Throw Softball

How to Set It Up

• Batter:
  Batter sets up with helmet and bat ready to hit.
• Ball Tosser:
  Coach or partner positions 2-4 feet to the side and slightly in front of the hitter.
• Ball path:
  Tosses be gentle lobs across the batters strike zone (between shoulders and knees)

• Target area:
  Give the batter direction to hit toward.
  This can be the net to catch the ball, or a target area 20 feet away.

How to Run the Drill

• Rhythm:
  Batter squares up in batting position.
  Tosser shows the ball.
  Tosser delivers a smooth underhand lob.
  Batter swings once ball is in the zone.
  Repeat.
• Quality over speed:
  Do not rush.
  Reset the hitter between swings.
  Maintain good mechanics.
• Round length:
  8–12 swings per round works well.
  Rotate hitters quickly to keep them engaged.
• Ball placement:
  Mix locations slightly (in, out, up, down).
  Avoid “chase” tosses that force bad habits.
• Feedback:
  Give the hitter one simple focus after each run.
  “eyes on the ball,” “elbow up,” or “bend your knees”.

Coaching Tips and Variations

• Contact-only rounds:
  Focuses just on making solid contact, before adding power.
• Target practice:
  Place cones or markers in the field/net and have hitters aim line drives at those spots.
• Two-strike round:
  Emphasize staying short and protecting the zone, simulating two-strike situations.
• Tempo check:
  If swings get wild or off-balance, slow down the pace and reduce swing count per round.
• Finish with feel:
  End each session with 5–10 of the hitter’s “best-feel” swings, reinforcing what good contact feels like.