And Printable Team Practice Circuit!
Baseball & softball hitting drills are not just about repetition; they’re about purposeful repetition that builds on the fundamentals of the game.
Coach Megan Rembielak, a former Division-1 collegiate shortstop, is an experienced instructor who understands how to use purposeful repetition for improving your baseball or softball swing. NOTE: Links to Coach Rembielak's social channels and website are at the end of the post. Be sure to follow her and check out her plans for coaches and athletes.
Megan’s other superpower is organizing team practice to squeeze the most impact out of every minute. On her website she offers subscribers practice plans for ages 8u, 10u and 12u and provided us with this sample plan to share as an example of what a good hitting circuit can look like at practice. With that in mind, Megan designed this team practice circuit with 2 important considerations:
- Drill Effectiveness - 5 hitting drills that are specifically to address core areas of hitting: balance, timing, swing mechanics, adaptability, and precision.
- Team Resources - All teams have limited coaches, time and equipment, so this circuit is designed to maximize team practice time and resources.
This hitting circuit is specifically designed to keep athletes engaged during practice, eliminating wasted time and getting the most learning and development out of every drill.
By incorporating these drills into practice, baseball and softball teams can maximize learning, even with limited team practice time.
In essence, these carefully selected batting tee drills are not only effective for enhancing individual skills but also for maximizing team practice efficiency, making them ideal for both baseball and softball players aiming to elevate their game.
Please enjoy this Tanner Tees exclusive resource courtesy of Coach Rembielak.
The Circuit
This team hitting circuit includes 5 different hitting drill stations:
- 2 Front-flip stations - Where a coach, parent, or other partner can be involved
- 3 Independent / Batting Tee Stations - No coach or partner needed; These are to be used as stations that operate independently of direct coaching. This innovative approach allows players to engage in continuous practice, moving seamlessly between stations without the need for constant supervision. As a result, practice time is optimized, with players organized into small groups at each station, ensuring that everyone is actively involved and improving.
The use of stations also fosters a dynamic practice environment, where players are motivated by their peers, leading to a more engaging and productive session.
NOTE TO COACHES - Be sure to go over every drill before breaking up evenly in groups.
The Baseball and Softball Hitting Drills
These 5 hitting drills can be used independently or during baseball / softball team practice.
Hitting Drill #1 - The Flamingo Drill
**Why:** This drill is essential for feeling the weight properly stacked on the backside and maintaining balance throughout the swing. It emphasizes staying behind the front side and creating whip and bat speed by keeping hands separate from the body as the front foot lands, which is crucial for effective swinging mechanics.
What you’ll need:
- Batting Tee
- Ball - Use any kind of ball for this drill, including baseball, softball, mini baseball, limited flight rubber baseball, foam ball or safety baseball
- Optional - Portable Hitting Net
How To Do This Hitting Drill:
1. Balance with weight on the back foot, mimicking a flamingo's stance.
2. Hold this pose for about 2-3 seconds.
3. Take a stride and swing, ensuring to stay behind the front side and keeping hands separate from the body.
Hitting Drill #2. The Pause Drill
**Why:** It’s designed to help athletes find a strong and balanced load position, with weight transferred more on the back leg and hands away from the body. The drill focuses on the importance of timing and the role of the hips in firing first during the swing.
What you’ll need:
- Batting Tee
- Ball - Use any kind of ball for this drill, including baseball, softball, mini baseball, limited flight rubber baseball, foam ball or safety baseball
- Optional - Portable Hitting Net
How To Do This Hitting Drill:
1. Get into the load position, then stride and pause.
2. Have a partner count to 3, then swing upon hearing "3."
3. Focus on feeling the hips initiate the swing after the pause.
Hitting Drill #3 - The Happy Gilmore Drill
**Why:** This drill helps develop balance and rhythm by incorporating movement into the swing, emphasizing the importance of getting the hands back and maintaining separation until the front foot is down.
What you’ll need:
- Batting Tee
- Bat or Training Bat
- Ball - Options include: Baseball, softball, mini baseball, limited flight rubber baseball, foam ball or safety baseball
- Optional - Portable Hitting Net
How To Do This Hitting Drill:
1. Start about 4 steps back from the usual setup position.
2. Step behind the front foot with the back foot, then step forward with the front foot.
3. Swing away, focusing on rhythm and balance.
Hitting Drill #4 - The 3 Plate Drill
**Why:** Learn to adjust to different pitch speeds. It simulates different pitching speeds to encourage adaptability and timing adjustments. Starting from the plate furthest back mimics slow pitching, while hitting from the plate closest to the coach simulates fast pitching.
What you’ll need:
- A front toss partner
- Safety Screen - Be sure to get a portable L screen or I screen if you don’t already have safety screen
- 3 Batting Tees
- 3 Home Plates
- Ball - Use any kind of ball for this drill, including baseball, softball, mini baseball, limited flight rubber baseball, foam ball or safety baseball
How To Do This Hitting Drill:
1. Start at the plate furthest back and hit a front toss from the coach.
2. After each swing, move up to the next plate.
3. Continue until reaching the plate closest to the coach, then return to the first plate and repeat.
Hitting Drill #5. The Bunt Drill
**Why:** The drill focuses on precision in bunt placement, teaching control and accuracy by using buckets as targets for the bunt.
What you’ll need:
- A front toss partner
- 2 Buckets
- Ball - Use any kind of ball for this drill, including baseball, softball, mini baseball, limited flight rubber baseball, foam ball or safety baseball
How To Do This Hitting Drill:
1. Place two buckets right in front of the batter, one on the first base side and one on the third base side.
2. Attempt to bunt the ball so that it lands in one of the buckets.
3. Make contact on top of the ball to guide it accurately into the bucket.
Print these Baseball & Softball Hitting Drills
Click here for the print version
Equipment
If you are in need of baseball or softball training equipment equipment, we’re here for you!
For your convenience, here are some quicklinks to take you where you want to go:
Tanner Tees is a leading name in the baseball and softball world because of our innovative approach to batting practice equipment and our commitment to the principles of quality, durability, and functionality.
Our high-performance batting tees used by players at all levels, from beginners to professional athletes. Renowned for its user-friendly design and robust construction, Tanner Tees offers a range of products that cater to the specific needs of hitters looking to improve their game.
About Coach Megan Rembielak
Megan Rembielak, former D1 softball player for Appalachian State University and current softball instructor based in West Palm Beach, FL.
MegRem Softball Instruction covers everything a softball player (and parent) needs to know: from hitting/fielding drills to breaking down the basics of how to throw, and even break in a new glove.
So, whether you are a coach looking for a new way to teach a skill, a parent new to the game, or a player looking to advance your skillset, MegRem Softball is here to provide you with step-by-step instruction for all ages and levels. If you’re interested in having me run a clinic, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Instagram - @megremsoftball
TikTok @MegRemSoftball
YouTube @MegRemSoftball
Facebook @MegRemSoftball