Hitting Drill: Behind the Hitter Toss 1-2-3 (Baseball & Softball)
Advanced reaction drill where tosser throws from behind the hitter, developing quick hands, bat speed, and reaction time.
How to Run This Drill
- Hitter sets up even with the plate, while partner/coach stands at least 5-7 feet behind the plate
- Hitter starts by going through the hitting positions 1 and 2 (hitting positions are: 1: Hitterloadsshifting weight to back foot, 2: Hitterstrideswhile staying balanced,hands separateto move back from the shoulder, 3: Hitterswingsand hits the ball)
- Partner underhand tosses the ball on a line down the middle of the plate while hitter in in the hitting position 2
- Hitter keeps eyes forward, and starts swing (hitting position 3) when they see the ball, hitting it straight up the middle into the screen or cage
- Partners switch after 10 swings
- If players are having trouble picking up the tosses, allow them to look back at their partner to pick up the ball sooner (the ball should still be hit back up the middle)
Coaching Points
- Hitter goes through positions 1 (load) and 2 (stride)
- Partner tosses from behind when hitter is in position 2
- Hitter reacts and swings when seeing the ball
- Forces quick hands and fast bat
- Eyes stay forward then pick up ball
- Hit ball straight back up the middle
Quick Actions
At a Glance
- bat
- net-or-screen
- baseballs or softballs
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