High school
Hitting
All positions
Intermediate
Hanger Connection Drill to Stop Rollovers
Unique connection drill using a clothes hanger (or similar object) that forces the hitter to stay connected through the first half of the swing and prevents early casting or rollover.
- Skill:
- connection, anti-casting, swing path
- Equipment:
- Bat / tee
- Duration:
- About 8 min
- Setting:
- Indoor
- Players:
- Solo
Coaching notes
A hanger is positioned so the hitter must keep the lead arm and body connected; any early disconnect or casting causes the hanger to interfere. The feel carries over to a compact, connected swing that drives the ball up the middle instead of rolling over.
Objectives
Eliminate early disconnect and casting; promote a connected swing path; reduce weak ground-ball rollovers.
Coaching cues
Stay connected through the first half of the swing; feel the hanger keep you short; drive the barrel through the middle; don't let the front shoulder fly open early.
Common errors
Trying to swing around the hanger instead of through it; standing up out of the posture; releasing the barrel too soon.
Safety
Use a soft hanger or foam equivalent; start with slow dry swings; clear the area of other players.
Setup
Clothes hanger or training equivalent; tee or soft toss recommended.
Progressions
Dry swings with hanger → tee with hanger → remove hanger and swing free while retaining the feel.
Variations
Can be performed from a one-knee stance; combine with a connection ball under the rear arm.
Steps
- 1. Position the hanger so it constrains early disconnect.
- 2. Take slow dry swings, feeling the connection forced by the hanger.
- 3. Progress to tee swings while maintaining the same connected path.
- 4. Remove the hanger and swing freely, retaining the connected feel.
Source:
Coach RAC
