Lightning

Explanation:
We divide our hitters up into groups based on positions and player numbers. 16 players (4 groups of 4 with like positions, i.e. outfielders and infielders). Sometimes you will have uneven groups and that’s fine. Just one less position in the field shagging. Place them in opposite groups. Group 1 (infielders), Group 2 (outfielders), Group 3 (infielders), Group 4 (outfielders). One group will be live on the field hitting, one group will be in the cage and drill area, two groups shagging (in their positions). The coach or person throwing live on the field will be behind the pitching screen about 30 feet from home plate. This person will be throwing short toss or whichever way then can throw consistent strikes. You don’t need a catcher for this drill, unless you would like to put one there. The group on the field hitting live will take 5 to 6 rounds depending on what you would like to work on that day. Round #1 – three sac bunts and 5 cuts, Round #2 – three hit and runs and 5 cuts, Round #3 – three score runner from third base and 5 cuts, Round #4 - 5 cuts, Round #5 – 5 cuts, Round #6 – base bits. (Hitters continues to hit as long as it is a hit; coaches decide.) You may do more base hit rounds depending on time. The player hitting will run out the last ball hit in each round to 1B, just like a game situation. You may want to have your players run to 2B or even 3B.

The group that is in the cage and T-work area can be doing different drills selected by the coach (i.e. Two-T drill, top hand/bottom hand, behind toss, etc.) The two groups in the field, should be playing every ball off the bat as live as possible. Infielders throw to 1B every time on a ground ball (empty bucket should be placed by 1B for balls) and out- fielders work on fly ball skills (going back on ball, coming up, balls in the gap, etc.) Empty bucket should be placed in foul territory, manned by a pitcher to place in bucket.

Each group should take about 15 minutes, so each hitter is receiving 25-30 live cuts, plus skill work (bunting, H & R, scoring runner from 3B). The key to the drill is your pitcher being able to throw consistent strikes. You may work on outside or inside pitches depending on how consistent your pitcher throwing is.

This is how I organize it on a practice schedule: LIGHTNING

Station #1
LIVE (ON FIELD)
Rd. 1 – 3 sac bunts - 5 cuts

Rd. 2 – 3 H & R - 5 cuts 

Rd. 3 – 3 score run - 5 cuts

Rd. 4 – 5 cuts
Rd. 5 – 5 cuts

Rd. 6 – base hits

Station #2
CAGE (Machine)
5 bunts - 20 cuts
top hand / bottom hand
T-work w/ balls
Thunderstick w/ golf ball wiffles

soft toss

Station #3

SHAG

Group/Team 1

LIVE

Place INF Players

Group/Team 2 
CAGE
Place OF Players

Group/Team 3

SHAG

Place INF Players

Group/Team 4

SHAG

Place OF Players