Drill:
Up the Middle

Purpose:
Many hitting problems can occur from a player not being able to wait for the ball. By trying to hit the ball up the middle the hitter is forced to stay back and balanced.

Equipment:
L-Sreen or other type of screen for protection while throwing; Baseballs; Bat and helmet

Setup:
This drill can be used as a batting practice station.

Execution:
Throw batting practice pitches to the hitter.
Hitter tries to hit the ball back to the screen.

You may find that this drill can be helpful as part of every batting practice. For example, the main hitting station of batting practice may begin with the hitter hitting 2 balls the opposite way, 2 up the middle, then swing away. Let's say for the swing away portion you give each hitter 10 swings. Try adding on an extra swing for each successful hit the other way and up the middle. A hitter can then get an extra 4 swings by successfully handling the bat.

Make a game of it:
Split into teams.
Give each hitter 2 or 3 chances.
1 point for each ball that hits the screen.