Soft Toss With Two Different Ball Speeds

A Drill to Improve Hitter’s Timing and Adjustments to Changing Speeds

The Soft Toss with Two Different Ball Speeds drill is designed to challenge hitters by varying the speed of tosses. This forces the hitter to adjust their timing and swing mechanics to handle both slower and faster pitches, simulating game-like conditions where pitch speed varies.

The Soft Toss with Two Different Ball Speeds drill is an excellent way to help hitters develop better timing, mechanics, and adaptability when faced with varying pitch speeds. This drill will prepare players for real game situations, helping them make quick adjustments and maintain consistency at the plate.

Difficulty Rating: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate)
Time Estimate: 10-15 minutes

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs or tennis balls (to reduce injury risk)
  • L-screen or protective net (optional but recommended for coach’s safety)
  • A bat for the player
  • Bucket of balls for the coach
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The batter stands in their regular stance in the batter’s box.
  • The coach positions themselves about 5-7 feet directly in front of the batter, ready to alternate tosses with varying speeds.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • The coach should have easy access to a bucket of balls for rapid tossing and position themselves safely behind a protective net or L-screen to toss balls at varying speeds.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand 5-7 feet in front of the batter behind an L-screen or protective net for safety. You should be in an underhand position to easily control the speed of each toss.
  1. Soft Toss Execution:
  • Begin by tossing a ball at a normal, slow soft toss speed. The batter should focus on making solid contact.
  • On the next toss, increase the speed slightly by releasing the ball faster, forcing the hitter to adjust to a quicker pace. Vary between soft tosses and faster tosses in alternating patterns.
  • The batter must maintain proper swing mechanics while adjusting their timing for the varying speeds.
  • Tosses should alternate between slower, regular soft toss and faster, game-like tosses, without disrupting the batter’s rhythm.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each batter should take 10-15 swings per round. Rotate players after each round to allow for rest and provide feedback on their timing and adjustments.
  1. Adjustments:
  • For more experienced hitters, you can add more variability to the speed changes, sometimes mixing in very slow tosses or even faster tosses to create unpredictability. For younger players, begin with smaller speed differences and increase the variation as they get comfortable.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Soft Toss with Two Different Ball Speeds drill helps hitters improve their ability to adjust to varying pitch speeds, a crucial skill in game situations. Pitchers often mix in different speeds to throw off a hitter’s timing, and this drill simulates those adjustments in a controlled environment. It helps the batter maintain focus, proper mechanics, and timing consistency when faced with changing speeds, which is critical to becoming a well-rounded hitter.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Timing Adjustment: The primary focus of the drill is to teach hitters how to adjust their timing to handle slower and faster pitches effectively.
  • Bat Control and Mechanics: By adjusting to different speeds while maintaining swing mechanics, hitters improve their ability to control the bat and make consistent contact.
  • Game-Like Situations: This drill simulates game scenarios where pitch speed fluctuates, helping hitters prepare for live pitching where they must make quick decisions.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Emphasize Staying Relaxed: Hitters may tense up when the tosses speed up. Encourage them to stay relaxed, keep their eyes on the ball, and trust their swing mechanics.
  • Timing is Key: Remind hitters to focus on timing the ball and adjusting their load. The drill isn’t about swinging harder on fast tosses or slower on soft tosses, but about timing their swing to match the ball speed.
  • Encourage Consistent Mechanics: Whether the ball is tossed slow or fast, the batter should use the same mechanics and avoid rushing or getting off balance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What should I do if the hitter is having trouble adjusting to the faster toss?
  • If a hitter struggles with the faster toss, slow down the speed difference until they get more comfortable, then gradually increase the speed over time. Make sure they are focusing on timing the pitch rather than swinging harder.
  1. Can this drill be used for younger players?
  • Yes, this drill can be adjusted for younger or less experienced players. Start with a small speed difference and make sure the batter is focusing on keeping their swing mechanics consistent. As they develop, you can introduce larger speed variations.
  1. How do I challenge more advanced hitters?
  • For advanced hitters, you can vary the speed more dramatically, introducing tosses that simulate both changeups and fastballs. You can also mix in pitch location changes (inside, outside, high, or low) to make the drill even more game-like.
  1. How often should this drill be incorporated into practice?
  • This drill can be incorporated 1-2 times per week, especially during batting practice sessions. It works well alongside other drills focused on timing, such as live batting practice or machine work, to reinforce adjustment skills.