10-Minute Soft Toss Drill
Once your kid can hit well off a tee, soft toss adds the timing element. The tosser feeds balls from the side or front at a predictable speed.
Side toss
The tosser kneels to the side (about 45 degrees, 6–8 feet away, behind a screen if possible). Toss the ball underhand into the hitting zone.
| Time | Focus |
|---|---|
| 4 min | Side toss to the middle. Hitter tracks the ball and drives into a net or fence. |
| 2 min | Vary inside and outside. Hitter adjusts approach. |
Front toss
The tosser stands 15–20 feet in front (behind an L-screen for safety). Lob the ball with an arc into the strike zone.
| Time | Focus |
|---|---|
| 3 min | Front toss. Load as the ball peaks, swing as it drops into the zone. |
| 1 min | Rapid fire. Quick tosses, quick swings. Builds bat speed and reaction. |
Safety first: If doing front toss without a screen, stand off to the side enough that a line drive won't hit you. Better yet, invest in an L-screen ($40–80).