re opening up too soon or not staying inside the ball. Encourage them to keep their front shoulder closed and their hands tight to the body. You can also slow down the toss to allow them to focus on correcting their swing path.
  1. Can this drill help with other aspects of hitting?
  • Yes, this drill not only teaches hitting to the opposite field but also improves a player’s ability to handle outside pitches, stay balanced, and develop proper bat control. These skills are critical in overall hitting success.
  1. How often should this drill be done?
  • Incorporating this drill into regular practice, about 2-3 times per week, will help players consistently work on hitting to all fields and refining their mechanics. As players progress, you can increase the difficulty by varying the speed and location of the toss.