How to do the drill
- 1
Set your feet facing the pitcher, then turn your upper body into your normal hitting position. Keep your feet still during the swing.
- 2
Have a coach toss soft training balls inside toward your front elbow.
- 3
For this drill, swing at those inside tosses even when they are outside the strike zone. Work on getting the barrel out in front to meet the ball.
Coaching cues
- Eyes on the ball
- Feet still; turn the upper body
- Get the barrel out in front
- Think: I can get my barrel to this ball
Safety
Use soft training balls, such as Wiffle balls or tennis balls, that the player knows will not hurt. The outside-the-strike-zone swings are specific to this drill. Separately practice avoiding a pitch that will hit you: turn away, tuck your elbow, and bring your head and bat down.
