Hitting Drill: Ball-Hit Front Toss (Baseball & Softball)
Front toss drill incorporating verbal cues ("ball"/"hit") to improve pitch tracking, timing, and visual focus.

How to Run This Drill
- Screen set up 30 feet from the plate
- Hitter sets up even with the plate
- Coach throws overhand while seated on a chair or bucket, down the middle of the plate on a line at a slow to medium speed from behind the screen
- Hitter says "ball" when they first see the ball in the coach's hand, and "hit" when they make contact
- Focus should be on good quality swings, with hitters finishing their swing and staying balanced
- Partners switch after 10 swings
Coaching Points
- Say "ball" when you first see it in coach's hand
- Say "hit" at contact
- Tracks ball from hand to bat
- Develops visual focus and timing
- Medium speed tosses down the middle
- Finish your swing, stay balanced
Quick Actions
At a Glance
Equipment Needed
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