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Hitting Drill: Single Arm Hitting (Baseball & Softball)

Advanced drill that develops a quick, direct swing path by taking the top hand off the bat. Forces the barrel to take a short path to the ball.

How to Run This Drill

  1. Coach stands or sits 8-10 feet in front of the batter behind a screen.
  2. Coach tosses pitches overhand or underhand.
  3. Batter hits the first 5 pitches with two hands using normal mechanics.
  4. For the next 5 pitches, batter takes the top hand off the bat and swings one-handed.
  5. Use a normal game bat. Hitters can tuck their elbow into their side for leverage if needed.
  6. Finish with 5 more two-handed swings. The final set should feel easier and more direct.

Coaching Points

  • One-hand reps should feel difficult - that is the point
  • Allow choking up if the player cannot control the bat
  • Tucking the elbow in can help if struggling
  • The final two-handed set should feel easier and more direct
  • This drill fixes long, loopy swings

At a Glance

Categories
Hitting
Focus Areas
AdvancedBat PathQuick Hands
Age Groups
9-1011-1213-1415-1617-1818+
Players
2-6 players
Difficulty
advanced
Equipment Needed
  • L-screen
  • bucket of balls
  • stool or bucket for coach

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