Hitting Drill: High Tee Drill (Baseball & Softball)
Sets the tee high and inside (almost a ball off the plate) to force a tight turn and inside-the-ball barrel path. Trains hitters to handle the up-and-in fastball that pitchers throw to beat barrel-dump swings.
How to Run This Drill
- Set the tee high — chest height or just above the belt
- Position it on the inner third of the plate, close to the hitter's body
- Take your normal stance, load, and stride
- Keep hands tight and inside the ball — do not cast or push the bat away from your body
- Drive the ball to the opposite field with backspin
- Hit 5-8 reps, then move the tee progressively further inside until it's nearly a ball-inside location
- Return to a normal pitch in the zone — it will feel much easier
Coaching Points
- A tight, compact turn beats casting on the high inside pitch every time
- If you pull the ball foul or roll over, your turn was too wide — reset and tighten
- Hands stay close to the center of mass; the barrel comes through, not around
- This unlocks the up-and-in heater — pitchers are grooving high spin rates because most hitters can't handle them
Quick Actions
At a Glance
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