Softball drill
Flamingo hitting drill
The hitter balances on the back leg with the front foot off the ground, then strides and swings at front toss when the ball is released. It builds balance on the back side and a controlled move forward.
At a glance
- Sport
- Baseball and Softball
- Skill
- Hitting
- Ages
- 10U to High school
- Players
- 2 (a hitter and a tosser)
- Time
- About 10 minutes
- Level
- Intermediate
- Equipment
- An L-screen, A bucket of balls, Bat and helmet, A batting cage or net, A batting tee (optional)
- Indoors
- Yes
Hitters who drift toward the pitcher before they swing lose the power they built in the load. The flamingo drill makes them hold the load on one leg, like a flamingo, until the ball is on the way, and then go forward under control.
In the video a softball hitter balances on the back leg and strides into front toss. Holding the balance takes some strength, so it also makes a good test of whether a hitter can stay back. It runs in a cage or a gym with front toss, or off a tee to start.
Setup
- Set an L-screen about 12 to 15 feet in front of the plate.
- The hitter takes their stance, then lifts the front foot and balances on the back leg with the weight over the back hip.
- The tosser sits or kneels behind the screen with a bucket of balls.
How to run it
- The hitter finds their balance on the back leg, feeling it in the back hip and thigh.
- As the tosser gets ready, the hitter stays on the back leg and does not start forward.
- When the ball is released, the hitter strides forward under control and lands softly.
- They swing and drive the ball up the middle, keeping their posture.
- Take 6 to 10 swings, then a few with a normal stride to keep the feel.
Coaching points
- Sit into the back hip. The weight stays over the back leg, not outside the back foot.
- The stride is controlled and lands softly before the hips turn.
- Stay tall and stacked while balancing; no leaning back.
- Go forward when the ball is released, not before.
- If the hitter cannot hold the balance, start off a tee and shorten the hold.
Common mistakes
- Falling forward toward the pitcher instead of striding under control.
- Swinging the moment the foot hits the ground, so the upper body fires alone.
- Leaning back to stay balanced, which tilts the shoulders up.
- Hopping on the back foot to find balance.
Printable drill card
Take this drill to the field: the setup, steps, coaching points and equipment on one card, with the video's address to find it again. Free, no account needed.
Print the drill cardSmaller: half page or quarter page (PDF).
By age
10U and 12U
Start off a tee and hold the balance for one second before striding. Move to slow front toss once the stride is controlled.
14U and up
Vary the timing of the tosses so the hitter has to hold the balance until the real release.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can the flamingo drill be done off a tee?
Yes, and it is a good way to start. Hold the balance on the back leg, stride, and hit the ball off the tee before moving on to front toss.
Is the flamingo drill the same as a leg kick drill?
They are close. Some coaches have the hitter lift the front knee high and then glide into the stride. The idea is the same: stay balanced on the back leg and move forward under control.
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