5 Batting Drills Every Youth Player Should Practice

Whether your young athlete is just starting out or looking to refine their swing, consistent practice with the right drills makes all the difference. Coach Joe Vanaskey shares his top 5 batting drills that build real game-day confidence.

1. Tee Work with Purpose

Don’t just swing at the tee mindlessly. Place the tee at different heights and positions across the plate. Focus on driving the ball to specific zones — opposite field, up the middle, and pull side. This builds plate coverage and bat control that translates directly to live at-bats.

2. Soft Toss Variations

Standard soft toss is great, but add variety: high toss, low toss, inside/outside. This trains the hitter to adjust their swing path in real-time, simulating game-like pitch locations. Aim for 3 sets of 15 swings with each variation.

3. One-Hand Drills

Top-hand and bottom-hand drills isolate each arm’s contribution to the swing. Use a lighter bat and focus on smooth, controlled swings. This builds the strength and coordination that power hitters rely on.

4. Front-Toss with Tennis Balls

Tennis balls are safer for close-range front toss and help players track smaller objects, improving hand-eye coordination. Mix speeds and locations to keep the hitter engaged and adapting.

5. Live Cage Sessions

Nothing replaces live machine work. Start at a comfortable speed and gradually increase. Focus on timing and making solid contact rather than power. Our cages at LevelUP go up to 90 MPH for advanced players.

Ready to put these drills into practice? Book a batting cage session at LevelUP Sports and work with our pitching machines at your own pace. Serious about development? Check out the Baseball Academy for structured coaching with Coach Joe Vanaskey.