Hitting Drill: Dry Swings (No Ball) (Baseball & Softball)
Practice swing mechanics without a ball. Great for warm-ups, working on specific issues, or when space and equipment are limited.

How to Run This Drill
- Players spread out with enough room to swing safely - at least one bat length apart.
- Take slow, controlled swings focusing on proper mechanics: stance, load, stride, swing, and follow-through.
- Coach calls out the focus for each rep: "This swing, keep your head still" or "This one, drive through the ball." "Stop at contact." or "Low pitch."
- Use a mirror or video so players can see their swing and make corrections.
- Start in slow motion and progress to game speed as mechanics improve.
- Can be done as a quick warm-up or a dedicated drill when field time is limited.
Coaching Points
- Start slow - perfect the movement before adding speed
- Focus on one thing at a time
- Keep your head still and eyes level through the swing
- Feel your weight shift from back to front
- Video yourself to see what you are actually doing
Quick Actions
At a Glance
Equipment Needed
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