Tips for batting practice

Tips for Batting Practice

It is useful to use a variety of equipment in batting practice. The hardest thing is to hit a small ball with a narrow bat when the contact point is far from the hand. Hitting is easier when the ball is stationary. It is also easier when the distance between the hand and the contact point is short—for example, hitting with just the hand, using a large hitting surface like a tennis racket, a light bat, or a large ball. Strengthening both sides of the body is important when learning to hit.

Hitting a Large Ball with the Hand

• The adult is at the child’s level in an ergonomic position, e.g., kneeling.
• The adult places the ball on their palm, and the child hits the ball with their own hand.
• Practice hitting with both the right and left hand.

Volleyball Strike

• The adult holds a foam noodle bent into an arch, wide enough to fit a volleyball. The noodle keeps the ball in place and allows the child’s strike to release it.
• The child places their ball inside the arch.
• The adult lifts the noodle into a standing arch.
• The child strikes the ball with their hand from inside the noodle arch; a small jump with both feet can help support the strike.
• Practice hitting with both the right and left hand.

Baseball Batting

• Using a batting tee keeps the ball stationary for hitting.
• For the first bat, choose a soft children’s baseball bat.
• Practice hitting from both the right and left sides.

Hitting with Various Bats

• A tennis ball on a string is attached, for example, to a floorball bat held stationary by an adult on a bench.
• Children are given a selection of bats, such as a tennis racket, a soft baseball bat, a foam noodle, or their own hand.
• Children take turns hitting the ball hanging from the string.
• Practice hitting from both the right and left sides.
• Remember to alternate bats.

Other Tips for Batting Practice

• Hitting the ball with your own hand.
• Hitting the ball from your own throw with your hand.
• Hitting a ball thrown by an adult, which always comes in the same way.
• Try different types of strikes, such as underhand and overhand hits.
• When using a tennis racket, let the ball bounce first, making it easier to hit.
• Adults can throw balls in different directions.
• As skills develop, incorporate movement, e.g., side-to-side.
• Remember to practice both sides of the body.