Weighted Ball Soft Toss

A Drill to Build Power and Reinforce Driving Through the Baseball

The Weighted Ball Soft Toss drill uses heavier balls to help hitters build strength and power in their swings, reinforcing the importance of driving through the ball with full extension and follow-through.

This drill is a great way to build power, reinforce proper mechanics, and help hitters learn to drive through the baseball with full follow-through. With consistent use, players will develop stronger, more effective swings that translate into better in-game performance.

Difficulty Rating: ★★★★☆ (Challenging)
Time Estimate: 8-12 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Weighted or underload balls (ranging from 10 to 20 oz., depending on the age and strength of the player)
  • L-screen or protective net (optional for coach safety)
  • A bat for the player (preferably their regular game bat)
  • Bucket of weighted balls for the coach
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The batter stands in their regular hitting stance, ready to swing with their regular game bat.
  • The coach positions themselves about 5-7 feet in front of the batter, behind an L-screen or protective net, prepared to toss the weighted balls.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • Ensure the space allows for free movement and swinging. The toss should be aimed at the middle of the strike zone, focusing on solid, driven contact with the heavier balls.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand 5-7 feet in front of the batter, positioned behind an L-screen or protective net for safety. Hold a bucket of weighted balls for easy access.
  1. Soft Toss Execution:
  • Toss the weighted ball underhand into the strike zone, aiming for a consistent height (waist to chest) to allow the batter to make solid contact.
  • The hitter should focus on driving through the ball with full extension and follow-through, using their body and core strength to generate power.
  • The heavier ball will create more resistance, which helps build muscle memory and reinforces proper mechanics. The batter should focus on keeping a smooth swing and not cutting off their follow-through.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Perform 8-10 swings per round. Rotate players after each round, offering rest and feedback between sets. For younger players, you may want to reduce the number of swings or use lighter weighted balls to avoid fatigue.
  1. Adjustments:
  • For more advanced hitters, you can increase the weight of the balls or vary the toss locations to work on different areas of the strike zone. For younger or less experienced players, start with lighter balls and gradually work up in weight.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Weighted Ball Soft Toss drill is designed to help hitters build strength, power, and improve their swing mechanics by using a heavier ball. The added weight creates resistance, which forces players to engage their core, legs, and arms more effectively, building the muscle memory needed to drive the ball harder. Additionally, the drill helps hitters reinforce their follow-through, as it requires them to fully extend through the zone to generate power.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Power: The added resistance of the weighted ball helps players build strength in their swing, leading to harder contact and greater power at the plate.
  • Drive Through the Ball: Hitters learn to drive through the ball with full extension and follow-through, reinforcing proper swing mechanics and avoiding short or choppy swings.
  • Muscle Memory and Mechanics: The drill helps develop muscle memory, training the body to handle the resistance and transfer that into regular swings with lighter balls.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Focus on Full Extension: Encourage the player to fully extend their arms through the ball. The heavier ball will naturally slow down their swing, so it’s important to maintain proper mechanics and drive through the zone.
  • Balance and Core Engagement: Remind hitters to stay balanced and use their lower body to generate power. Weighted ball drills are excellent for teaching players to engage their core and legs, not just their arms.
  • Use Game Bats: Have players use their regular game bats to maintain familiarity with their swing mechanics. This ensures that the strength built from this drill transfers to in-game situations.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What weight should the balls be for younger players?
  • For younger players (8-12 years old), start with lighter weighted balls (around 10-12 oz.) to avoid fatigue or injury. As they grow stronger and more comfortable, you can gradually increase the weight.
  1. Can this drill be used with both baseball and softball players?
  • Yes, this drill works well for both baseball and softball players. The focus on power, mechanics, and driving through the ball is universal to both sports. Just adjust the ball weight and toss height according to the player’s needs.
  1. What should I do if the player struggles with the heavier ball?
  • If a player is struggling to make solid contact or feels uncomfortable with the heavier ball, lower the weight and ensure they are focusing on smooth, controlled swings. The goal is to build strength over time without compromising form.
  1. How often should this drill be incorporated into practice?
  • The Weighted Ball Soft Toss drill can be incorporated 1-2 times per week. Because it requires more physical effort than traditional soft toss, make sure not to overuse it, especially with younger players. Combine it with regular soft toss and other hitting drills for balanced development.