A stationary ball lets a new batter practise bat path without having to judge a delivery. Set the ball on a tee and use a wide gate ahead as the target. The player can focus on a straight bat and a controlled shot along the ground. If the ball lifts or veers sharply away from the gate, widen the gate and ask for a gentler swing with the bat face directed towards the target. Keep the tee in place until controlled ground contact is repeatable. Allow about 10 minutes for the station, including explanation, turns and rest.
Set up the drill
Put a tee in front of the batter and a wide cone gate about 4 metres ahead. Mark a waiting area behind the batter and a separate collection route.
Equipment: Bat, soft ball, tee, 4 cones.
How to run it
- Check the hitting area is empty.
- Set the ball at a comfortable height and take a balanced stance.
- Watch the ball and swing smoothly towards the gate.
- Pause after contact; retrieve only on the coach’s signal.
- Rotate after five attempts so everyone stays involved.
Finish balanced and let the bat travel towards the target.
A common mistake—and the fix
Trying to hit too hard often lifts the ball or pulls it across the gate. Ask for a softer swing before changing the stance.
Widen the gate and bring it closer. Use a larger foam ball.
Narrow the gate slightly or add a second target and call the target before the swing.
What to measure
Count controlled shots through the gate out of five; repeat under the same setup.
Use the first round as the player’s starting point. Keep distance, ball and target size the same when comparing another round. These counts are practice observations, not selection standards or promises of improvement.
Before you start
Only one batter swings in each marked station. Keep collectors out of the hitting area until play stops.
Use a soft ball for the version described here. Explain the stop signal, check the surface and keep waiting players clear. Adapt or stop if a player feels pain, distress or fatigue. Read the full safety and supervision guide.
Questions about this drill
What does tee-drive gate help players practise?
A stationary ball lets the batter focus on bat path and direction. Look for a controlled shot that stays low and passes through the gate, not how far the ball travels.
How can I adapt this drill for a less confident player?
Widen the gate and move it closer. Keep the ball on a tee until the batter can make contact with balance.
What should I look for before increasing the challenge?
Look for balanced contact and a grounded ball travelling through the gate. A powerful shot outside the gate is not the goal.
