Softball | June 10, 2025

5 Drills to Improve Your Slow-Pitch Softball Hitting

Slow-pitch softball is a deceptively strategic game that demands not just power, but precision, timing, and consistent technique. Whether you’re swinging for singles or aiming for the fences, every great hitter knows that practice—done right—makes all the difference.

If you’re part of the Boston Ski & Sports Club (BSSC) and looking to level up your performance in one of their coed recreational softball leagues in Boston, these five game-changing hitting drills will sharpen your skills and boost your confidence at the plate.

1. Tee Work: Master Your Swing Mechanics

Using a batting tee isn’t just for beginners—it’s a core drill for hitters at every level. Tee work isolates your mechanics so you can focus entirely on perfecting your form.

How to do it:

  • Position the tee at waist height with the ball in your strike zone.

  • Keep a level swing and make clean, solid contact.

  • Practice hitting to all fields—pull side, middle, and opposite field—for versatility.

Why it works:
This drill builds muscle memory and allows you to refine fundamentals like grip, stance, and follow-through. It’s also ideal for adjusting to different pitch heights by simply repositioning the tee.

2. Soft Toss: Enhance Timing & Hand-Eye Coordination

The soft toss drill is a foundational exercise to help hitters track pitches and sync their swing rhythm.

How to do it:

  • Have a partner kneel 5–10 feet to the side and gently toss the ball underhand into your strike zone.

  • Focus on tracking the ball visually and swinging smoothly at the right moment.

  • Aim for clean, consistent contact with each swing.

Why it works:
Soft toss simulates real pitch movement in a controlled setting. It helps reinforce focus, hand-eye coordination, and timing—all critical for dominating in slow-pitch leagues.

3. Front Toss: Real-Time Timing Adjustments

This drill is a step up in intensity and realism. Front toss closely mimics in-game pitch delivery while still being safe and structured.

How to do it:

  • A teammate tosses the ball underhanded from about 10 feet in front of you, behind a protective screen.

  • Watch the ball out of their hand and time your swing precisely.

  • Mix up pitch speed and location to challenge your timing.

Why it works:
The front toss replicates the dynamics of a real pitch, training you to adjust to varying speeds and placements—a must for BSSC tournament-level players.

4. Two-Ball Drill: Sharpen Focus and Pitch Recognition

Hitting isn’t just physical—it’s mental. This drill forces you to narrow your attention and choose wisely under pressure.

How to do it:

  • A partner stands behind you holding two balls.

  • At the toss, both balls are thrown simultaneously.

  • Your job: pick one and hit it, ignoring the other.

Why it works:
This high-focus drill helps you train your brain to lock in on the pitch that matters. It enhances pitch recognition, a skill that pays off against varying pitch types in any BSSC league game.

5. Live Pitching: Practice Game Scenarios

There’s no better simulation of game-time pressure than facing real pitches. This drill reinforces timing, patience, and adaptability.

How to do it:

  • A teammate throws full-speed pitches in a game-like setup.

  • Concentrate on pitch location, release point, and body movement.

  • Practice adjusting your swing for high, low, inside, and outside pitches.

Why it works:
Live pitching trains your muscle memory and decision-making in real-time. It’s also a perfect way to prep for upcoming BSSC coed softball tournaments, where pitch variety can make or break your at-bat.

Final Thoughts: Hit Harder, Smarter & More Consistently

Consistent practice with these five drills will transform your slow-pitch softball performance. Whether you’re joining your first BSSC softball league or gunning for a tournament win, a strong hitting foundation is your ticket to success.

Get out there, swing smart, and bring home the W—one hit at a time.

Boston Ski and Sports Club is Boston’s largest, longest-running and leading provider of adult recreational sports leagues in Greater Boston.  Our dedicated full-time staff takes great pride in organizing an extensive assortment of coed, men’s and women’s league options throughout the year, so that teams and individual players of all skill levels can find a league, tournament or clinic just right for them.