Soft Toss
A batting drill where a partner tosses balls underhand from the side at a 45-degree angle, allowing hitters to focus on mechanics and contact.
Example Usage
“We started with soft toss to get the feel for staying inside the ball.”
Soft Toss
Soft toss is a fundamental batting drill where a partner or coach tosses balls underhand from the side (at a 45-degree angle) into the hitter's swing path. It's one of the most versatile and widely-used hitting drills.
Soft Toss Setup
Positioning
- Tosser: 45-degree angle to the side, 6-8 feet away
- Tosser should be kneeling or sitting
- Toss toward the hitter's front hip
- Hitter takes normal stance facing a net
Safety
- Tosser stays protected to the side
- Use soft toss net or bucket to catch foul balls
- Never toss from directly in front
Benefits of Soft Toss
- Focus on mechanics: Controlled, predictable pitches
- Minimal equipment: Just balls and a net
- High volume: Fast tempo, many repetitions
- Partner drill: Players can work together
- Location training: Inside, outside, high, low
Soft Toss vs. Front Toss
| Soft Toss | Front Toss |
|---|---|
| Side angle (45°) | Straight on |
| 6-8 feet away | 15-20 feet away |
| No screen needed | L-screen required |
| Less game-like | More game-like |
Drills Using Soft Toss
- One-hand drills: Top or bottom hand only
- Inside/outside work: Location-specific tosses
- Opposite field focus: Drive balls the other way
- High/low adjustment: Train vertical adjustability
Related Terms
Front Toss
A batting practice method where a coach or partner tosses balls underhand from a short distance in front of the hitter, allowing for controlled repetitions.
Tee Work
Batting practice using a stationary tee, allowing hitters to focus purely on swing mechanics without the variable of pitch timing.
Batting Practice
Pre-game or practice session where hitters take swings against easy pitches, working on timing, mechanics, and building confidence before games.
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