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Hitting Drill: 1-2-3 Drill (Baseball & Softball)

Fundamental tee drill that breaks down the swing into three components: load, stride, and swing, teaching proper sequence and timing. Teaches players to compartmentalize different parts of the swing and maintain balance throughout.

How to Run This Drill

  1. Tee set up slightly in front of the middle of the plate
  2. Hitter sets up even with the plate, while other partner puts a ball on the tee
  3. Hitter gets ready, looks forward to visualize a pitcher
  4. Partner then calls out “1, 2, 3” pausing after each number, on each number hitter will
  5. 1: Load by shifting weight to back foot and coiling
  6. 2: Hitter strides while staying balanced, hands separate and coil further
  7. 3: Hitter swings and hits the ball
  8. Hitter tries to hit the ball back up the middle. Player calling out 1,2, 3 can vary timing so player feels seperation between different phases of the swing.
  9. Partners switch after 5 swings

Coaching Points

  • 1 = Load: Weight shifts to back foot, hands load back
  • 2 = Stride: Front foot strides, hands stay back
  • 3 = Swing: Rotate and drive through the ball
  • Pause between each number to feel each position
  • This teaches the proper hitting sequence
  • Hit ball back up the middle every time

At a Glance

Categories
Hitting
Focus Areas
Mechanics
Age Groups
7-89-1011-1213-1415-1617-1818+9-107-8
Players
1-5 players
Difficulty
beginner
Equipment Needed
  • net-or-screen
  • tee
  • baseballs or softballs

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