Hitting Drill: Change-Up Front Toss (Baseball)
Front toss drill mixing regular speed and change-up speeds to develop timing, patience, and the ability to adjust to off-speed pitches.
Instructions
Screen set up 30 feet from the plate, hitter sets up even with the plate Coach underhand throwsthe ball down the middle of the plate on a line at a medium to fast speed from behind the screen Hitter hits the ball back up the middle of the cage Every couple of tosses, the coach throws a change-up at a slow speed The coach should check the position the player is in, making sure they have not started their swing before the change-up gets to them If the player has already started their swing, the player should focus on being under better control and not anticipating and jumping at pitches Partners switch after 10 swings
Coaching Points
- Coach mixes medium-fast and slow tosses
- Hitter must recognize and adjust
- Don't start swing before change-up arrives
- Stay under control, don't anticipate
- Weight stays back on change-up
- Teaches timing and pitch recognition
At a Glance
- Screen for coach to throw behind
- home plate
- and a bucket of baseballs
Quick Actions
Similar Drills You Might Like
Explore more drills to build your practice plan and develop well-rounded skills
1-2-3 Rhythm Tee
Advanced tee drill using footwork to develop rhythm and timing, coordinating the entire body for powerful, balanced swings.
4 Corners Bunting
Station-based bunting drill where players practice bunting to different locations: first base, third base, and drag bunts. Utilizes the entire infield so that 4 players get the chance to bunt at once.
Bat Behind Hips
Tee drill where bat is placed behind the back to isolate and develop proper hip rotation in the swing.