Tee Work with Weighted Balls

A Power-Building Drill to Reinforce Muscle Memory and Drive Through Contact

Tee Work with Weighted Balls requires hitters to generate additional force, helping them focus on driving through the ball with power while maintaining proper swing mechanics. This drill enhances a hitter’s muscle memory for power without sacrificing control or form.

This drill is a powerful tool for helping hitters build strength, muscle memory, and mechanics to drive through pitches effectively. By incorporating this drill consistently, players can develop the power and control needed to succeed at the plate.

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

Setup:

  1. Equipment Needed:
  • Weighted balls (typically 16-32 ounces; softer weighted balls are recommended to reduce bat damage)
  • Regular tee or heavy-duty tee (sturdier tees work best due to the weight of the balls)
  • Bat for the player (ensure it is durable enough to withstand contact with heavier balls)
  1. Player Positioning:
  • The hitter should take their regular stance in the batter’s box, positioning themselves as they would for standard tee work.
  • Place the tee in a central location to allow the player to work on hitting the ball solidly from different pitch locations as the drill progresses.
  1. Tee Height:
  • Set the tee height to simulate a pitch in the middle of the strike zone. Adjust the height occasionally to target different locations, encouraging the hitter to drive the ball low, high, inside, and outside as they gain confidence.

How to Run the Drill:

  1. Setup and Positioning:
  • Ensure the tee is positioned at a comfortable height for the hitter based on their strike zone.
  • Place a weighted ball on the tee, centered on the hitter’s midline or slightly in front, as this helps the hitter practice driving through the ball.
  1. Executing the Swing:
  • The hitter should take a balanced swing, focusing on driving through the ball with power without overswinging or losing control.
  • Encourage the hitter to maintain good swing mechanics: a strong stance, proper hip rotation, and smooth follow-through. They should focus on extending through the ball and generating power from the ground up, using their legs, hips, and core.
  • Each swing should be deliberate, focusing on quality rather than quantity.
  1. Repetitions:
  • Start with 8-10 swings per set, allowing the hitter to rest briefly between sets. Perform 2-3 sets with weighted balls, then switch to regular baseballs to help the hitter feel the difference in power generation and control.
  • Encourage hitters to focus on solid contact and muscle memory rather than rushing through repetitions.
  1. Variations:
  • As the player becomes more comfortable, vary the tee height to simulate different pitch locations, challenging the hitter to drive the ball low, middle, and high in the strike zone with consistent power and mechanics.

Why You Run This Drill:

The Tee Work with Weighted Balls drill is designed to build power and improve muscle memory, reinforcing a strong, controlled swing path. The extra weight of the balls helps hitters develop core strength, improve bat speed, and train their bodies to drive through contact. This drill is especially beneficial for hitters working on power generation and those needing extra reinforcement in follow-through and balance.

Key Skills Developed:

  • Power Generation: The added weight requires hitters to swing with more force, building strength and bat speed.
  • Muscle Memory: Repeated contact with weighted balls helps create muscle memory for driving through pitches, translating to better power and contact with regular baseballs.
  • Swing Mechanics: By focusing on smooth, controlled swings, hitters improve their balance, body control, and extension through the hitting zone.

Coaching Notes & FAQs:

Coaching Tips:

  • Emphasize Mechanics Over Power: Remind players that proper mechanics are crucial. It’s easy to lose control or form when swinging against weighted balls, so encourage them to stay balanced and maintain a smooth swing.
  • Focus on Follow-Through: The added weight should encourage hitters to extend through the ball. Reinforce follow-through to ensure the player doesn’t stop their swing upon contact.
  • Use Regular Balls After Weighted Balls: Switching back to regular balls after working with weighted ones allows hitters to feel the difference in control and power, reinforcing the strength and muscle memory developed through the drill.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What weight of balls should I use?
  • Most hitters benefit from balls that are 16-32 ounces, as these weights provide adequate resistance without overwhelming the hitter or risking injury. Adjust according to age and strength levels.
  1. Can this drill be used with younger players?
  • Yes, but use lighter-weight balls for younger or less experienced players, starting with around 16 ounces. Focus on proper form rather than heavy resistance to prevent injury.
  1. How do I keep players from overswinging with the added weight?
  • Encourage the hitter to focus on a controlled, balanced swing. Remind them that the goal is to drive through the ball with proper mechanics, not to swing harder. Emphasize the importance of balance and follow-through over pure force.
  1. How often should this drill be incorporated into practice?
  • This drill can be done once or twice per week as part of a regular hitting session. It’s most effective when used in combination with regular tee work and other soft toss drills.