Batting Practice on the Tee

A Fun Drill to Teach Basic Batting Skills and Make Baseball Exciting

This drill introduces Little League Tee Ballers to the basics of grip, stance, and making contact with the ball using a batting tee. The focus is on fun, helping young players enjoy baseball and feel successful.

Difficulty Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (Easy)
Time Estimate: 5-10 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Batting tee
  • Soft baseballs (foam or wiffle balls are ideal for safety)
  • Youth-sized bat (lightweight for easy handling)
  1. Player Positioning:
  • Place the tee at home plate or a designated hitting area with a safe, clear area around it.
  • Set the tee height so the ball is at about waist level for the player.
  • Show the player where to stand with feet shoulder-width apart, a comfortable distance from the tee.
  1. Coach Setup:
  • Position yourself nearby for guidance and encouragement. Consider kneeling or standing at the side to make adjustments as needed.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Introduce Grip:
  • Show the player the correct grip, with both hands close together on the bat. Explain how to hold it firmly but not too tight, making it easy to swing.
  1. Demonstrate Stance:
  • Guide the player to stand in a balanced position with knees slightly bent, facing the tee. Encourage them to stand tall and relaxed.
  1. Making Contact:
  • Instruct the player to keep their eyes on the ball, bring the bat back, and then swing smoothly to make contact with the ball on the tee.
  • Give simple cues, such as “keep your eyes on the ball” and “swing nice and easy.”
  • Celebrate each contact to make the experience fun and positive.
  1. Repetitions and Adjustments:
  • Allow the player to take about 5-10 swings, giving gentle feedback on grip, stance, or focus as needed.
  • Rotate players every few minutes to keep their attention engaged.

Why You Run This Drill:

Batting Practice on the Tee introduces young players to the core elements of hitting in a simple, enjoyable way. By starting with the basics, Little League Tee Ballers gain confidence and learn essential batting skills without feeling overwhelmed. This drill emphasizes the joy of baseball while building a foundation they can build on as they progress.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Grip and Stance Basics: Players learn to hold the bat properly and stand in a balanced position, giving them a strong foundation for more advanced skills.
  • Hand-Eye Coordination: Focusing on hitting a stationary ball helps players develop the coordination needed to progress to moving pitches.
  • Confidence and Enjoyment: Success on the tee gives young players a sense of accomplishment and makes them eager to keep playing.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Easy to Set Up: Requires minimal equipment and is suitable for any practice environment.
  • Engaging and Fun: Young players enjoy the simplicity of hitting off the tee, making it easier to keep their attention.
  • Builds Confidence: Success on the tee boosts player confidence, which is essential at this early age.

Cons:

  • Limited to Stationary Balls: Players only practice hitting a stationary ball, so it doesn’t simulate moving pitches.
  • Attention Span Challenges: Some players may lose interest after a few swings, so it’s essential to keep the drill short and engaging.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Keep it Positive: For 4-5 year olds, encouragement is key. Celebrate every attempt, and keep feedback light and simple.
  • Use Visual Cues: Many young players learn well through visual cues, so demonstrate the grip and stance yourself before asking them to do it.
  • Make Adjustments Gently: If the player struggles with grip or stance, gently adjust their hands or feet to help them find the correct form.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What size bat should I use?
  • A lightweight, youth-sized bat (typically 24-26 inches for this age group) is ideal. Avoid heavy bats that may be difficult for them to control. Many bats will say “Tee Ball” on them, to let parents and coaches know they are specifically for Tee Ball.
  1. What if my player keeps missing the ball?
  • If a player struggles to make contact, adjust the tee height or guide their swing gently. Remind them to keep their eyes on the ball and swing slowly. Patience and encouragement are key at this stage.
  1. How often should I run this drill?
  • This drill can be used every practice as a warm-up or introduction to hitting. It’s a great way to build confidence and reinforce fundamentals over time.
  1. How can I make this drill more engaging?
  • Consider setting up targets or rewarding good contact with a small prize. Rotating players frequently also keeps the activity exciting and prevents boredom.

Batting Practice on the Tee is an enjoyable way to introduce young players to the essentials of hitting. With a focus on fun and foundational skills, this drill will help kids in the Tee Ball division build confidence and enthusiasm for baseball.