Inside-Out Hitting Drill

A Drill to Teach Hitters to Drive Inside Pitches and Improve Bat Control

The Inside-Out Drill focuses on hitting the inside part of the ball, helping players learn to drive pitches on the inner half of the plate and avoid rolling over on outside pitches. This drill is ideal for developing bat control, swing path, and consistency.

The Inside-Out Drill is an essential part of developing well-rounded hitters who can handle inside pitches and drive the ball up the middle or to the opposite field. With consistent practice, players will build strong swing mechanics and control, enhancing their ability to make solid, powerful contact on all areas of the plate.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Soft baseballs or regular baseballs
  • L-screen or protective net (optional for coach 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 in front of the batter, at a slight angle from the front side, preparing to toss the ball to the inner half of the plate.
  1. Tossing Area:
  • The coach should be positioned at a slight angle from the batter to deliver a controlled toss aimed at the inner half of the plate, allowing the hitter to focus on driving the inside part of the ball.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Coach Positioning:
  • Stand about 5-7 feet in front of the batter at a slight angle, protected by an L-screen if necessary, to allow for a safe and effective toss.
  1. Soft Toss Execution:
  • Toss the ball underhand toward the inner half of the plate.
  • The hitter’s objective is to make contact with the inside part of the ball, keeping their hands inside the pitch and driving it to the opposite field or up the middle.
  • Encourage the player to stay balanced and avoid pulling the ball, which often results in weak contact or rolling over the pitch.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Each player should take 10-12 swings per round, focusing on making solid contact with the inside of the ball. Rotate players after each round to ensure they have time for feedback and rest between sets.
  1. Adjustments:
  • For younger players or beginners, start with a slow, controlled toss aimed slightly inside. For advanced players, vary the pitch location or increase the speed of the toss to provide a greater challenge.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Inside-Out Drill is crucial for teaching players how to handle pitches on the inner half of the plate and develop control over their swing path. By focusing on hitting the inside part of the ball, hitters learn to avoid “rolling over” pitches, especially those on the outside half. This drill builds a strong foundation for driving the ball up the middle and to the opposite field, increasing the player’s ability to make consistent, solid contact.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Bat Control: Emphasizes the importance of keeping hands inside the ball, allowing for better control of swing direction and reducing weak, pulled grounders.
  • Swing Path Consistency: Encourages a direct swing path, which improves overall swing mechanics and reduces tendencies to over-rotate.
  • Handling Inside Pitches: Helps players learn how to drive pitches on the inner half of the plate with power and control, enhancing their ability to cover the entire strike zone.

Pros and Cons of the Inside-Out Drill

Pros:

  • Improves Plate Coverage: By focusing on driving inside pitches and maintaining a straight swing path, hitters become more effective at handling various pitch locations.
  • Increases Opposite Field Power: Reinforces the ability to hit pitches up the middle or to the opposite field, preventing players from being “pull happy.”
  • Reduces Rolling Over: Teaches players to keep their hands inside the ball, minimizing groundouts from rolling over pitches on the outer half.

Cons:

  • Requires Patience and Focus: Hitters may need extra time to get comfortable with the mechanics, especially if they’re used to pulling pitches.
  • Can be Challenging for Beginners: Players with less experience may find it difficult to control their swing path without practice, so it’s important to start slow and build up.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Emphasize Hand Positioning: Remind players to keep their hands inside the ball, focusing on driving the pitch up the middle or to the opposite field.
  • Avoid Over-Rotating: Encourage the hitter to stay balanced throughout the swing. Over-rotation is a common issue that leads to rolling over pitches and pulling the ball weakly.
  • Focus on Balance and Control: This drill is about control and precision, so avoid over-emphasizing power. A compact, controlled swing is more effective.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What if the hitter keeps pulling the ball?
  • If the player is pulling the ball, they’re likely over-rotating or reaching for the pitch. Encourage them to stay balanced and wait a split second longer, focusing on driving the ball to the opposite field.
  1. Is this drill suitable for all skill levels?
  • Yes, this drill can be modified for all skill levels. Start with slower, controlled tosses for beginners, and increase speed and variability as players progress.
  1. How often should I run this drill?
  • The Inside-Out Drill is an effective addition to regular hitting practice and can be incorporated 2-3 times per week, especially if the player struggles with pulling outside pitches or making weak contact.
  1. Can this drill be done with live pitching?
  • Yes, for advanced hitters, this drill can be adapted to live pitching to simulate game-like conditions. Live pitching will further challenge their ability to make quick adjustments to various pitch speeds and locations.