5 Fun and Effective Softball Hitting Drills Every Beginner Should Try

The crack of the bat, the thrill of solid contact, and the rush of running the bases—hitting is one of the most exciting parts of softball. But for beginners, stepping up to the plate can feel overwhelming. Timing, coordination, and mechanics must all work together, and the only way to improve is through consistent practice. Fortunately, the right drills make learning to hit both fun and effective.

At Concord Sports, we believe in making training enjoyable and accessible for every athlete. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to build a stronger foundation, these five beginner-friendly drills will help improve your swing mechanics, timing, and bat control. Grab your bat, set up your practice space, and let’s get to work.

Building Accuracy with a Batting Tee

Every great hitter starts with the basics, and a batting tee is one of the best tools for learning proper swing mechanics. The goal of this drill is to develop accuracy and hand-eye coordination while reinforcing consistent mechanics. Position a ball on the tee in the center of your strike zone and take controlled swings, aiming to make contact with the sweet spot of the bat. Instead of swinging for power, focus on driving the ball straight up the middle or toward a specific target. Practicing with different ball placements—inside, outside, and down the middle—helps develop a well-rounded swing. For an added challenge, place cones or targets in the field and try to hit toward them.

Developing Timing with Soft Toss

Tracking a moving ball and timing the swing correctly is a crucial skill for any hitter. The soft toss drill helps build confidence by introducing a controlled moving pitch. A partner or coach stands to the side and gently underhand tosses balls into the hitter’s strike zone. The batter’s goal is to take smooth, controlled swings and focus on keeping the hands inside the ball. This drill is highly effective in improving hand-eye coordination and bat control. To add variety, practice hitting pitches at different speeds and locations, simulating real-game scenarios.

Strengthening Bat Control with One-Handed Swings

A hitter’s ability to control the bat path directly impacts their success at the plate. This drill isolates each hand to strengthen grip, balance, and bat control. Using a lighter bat or a training bat, start by holding the bat with only the top hand and take controlled swings at a ball on a tee.

This helps develop wrist strength and prevents rolling over too early in the swing. Repeat the process with only the bottom hand before switching to full swings with both hands. To increase difficulty, try using a heavier bat or incorporating resistance bands for added strength training.

Improving Reaction Time with Front Toss

Facing live pitching can be intimidating for beginners, so this drill helps bridge the gap between soft toss and full-speed pitching. A coach or partner stands in front of the batter, behind a protective screen, and underhand tosses balls toward the plate at different speeds and locations. The batter must react quickly and focus on making solid contact. Because the ball is coming from in front—similar to a pitcher’s release—this drill closely mimics a game-like hitting experience. To make practice more engaging, assign points for each well-hit ball to add a competitive element.

Learning Opposite Field Hitting

Beginners often struggle with pulling the ball too much, leading to weak grounders or pop-ups. Learning to hit to the opposite field helps with balance, pitch recognition, and staying on the ball longer. Set up a tee or soft toss drill with the ball positioned slightly outside in the strike zone. Focus on keeping your hands back and driving the ball to the opposite field rather than rolling over or pulling it too soon. This drill improves bat control and helps hitters adjust to off-speed pitches and outside pitches more effectively. A fun variation is to have a partner call out “inside” or “outside” before each pitch, requiring the hitter to adjust their swing approach in real-time.

Maximizing Your Training for Faster Improvement

Practicing these drills consistently is the key to improving your hitting skills. Quality reps matter more than quantity—taking 50 well-executed swings is far more effective than 200 rushed ones. Staying relaxed while swinging helps maintain bat speed and control, while dedicating extra time to specific weaknesses ensures well-rounded development. To keep things engaging, add friendly competitions, set personal goals, or challenge teammates to hitting accuracy games. Recording swings for review can also help identify areas for improvement and track progress over time.

Building Confidence at the Plate

Mastering softball hitting takes time, but the right drills make the process fun and rewarding. The more swings you take, the more natural your mechanics will become, and the more confident you’ll feel when stepping into the batter’s box. Whether practicing alone or with teammates, consistency is the key to success. These five drills will help you develop better accuracy, timing, and bat control, setting you up for success when facing live pitching. So grab your bat, step up to the plate, and start swinging—the next big hit could be just a practice session away.