Batting Drills for Youth Baseball
At a Glance: Youth baseball drills help players develop essential hitting skills through focused, repetitive practice that builds muscle memory and proper swing mechanics. Using a mix of batting tee drills, live pitching drills, and specialized training tools like swing disks addresses different aspects of hitting and helps young players become well-rounded hitters.
Developing consistent hitting skills is one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of youth baseball. While game-time at-bats offer valuable experience, the foundation of great hitting is built through focused practice using drills that build proper technique. Incorporating structured batting drills into regular practice routines accelerates skill development and builds the muscle memory needed for success at the plate.
Different drills address different hitting skills, including hand-eye coordination, bat speed, and proper form. The right drills help young players develop great hitting mechanics for a powerful swing.
Hitting Drills with Batting Tees
Batting tees are valuable tools for training your swing at every skill level, from beginners learning basic contact to advanced players fine-tuning their mechanics. Tee work allows players to focus entirely on swing mechanics without the added challenge of timing a moving pitch, making it one of the most effective ways to build muscle memory and correct swing flaws.
Tee Popper Recoil Drill
Purpose: Helps players maintain a smooth and consistent swing path.
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Set up the Tee Popper and get in a hitting stance
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Once the ball pops up, take a swing
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Once you’ve finished your swing, swing right back
Watch the Tee Popper Recoil Drill
“This drill has cleaned up my swing path so much, I highly recommend it!” - Coach RAC
Eye-on-the-Ball Hitting Drill
Purpose: Helps players build focus and concentration by removing visual distractions.
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Line up players and set up a Pro Tee just above belt level
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Players will hit the baseball off the tee in a regular swing motion
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Players should maintain eye contact with the tee and keep their chin down.
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Players will repeat this drill 8-10 times before the next player in line takes their turn.
Hover Tee Drill
Purpose: Helps improve posture for better timing, balance, and control.
- Set up a Pro Tee at approximately belt height
- Start in a narrow hitting stance
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Hinge over the plate while hovering the lead foot off the ground
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If possible, keep your foot off the ground and maintain control
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You should land on the inside part of your lead foot
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Transition into a smooth swing
Hitting Drills without Batting Tees
While batting tees excel at building fundamental swing mechanics, drills without tees develop different essential skills, including pitch timing, tracking moving balls, and adjusting to varied trajectories. Live pitching drills force players to make real-time decisions and react to unpredictable elements they'll face in game situations.
Step-Back Batting Drill
Purpose: Corrects overstriding and improves hitting stance & balance.
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Player starts in a normal hitting stance
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When the ball is pitched, the player takes a step back before taking a swing
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The player should load into the back hip and stay in sync with the pitcher
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Focus on: No hopping, lunging, or coming out of the stance too early
Bounce Batting Drill
Purpose: Helps players improve hand-eye coordination and determine different pitches
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Line group of players up in a single-file line
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The first player in line gets in a normal batting stance
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Carefully pitch a ball that bounces off the ground before rising again
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After swinging when the ball reaches hip level, the player runs to first base
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Rotate to the next player
Drills Using Other Swing Tools
Outside of drills using bats and batting tees, working with training tools that build coordination and focus can significantly help you build your skills as a hitter. Practicing with swing disks can help you improve your swing consistency and technique without even picking up a bat.
Elbow Hinge Swing Disk Drill
Purpose: Use the Swing Disk’s instant feedback to improve bat path and swing accuracy
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Hold a Swing Disk flat, with your bottom hand on the bottom of the disk.
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Use your elbows to extend the disk and release it
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Repeat this movement ten times
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Focus on getting as smooth of a disk path as possible without throwing the disk too far
Take Baseball Drills to the Next Level with Plate Crate Training Aids
Plate Crate’s monthly subscription boxes are created with youth baseball players in mind. Each box contains equipment that’s designed for each player’s age range, position, and skill levels, including hitting aids like the Tee Popper and the Pro Tee. We also offer apparel, accessories, and more gear that help youth players embrace their passion for the game. Get started with Plate Crate today by exploring our full collection of training aids, apparel, and subscription options.
