Advanced Toss & Batting Tee Drills

Gr 2 Up—This instructional DVD presents 43 hitting drills for parents and coaches of players, ages seven to 12 years old. Most are demonstrated in a backyard, using a tarp hung from the bottom of a deck as a backstop. Four boys, two teens and two younger boys, demonstrate variations on simple toss and/or tee drills. These are aimed at improving a child's swing or stance, hand/eye coordination, and focus in the batter's box. Each skill is simply demonstrated a couple of times, while voice-over narration offers simple directions and the rationale for the movements. This is a no-frills production, which helps reinforce the message that these exercises are easy to replicate using inexpensive supplies. (In one, the "recycle bin," various plastic bottles are lightly tossed to the hitter.) Though most are purpose-driven, some activities are playful and young players can enjoy as well as learn from them.