Hitting drills

elevate your game

HydroBat drills

The HydroBat isn’t just a training tool, it’s your ultimate companion for becoming a better hitter. Our drills are crafted to unlock the full potential of the HydroBat’s unique design, helping players at every level enhance bat speed, build power, refine swing mechanics, and sharpen precision. Whether you’re developing strength through overload swings or improving reaction time with rapid-fire tosses, these drills provide a focused, effective path to your goals. Discover our curated list of the best drills and elevate your training with the HydroBat. Train smarter, swing harder, and own the plate.

01

OVERLOAD/UNDERLOAD SWINGS

Goal: Increase bat speed and strength.
  • Setup: Use an old bat to hit a tire, focusing on short, controlled movements.
  • Drill: Swing into the tire with maximum effort for 12 reps per set, completing 3 sets.
  • Tip: Keep your stance strong and avoid overextending.
02

Inside front toss

Goal: Improve hand path and bat speed.
  • Setup: A partner stands between the pitcher’s mound and first base, tossing balls toward your inside hip. Fill the HydroBat halfway.
  • Drill: Focus on keeping your hands inside the ball and driving it to the opposite field. Take 20 swings per set, completing 3 sets.
  • Tip: Stay compact and don’t let the bat drift away from your body.
03

bat-on-shoulder drill

Goal: Develop explosive bat speed and proper loading.
  • Setup: Start with the HydroBat ½ full, resting on your shoulder.
  • Drill: Perform a full stride without lifting the bat off your shoulder, then explode into the swing. Repeat for 15 swings over 3 sets.
  • Tip: Focus on timing and staying balanced throughout the movement.
04

TIRE HITTING (WITH AN OLD BAT) 

Goal: Build explosive power.
  • Setup: Use an old bat to hit a tire, focusing on short, controlled movements.
  • Drill: Swing into the tire with maximum effort for 12 reps per set, completing 3 sets.
  • Tip: Keep your stance strong and avoid overextending.
05

FAST SOFT TOSS WITH A HEAVY BAT

Goal: Enhance reaction speed and power.
  • Setup: Fill the HydroBat to ¾ capacity for resistance.
  • Drill: A partner tosses balls rapidly. Swing, finish your swing, and reload quickly for the next toss. Perform 20 swings per set, completing 3 sets.
  • Tip: Stay relaxed but explosive with each swing.
06

STEP-BACK AND SWING

Goal: Develop power and balance.
  • Setup: Fill the HydroBat halfway.
  • Drill: Step back with your rear foot, then step forward into your swing, driving through the ball with maximum effort. Perform 15 swings per set, completing 3 sets.
  • Tip: Focus on weight transfer and maintaining balance.
07

High Tee Drill

Goal: Improve swing path and power.

Setup: Place the tee slightly above the strike zone. Fill the HydroBat ½ full.

Drill: Drive the ball on a downward plane to simulate hitting line drives. Complete 15 swings per set for 3 sets.

Tip: Avoid dipping your back shoulder.

08

Low Tee Drill

Goal: Improve lift and power for low pitches.

Setup: Set the tee below your knees and fill the HydroBat to ½ capacity.

Drill: Swing upward, driving the ball into the air. Perform 15 swings per set, completing 3 sets.

Tip: Stay compact and avoid lunging.

09

Contact Point Awareness

Goal: Focus on hitting the ball at the correct point.
  • Setup: Fill the HydroBat ¼ full for speed. Use soft toss or a tee.
  • Drill: Aim to hit balls at specific points (inside, middle, outside pitches). Take 15 swings at each location, completing 3 sets.
  • Tip: Keep your eyes on the ball and adjust your hand path accordingly.
10

Barrel Control Drill 

Goal: Improve precision and barrel awareness.
  • Setup: Fill the HydroBat halfway. Use a smaller ball (e.g., golf ball or mini wiffle ball).
  • Drill: Swing to make contact with the smaller ball 10 times per set, completing 3 sets.
  • Tip: Stay controlled and avoid overswinging.
11

One-Handed Swings 

Goal: Strengthen top and bottom hand independently.
  • Setup: Fill the HydroBat ¼ full.
  • Drill: Swing with your top hand only for 10 reps, then switch to your bottom hand for 10 reps. Complete 3 sets.
  • Tip: Focus on smooth, controlled movements without losing your grip.
12

Backside Drive Drill

Goal: Enhance opposite-field power and control.

Setup: Fill the HydroBat halfway. Use a tee or soft toss positioned toward the outer half of the plate.

Drill: Focus on driving the ball to the opposite field with full power. Take 15 swings per set, completing 3 sets.

Tip: Avoid rolling your wrists early.

13

Dry Swings with Pause

Goal: Build muscle memory and swing mechanics.

Setup: Fill the HydroBat to ½ capacity.

Drill: Swing slowly, pausing at key points: load, contact, and finish. Perform 10 swings per set, completing 3 sets.

Tip: Focus on staying balanced and connected.

14

Two-Tee Drill

Goal: Develop a level swing path.

Setup: Place two tees in a row (front tee slightly lower). Fill the HydroBat ¼ full.

Drill: Swing to hit both balls in sequence without dropping or lifting your bat path. Take 15 swings per set, completing 3 sets.

Tip: Keep your hands steady and lead the barrel.

15

Opposite Hand Swings

Goal: Improve coordination and strength.

Setup: Fill the HydroBat to ½ capacity.

Drill: Swing using your non-dominant hand/side for 10 reps per set, completing 3 sets.

Tip: Focus on balance and control.

16

Split-Grip Drill

Goal: Enhance barrel control and hand path.
  • Setup: Fill the HydroBat ½ full. Split your grip so there’s about 6 inches between your top and bottom hand.
  • Drill: Swing slowly to work on barrel awareness and alignment. Perform 15 swings per set, completing 3 sets.
  • Tip: Avoid rushing and focus on smooth transitions.
17

Weighted Bat Path Drill

Goal: Refine bat path consistency.
  • Setup: Fill the HydroBat to ¾ capacity. Use soft toss or a tee.
  • Drill: Focus on keeping the bat on a straight plane through the hitting zone. Perform 15 swings per set, completing 3 sets.
  • Tip: Keep your eyes level with the ball.
18

Reverse Load Drill

Goal: Improve weight transfer and power.
  • Setup: Fill the HydroBat ½ full.
  • Drill: Start with your weight on your front foot, then shift back and explode forward into your swing. Take 12 swings per set, completing 3 sets.
  • Tip: Emphasize timing and balance.
19

Short-to-Long Drill

Goal: Increase bat speed and precision.
  • Setup: Fill the HydroBat ¼ full.
  • Drill: Perform short, controlled swings focusing on contact, then gradually increase your swing length and speed. Take 20 swings per set, completing 3 sets.
  • Tip: Don’t sacrifice mechanics for speed.
20

Fence Drill

Goal: Prevent casting and promote compact swings.
  • Setup: Stand about a bat’s length from a fence with the HydroBat ½ full.
  • Drill: Swing without hitting the fence, focusing on a tight hand path. Perform 15 swings per set, completing 3 sets.
  • Tip: Keep your elbows close and your swing compact.