Three Must-Do Hitting Drills for Serious Ballplayers

If you’re looking to improve your swing, drive the ball with authority, and become a more complete hitter, you need to focus on mechanics, approach, and adaptability. In today’s game, where pitchers are throwing harder than ever, you must prepare for high velocity, inside heat, and the need to extend through the baseball.

The good news? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. The best hitters in the game have been using these three proven hitting drills for years, and they can transform your swing, too.

1. The Power V Drill: The Ultimate Swing Lie Detector

One universal truth in hitting: extension through the baseball is key. Whether you follow an old-school or modern hitting philosophy, no one can argue against the need to stay through the ball. That’s where the Power V Drill comes in.

Why It Works

Forces you to extend through the baseball rather than pulling off too early.
Eliminates the “Nike swoosh” swing path, where hitters roll over or chop at the ball.
Helps create true backspin and carry, increasing exit velocity and line-drive percentage.

How to Perform the Power V Drill

Start on a Tee – Place the ball middle to middle-away.
Focus on Contact & Extension – Stop your swing right after contact in a “Power V” position.
Progress to Front Toss & BP – Execute the same movement with a live ball.

👉 Key Check: If your Power V finish drifts left or right instead of staying through the middle, you’re likely pulling off the ball or not staying connected.

Elite hitters do this daily, and if you struggle with rolling over or lack consistent hard contact, this is your fix.

2. The High Tee Drill: Master the High Heat

Today’s pitchers live at the top of the zone, throwing high fastballs with elite spin rates. If you can’t handle high velocity up and in, you’re an easy out. The High Tee Drill is your solution.

Why It Works

Trains you to stay on plane with high fastballs instead of swinging under.
Prevents the “barrel dump” that causes weak fly balls and swing-and-miss issues.
Forces a tight, efficient turn to get inside the ball.

How to Perform the High Tee Drill

Set the tee slightly higher than the letters – You want to exaggerate the height to train proper bat path.
Position the ball middle-in – Close to the hands to reinforce a compact swing.
Attack the ball with a short, connected turn – The goal is to drive it the other way, staying through the ball.

This drill is a game-changer. If you can consistently barrel up high fastballs, pitchers lose one of their best weapons against you. Just ask Bo Bichette, who used this drill religiously as a young hitter.

3. The Machine Drill: Train at Uncomfortable Game Speeds

Hitting is all about being comfortable in uncomfortable situations. That’s why turning up the machine to 90+ mph at short distance is the ultimate test.

Why It Works

Simulates elite-level velocity, making in-game fastballs feel slower.
Forces quick decision-making and reaction time.
Builds mental toughness—if you can compete in this drill, the game becomes easier.

How to Perform the Machine Drill

Crank up the velocity – Set the machine to 90+ mph from 45-50 feet away.
Battle and Compete – The goal isn’t perfect mechanics; it’s about finding a way to barrel up the ball.
Stay Loose & Relaxed – Using tools like AirWave mouthpieces can help control breathing and avoid tension.

🚨 Pro Tip: The best hitters love the machine because it sharpens their timing and vision. If you hate it, that’s a sign you need to do it more.

Final Thoughts: How to Apply These Drills

These aren’t gimmicks. They’re the foundation of elite hitting. If you’re serious about your development:

✅ Do the Power V Drill to master extension.
✅ Use the High Tee Drill to crush high velocity up and in.
✅ Compete in the Machine Drill to get comfortable with game-speed challenges.

At the end of the day, great hitters train with intent, work through discomfort, and prepare for the toughest in-game moments.