Top Hand Soft Toss

A Drill to Develop Top-Hand Strength, Control, and Power in the Swing

The Top Hand Soft Toss drill isolates the top hand, helping hitters improve control, bat speed, and power. By swinging with only the top hand, hitters can focus on the role it plays in generating a strong, level swing.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs or tennis balls (to reduce 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 to handle with one hand)
  • Bucket of balls for the coach
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The batter stands in their regular batting stance, but they will grip the bat with only their top hand (right hand for right-handed batters, left hand for left-handed batters). The bottom hand should be placed behind their back or by their side to ensure they focus on the top hand.
  • The coach sets up about 5-7 feet in front of the batter, behind a protective net or L-screen for safety.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • Ensure there is adequate space for both the coach to toss the ball and the hitter to swing freely with their top hand only. The toss should be aimed at the middle or lower part of the strike zone to allow for solid contact.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand 5-7 feet in front of the batter, protected by an L-screen or net. Prepare to toss the ball underhand at a slow, controlled speed to allow the hitter to focus on their mechanics with one hand.
  1. Soft Toss Execution:
  • The hitter swings with only their top hand on the bat. The bottom hand is either placed behind their back or resting at their side.
  • The coach tosses the ball underhand into the strike zone, aiming for consistency in location so the batter can focus on making solid contact.
  • The hitter should focus on driving the ball with their top hand, ensuring they maintain balance and keep a level swing plane. The goal is to develop strength and control in the top hand without overcompensating with the body or shoulder.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each hitter should take 10-12 swings per round with the top hand only. After completing one round, rotate players or allow for a brief rest before starting another set. Depending on the size of the group, this drill should take 8-10 minutes.
  1. Adjustments:
  • For younger or less experienced players, you can shorten the bat (use a small bat or a hand drill bat) to make it easier to control with one hand. For more advanced hitters, vary the toss location to challenge their bat control and timing.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Top Hand Soft Toss drill is a key exercise for building strength and control in the hitter’s top hand. The top hand plays a critical role in guiding the bat through the hitting zone and driving the ball with power. By isolating the top hand, hitters can focus on developing a stronger, more controlled swing. This drill also helps hitters avoid common mistakes such as rolling over their wrists or losing bat speed through the zone.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Top-Hand Strength: Isolating the top hand allows the hitter to develop strength, which is vital for driving the ball with power and keeping control through the swing.
  • Bat Control: The drill helps improve the ability to guide the bat through the zone, preventing over-rotation or rolling of the wrists.
  • Swing Path Consistency: By focusing on the top hand, hitters can ensure they maintain a level, direct swing path, improving their ability to make solid contact.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Focus on Balance and Control: Remind players to stay balanced and avoid over-rotating or lunging at the ball. The goal is to keep the swing short and controlled, focusing on the role of the top hand in guiding the bat.
  • Shorten the Bat if Necessary: Younger or less experienced players may struggle to handle a full-sized bat with one hand. If so, have them use a shorter bat or training bat to develop control before moving to a regular bat.
  • Reinforce Proper Follow-Through: Ensure that the player is not rolling over their wrists too soon. The top hand should guide the bat through the zone and stay strong all the way through contact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Why is it important to focus on the top hand?
  • The top hand plays a vital role in controlling the bat through the zone and driving the ball with power. Isolating it in this drill helps develop strength, speed, and control, leading to more consistent, powerful swings.
  1. What should I do if the hitter is struggling to make contact?
  • If the player is having trouble making contact, slow down the toss and ensure the ball is in a comfortable strike zone. Focus on mechanics—remind them to stay balanced and not over-swing with just one hand.
  1. Can this drill be used for younger players?
  • Yes, this drill is appropriate for younger players, but you may need to modify it slightly by using a shorter bat or reducing the speed of the toss. Encourage younger players to focus on form and balance rather than power.
  1. How often should this drill be incorporated into practice?
  • This drill can be used 1-2 times per week as part of a regular hitting practice. It pairs well with other soft toss drills that focus on the full swing, giving hitters a complete development of both hands working together.