by Richard Todd, with contributions by Paul Bearmon and others

Despite the casual, lazy routine you often see in pre-games, soft toss can be an extremely valuable training and prep technique. But it's often done poorly and understood less. The reason for citing pre-games is that most soft-toss done on the field during those precious 45 minutes is a complete waste of time - it is unfocused, lacking in real effort, and even counterproductive. It doesn't help players dial in, it can mess up their swing mechanics, and it slows down their bats.

So why do we still recommend soft toss?

Because when it's done properly - with purpose - it can be extremely valuable to your offense. This page pulls together ideas from many sources (see side note), including recommendations and reasons for techniques and training aids.


Soft Toss done right can improve ball tracking, hand-eye coordination, reaction time and swing quickness.

Whether a coach or another player is helping the hitter, both need to understand the importance of the feed and the feeder - distance, timing, direction, number of reps - are all factors.

Often we see balls lobbed into the strike zone right over the plate. There may be a time and place for that, but it's not on the first round. The ball needs to be fed quicker and straighter - like a backhand feed at 2nd (shown at right). The  best feed points are either from the side or at a 30-degree angle and the feeder should be no more than 6' from the hitter.Where to aim the toss depends on the intent of the drill and the hitter's strengths and weaknesses. Generally you want to aim it so the ball would pass right in front of the lead need - crossing the strike zone in front of the plate. If the hitter needs to work on contact with max power out front, the 30-degree angle is good. If he/she needs to work on letting the ball get deeper, then toss from the side.