Hitting Drill: High-Velocity Machine Drill (Baseball & Softball)

Pitching machine cranked to maximum velocity at a shortened distance to simulate perceived velocities of 100+ mph. Trains hitters to be calm and loose against speed they will not actually face in a game, so live ABs feel slow.

High-Velocity Machine Drill - Softball Drill Video

How to Run This Drill

Set up a pitching machine at maximum velocity (90+ mph for advanced hitters; scale down for younger ages)
Move the feed point to 45-50 feet from the plate (shorter than regulation 60'6") to increase perceived velocity
Use dimpled balls if available, they ride up and in, mimicking the high heater
Step into the box and just try to make contact, the goal is to compete, not swing perfectly
Take a full round of swings (10-15 pitches) without resetting between pitches
Finish the round, then in your next live AB or BP, the speed will feel slow

Coaching Points

Practicing harder than the game makes the game feel easy — 'good hitters love the machine'
Stay loose and don't try to muscle up against the speed — rely on bat whip
The discomfort is the point — get used to being uncomfortable so live ABs feel calm
Scale velocity to age and skill: 90+ for HS/college, 70-80 for youth at the same shortened distance