11U–12U
Hitting
All positions
Beginner
Bucket Bounce Timing Drill for Hitters
Ball is bounced off a bucket or surface; hitter times the hop and drives according to location (inside or outside).
- Skill:
- timing
- Equipment:
- Bat / tee
- Duration:
- About 5 min
- Setting:
- Indoor or outdoor
- Players:
- Solo
Coaching notes
Simple reaction drill that forces hitters to see the bounce, time it, and adjust swing path to the resulting location.
Objectives
Improve timing and pitch-location recognition; train driving the ball where it is pitched.
Coaching cues
See the bounce; time it correctly; drive it wherever it takes you (inside take inside, outside take outside).
Common errors
Swinging early or late; trying to pull everything; losing balance.
Safety
Soft balls or controlled bounces; clear hitting area.
Setup
Bucket or hard surface, balls, bat. Partner or self-feed possible.
Progressions
Slow bounces → faster → mix locations → live toss with bounce feel.
Variations
Use different surfaces for hop variation.
Steps
- 1. Bounce ball toward hitter off bucket or surface
- 2. Hitter times the hop and takes a full swing
- 3. Drive according to the resulting location
