Batting tee basics: stance, load, swing

Setup

1. Set each tee 3–4 m from a net or backstop fence, so every ball is hit into it and no one stands in front.
2. Mark a swing zone with four cones around the tee and batter, about 4 m across. Only the batter goes inside it with a bat.
3. The next batter waits behind a cone at least 3 m outside the zone, holding no bat, and walks in only when the coach calls.
4. Every batter wears a helmet with a face guard. Use softer (RIF) or whiffle balls for the youngest.
5. Set the tee at belt height for each batter, with the ball level with the front of the plate or front foot.

How it runs

1. Stance: feet a little wider than the shoulders, knees soft, weight on the balls of the feet, door-knocking knuckles lined up, hands near the back shoulder, eyes on the ball.
2. Load: a small shift of weight to the back leg as the hands move slightly back. Say it out loud: “Stance, load, swing.”
3. Swing: small step at the net, turn the back foot (squish the bug), hips and shoulders turn, the bat goes through the ball and finishes over the front shoulder.
4. Five swings each, then lay the bat down on the ground (never throw or drop it behind) and walk out to the waiting cone.
5. The coach places each ball on the tee and only says “Batter up!” when everyone is outside the zone.

Coaching points

• Eyes on the back of the ball, head still through the swing.
• Knuckles lined up on the handle, hands together, no gap.
• Load is small and slow; the swing is fast.
• Turn the back foot and hip: belly button finishes facing the net.
• Swing through the ball, not at it; hold the finish.
• Lay the bat down after every turn; nobody swings outside the zone.

Common mistakes

• Feet too close together, so the batter loses balance.
• Big step forward instead of a small one.
• Back foot flat on the ground, so the hips never turn.
• Dropping the back shoulder and hitting the tee.
• Throwing the bat on the way out of the zone.
• Waiting players standing too close or wandering behind the batter.