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
Equipment Needed
Similar Drills You Might Like
Explore more drills to build your practice plan and develop well-rounded skills
Bucket Drill
A softball pitching stride drill where the front leg pulls and the back leg pushes at the same time. The stride foot starts up by the hip while the angled back foot drives toward the catcher.
Lunge Throw
A throw started from a deep lunge with the front shin vertical and the weight fully on the heel. Puts the pitcher as far from a quad load as possible so the back leg has to work fast.
Homerun Derby
Fun competitive hitting game rewarding line drives and hard contact. Pop-ups and high fly balls are outs even if they go far.
Add This Drill to Your Practice Plan
Use our free Practice Planner to build complete practice plans with this drill and 100+ others. Drag and drop to customize timing and order.
Try the Practice PlannerFree forever - No account required