OUTSIDE PITCH Tee Drill

A Drill to Teach Hitters to Drive the Outside Pitch to the Opposite Field

The Outside Pitch Tee Drill helps hitters develop the ability to handle pitches on the outer part of the plate, focusing on driving the ball to the opposite field. This drill reinforces proper mechanics and plate coverage for outside pitches.

This drill is an effective way to teach hitters to handle outside pitches, drive the ball to the opposite field, and become more versatile at the plate. With consistent practice, players will develop better bat control and learn to make solid contact with pitches in all areas of the strike zone.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Batting tee
  • Soft baseballs or regular baseballs
  • Bat for the player
  • Hitting net or open space to hit into
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The batter sets up in their regular hitting stance, but the tee is placed toward the outside corner of the plate to simulate an outside pitch. The tee should be set slightly back in the stance to allow for proper contact timing.
  • The batter should stand as if they were facing a live pitcher, focusing on driving the ball to the opposite field (right field for right-handed hitters, left field for left-handed hitters).
  1. Tee Placement:
  • Set the tee on the outer edge of the strike zone, typically about 6 inches from the outer edge of the plate. Adjust the height of the tee so that the ball is at a comfortable level for the batter to make solid contact.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Tee Setup:
  • Position the tee on the outer third of the plate, slightly deeper (closer to the catcher) in the stance to simulate the timing needed for an outside pitch.
  • Place a hitting net or target in the opposite field direction to give the batter a clear goal of where to drive the ball.
  1. Hitter’s Focus:
  • The batter should focus on taking a level, controlled swing, aiming to drive the ball to the opposite field. The goal is to keep the hands inside the ball, stay balanced, and drive the ball without trying to pull it.
  • Remind the hitter to maintain proper form and mechanics—keep the front shoulder closed, stay on top of the ball, and finish the swing without rolling over.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each hitter should take 10-15 swings per round, concentrating on hitting line drives or hard ground balls to the opposite field. Rotate players after each round to ensure everyone gets multiple turns.
  • After a couple of rounds, give feedback on their form and adjust tee placement if necessary to address swing mechanics or issues with plate coverage.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Outside Pitch Tee Drill is designed to teach hitters how to handle pitches on the outer half of the plate and develop the ability to drive the ball to the opposite field. Many young players tend to pull the ball, even on outside pitches, leading to weak contact or rolling over. This drill emphasizes proper bat path, balance, and timing for outside pitches, helping hitters become more well-rounded and effective at the plate.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Opposite Field Hitting: Teaches players how to drive outside pitches to the opposite field, a critical skill for handling a wide variety of pitch locations.
  • Plate Coverage: Helps hitters learn to cover the entire strike zone, especially the outer half, improving their ability to make solid contact with pitches in all areas.
  • Swing Mechanics: Reinforces staying inside the ball, maintaining a balanced swing, and avoiding rolling over or pulling off the ball.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Stay Inside the Ball: Emphasize the importance of keeping the hands inside the ball to prevent the hitter from rolling over and pulling outside pitches.
  • Focus on Balance: Make sure the hitter stays balanced and doesn’t lunge at the ball. The goal is to let the ball travel deeper and drive it to the opposite field.
  • Use Visual Targets: Place cones or targets in the opposite field (right field for right-handers, left field for left-handers) to give hitters a clear visual of where they should aim.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if the hitter keeps pulling the ball?
  • If the hitter is consistently pulling the ball, remind them to let the ball travel deeper into the zone before making contact. Encourage them to focus on driving the ball to the opposite field and keeping their hands inside.
  1. Is this drill useful for younger players?
  • Yes, this drill is ideal for younger players learning how to hit to all fields. It helps reinforce the importance of plate coverage and swing mechanics. For younger players, keep the tosses slow and the feedback simple.
  1. How can I make this drill more challenging for advanced hitters?
  • For more advanced hitters, adjust the tee height and add variability by changing the tee placement slightly between repetitions. You can also mix in soft tosses aimed at different parts of the plate to simulate real game conditions.
  1. How often should this drill be used?
  • The Outside Pitch Tee Drill can be used regularly, especially during hitting sessions where the focus is on pitch location and plate coverage. Running the drill 2-3 times per week will help players improve their ability to handle outside pitches.