The Soft Toss Drill: Improve Timing and Barrel Control

The tee is a great place to build your swing mechanics. But once you're ready to add movement, soft toss is a simple way to start training your timing and barrel control.

With a partner tossing the ball from the side, you can work on tracking the ball, adjusting to its movement, and making consistent contact without jumping straight into full-speed pitching.

Why Soft Toss Matters

Soft toss adds an element of timing that you don't get from a stationary tee.

It can help you work on:

• Better timing — Learn to recognize the ball and time your swing to meet it out in front.
• Barrel control — Work on getting the barrel to the ball consistently.
• Game-like repetitions — Add movement to your practice while still maintaining control of the drill.

How to Do It

Have a partner toss the ball from the side, around the front of the plate.

Start with controlled tosses and focus on making solid contact. Don't worry about crushing every ball. Instead, work on:

• Staying balanced
• Tracking the ball
• Getting the barrel to the ball
• Driving line drives

Once you're comfortable, vary the location of the tosses and challenge yourself to adjust.

The goal isn't to swing harder. It's tosee the ball, time your swing, and make quality contact.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Soft toss is most effective when you're using it to build good habits.

Avoid:

❌ Starting your swing before the ball is tossed
❌ Lunging or reaching for the ball
❌ Trying to hit every ball as hard as possible
❌ Letting your balance break down

Remember:the goal isn't maximum effort. It's quality contact with good timing.

Watch the Drill

Want to see proper soft toss in action?

Check out the video above for a demonstration of the drill, then add it to your next hitting session.

Prairie Sticks Tip

Good timing isn't something you turn on when the game starts.

Build it through purposeful repetitions in practice.

Start slow. Get your timing right. Then let the speed come.