"Hitting / Progression" Drill

This drill comes from Scot Shearer our November 2002 Drill of the Month Winner.

EQUIPMENT:

• JUGS Softball Pitching Machine
• Machine Balls
• Three Throw Down Plates

SET UP:

• Use plate one at normal distance from pitcher to home plate.
• Place the second plate three feet closer to the pitching machine.
• Place the third plate another three feet closer to the pitching machine.
• Note: You may adjust how many plates you put down and the distance.

STEP ONE:

• Using one plate at 40 feet (high school distance)
• OR 43 feet (college distance) batter gets 5 pitches.

STEP TWO:

• Second plate is now 3 feet closer to the machine and the batter moves closer to the plate and receives 5 pitches.

STEP THREE:

• Third plate is now 3 feet closer to the machine and batter moves closer to the plate and receives 5 pitches.

STEP FOUR:

• Back to second plate and batter receives 5 pitches.

STEP FIVE:

• Back to normal distance and batter receives 5 pitches.

This drill helps with reaction time to faster pitching. You may place the machine for inside pitches, outside pitches, or changeups. You may also use two machines side-by-side - with one machine at regular speed and the second machine at a slower speed.

Note: Drill can also use 5 pitches at normal distance, 4 pitches at second plate, 3 pitches at third plate, 2 pitches at second plate, and 1 pitch back at normal distance.