BIRDIE BATTING PRACTICE DRILL

PURPOSE:   To assist in teaching players to stay back on off speed pitches and let the ball travel into their hit zone.  Also, an excellent and safe way to take a pre-game batting practice, especially when time and space are limited.

EQUIPMENT:  Birdies

SET-UP:  Player will take their stance at the plate much like any other batting practice drill.  Coach will need to be quite close to the hitter (approx. 15-20 ft.) as the birdies do not travel very far when thrown.

EXECUTION:  Coach throws the birdie to the hitter.  Coach will need to throw  quite hard in order to get it to home plate.  As the birdie comes out of the coaches hand it decelerates, which simulates an off speed pitch.  Player must stay back and allow the birdie to travel to their hit zone as opposed to lunging out to hit the birdie. 

COACHING TIPS:  To make this drill even more effective at teaching players to hit the off speed pitch, have hitters attempt to hit the birdie hard to opposite field.

" This drill provides such an easy way of having your players get in some swings before a game.  It is very safe and time effective since the birdies do not travel very far."
 
-Coach Tim
Check out the Birdie Batting Practice Drill Video!
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