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Soft toss drill for youth softball

Updated

In short

Soft toss is a beginner-level softball drill. Soft toss puts a moving ball in front of you without a full pitch. It is the step between tee work and hitting live pitching. It builds timing, contact and swing path. It needs bat, softballs, net and partner, and can be done in a backyard. This page lists 5 numbered steps and 3 common mistakes with their fixes. The demonstration video is AI-generated.

AI demoThis demonstration video is AI-generated: Koach Marisol is an AI character, not a real coach. Real verified coaches review every drill before launch.

What does the soft toss drill build?

  • timing
  • contact
  • swing path

Quick facts

Sport
Softball
Level
beginner
Equipment
bat, softballs, net and partner
Space needed
backyard

How do you do the soft toss drill?

  1. Set up

    Stand in your stance facing a net. Your partner kneels off to the side, slightly in front of you.

  2. Get the toss

    Partner tosses underhand into your hitting zone, out in front of your front hip.

  3. Load as it comes

    Small shift back as the ball is tossed. Be loaded before it arrives, not after.

  4. Swing level

    Turn your hips and drive your hands through the ball on a level path.

  5. Finish and reset

    Balanced finish, eyes on the contact point, then set up for the next one.

What are the most common soft toss mistakes?

  • Mistake

    Partner kneeling in front of the hitter

    Fix

    Always toss from the side, slightly in front, well clear of the swing path.

  • Mistake

    Tossing too fast

    Fix

    Slow down. One good swing beats five rushed ones.

  • Mistake

    Reaching for the ball

    Fix

    Let it come to your hitting zone instead of lunging at it.

Who demonstrates this drill?

Koach Marisol, an AI-generated coach character

Koach Marisol AI coach

Circle work and swings. Repeat it until it's yours.

There are 2 softball drills like this one

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