TWO TEE EXTENSION Tee Drill

Two Tee Extension Tee Drill

A Drill to Build Extension Through Contact and Drive Through the Ball

The Two Tee Extension Tee Drill focuses on developing a hitter’s ability to stay in the hitting zone longer and maintain proper hand path through contact. By driving through two balls placed on separate tees, hitters learn to keep their hands working forward and extend through contact for more power and consistency.

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

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Two batting tees
  • Two baseballs
  • A bat for the player
  • Bucket of balls for repetition
  1. Player and Tee Positioning:
  • Set up two tees in a straight line from the pitcher’s rubber through home plate. The front tee should be positioned just inside the front foot’s stride when the batter is in their hitting stance.
  • The second tee should be placed directly behind the front tee, approximately 12-18 inches further back, in line with the batter’s contact zone.
  • The batter stands in their regular stance at the plate, ready to hit both balls in sequence with one swing.
  1. Ball Placement:
  • Place a ball on each tee. The ball on the front tee should be in line with the batter’s front foot as they stride, while the ball on the back tee should be in line with the back foot, simulating the extension phase of the swing.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach and Player Positioning:
  • The batter assumes their regular stance at home plate, ready to drive through both tees with one swing.
  • The coach ensures the setup is aligned properly, with both tees directly in line and the front tee positioned just inside the batter’s front foot stride.
  1. Drill Execution:
  • The goal is for the batter to make solid contact with both balls in a single, fluid swing, driving through both balls while maintaining a proper swing path. The batter must focus on keeping their hands working forward and extending through the contact zone.
  • The hitter should start by focusing on the first ball on the front tee, ensuring a clean strike, and then continue the swing to drive through the second ball, emphasizing full extension after contact.
  • As they swing, the player should focus on staying balanced and keeping their hands inside the ball, with the goal of hitting both balls in a straight line toward the middle of the field.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each batter should complete 8-10 swings per round, focusing on staying in the zone and driving through both balls. Rotate players after each set to allow for feedback and rest.
  1. Adjustments:
  • For younger or less experienced players, you may need to adjust the spacing between the tees or slow down the pace of the drill to ensure proper mechanics. For more advanced players, challenge them to drive both balls into the outfield gap with consistent power.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Two Tee Extension Tee Drill is designed to help hitters develop proper hand path, extension, and power through the hitting zone. By focusing on driving through both balls with one swing, players learn to stay inside the ball longer, which results in better bat control, improved contact quality, and more consistent power. This drill is particularly helpful for preventing hitters from “rolling over” on outside pitches and teaches them to keep their hands working forward through the entire swing.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Extension Through Contact: The drill emphasizes staying through the ball, teaching hitters to drive their hands forward and extend through the contact point for maximum power and consistency.
  • Bat Control and Hand Path: This drill reinforces keeping the hands inside the ball and maintaining a level bat path through the zone.
  • Staying in the Zone Longer: By swinging through two balls, hitters learn to keep their bat in the hitting zone longer, which improves contact quality and allows for better plate coverage.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Focus on Extension: Emphasize to players that the key to this drill is extending through the ball, rather than trying to simply swing harder. The goal is to stay balanced and controlled, with the hands working forward.
  • Hit Both Balls Squarely: Encourage players to focus on making clean, solid contact with both balls. If they’re missing the second ball, they may be cutting their swing off early and not fully extending.
  • Balance is Key: Ensure the hitter maintains good balance and doesn’t over-rotate. The focus should be on staying controlled while extending through the zone.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if the hitter keeps missing the second ball?
  • If the hitter consistently misses the second ball, it may indicate they are pulling off the ball too early or cutting their swing short. Encourage them to focus on extending through the contact point and keeping their hands inside the ball.
  1. Can this drill be used for younger players?
  • Yes, this drill can be used for younger players, but you may need to adjust the spacing between the tees and use lighter balls (such as soft baseballs or tennis balls) to make it easier for them to focus on proper mechanics.
  1. How often should I run this drill?
  • This drill can be incorporated into regular batting practice 1-2 times per week. It pairs well with other tee drills focused on hand path and swing mechanics, helping to develop a well-rounded swing.
  1. What are some common mistakes to watch for?
  • Watch for hitters who over-rotate or lose balance when trying to drive through both balls. Encourage them to focus on controlled extension, not swinging too hard. Another common mistake is pulling off the ball early, so remind hitters to stay inside the ball and extend through the second ball.