Just like you have throwing drills to prepare to throw, you should have hitting drills to prepare to hit. Below are four drills to help your body wake up and get ready to bat. Do them off a tee. Begin by swinging at 60% to 75% intensity. These drills focus on important aspects of the swing (load, connection, and rhythm) and reinforce good mechanics.

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Step Backs – Focuses on bottom half load (hip and gluts) and weight transfer. Step back keeping body centered.

Hook ‘Em – Develops lower half load and tempo. Front foot over back foot, hinge, and control your stride (try to move the stride foot out slowly without keeping your weight over your back foot).

Off-Set Open Drill – Develops upper half load and counter rotation. Stand at 45 degree angle toward pull side, separate hip/shoulder, and hit line drives up the middle. Also see 45 Degree Off-Set Drill.

Knob to Knee Drill – Promotes load/stride connection, top half/bottom half separation, and rhythm. Control your stride after the knob and knee touch, and make sure the bat loads in sync with the foot striding out.