Soft Toss vs Front Toss
Also known as: soft toss, front toss, soft toss drill, front toss drill, toss drills for softball
Soft toss and front toss are two ways a partner feeds underhand tosses into a hitter's swing. In soft toss, the tosser kneels or stands to the side, or at an angle in front, and the hitter drives the ball into a net. In front toss, the tosser stands in front, about 15 feet away behind a protective screen, so the ball comes from the pitcher's direction. Soft toss suits mechanics and many reps; front toss adds timing.
Soft toss is the simpler drill. A coaching guide from Human Kinetics suggests that beginners take tosses from the side and that more advanced players take them from about a 45-degree angle in front. This is closer to the direction of a real pitch. The toss should be firm and level, aimed at the contact spot, often around the front hip. A small backswing by the tosser gives the hitter something to time. Hitters swing into a net or fence, so many reps fit into a short session.
Front toss brings the ball from in front, the way a pitch arrives. The same guide places a screen about 15 feet in front of the hitter to protect the tosser, who stands behind it. Variations include angle toss from beside the screen, tosses to the inside and outside, and high tosses that teach the hitter to keep the barrel above the ball.
Both drills work best with a purpose. Pick one thing to train, such as contact spot, hand path or hitting the outer half, and set the toss to match. Keep the tosser where a batted ball or a swinging bat cannot reach her. A tee is the other everyday tool, best for working on one position at a time.
Tips by skill level
Start with soft toss from the side into a net. Aim each toss at the spot in front of the front hip where the hitter should make contact.
Mix locations and heights in front toss without telling the hitter, so she has to read and adjust as she would against a pitcher.
Example
Before a game, a 12U hitter takes soft tosses into a net from her coach kneeling at an angle, working on contact in front of her front hip. She then takes front toss from behind a screen to match the timing of a ball coming from the front.
Why it matters
Toss drills give hitters many good swings in a small space. Picking the right one, and setting it up safely, makes those reps count.
Common mistakes
- Tossing from straight in front without a protective screen
- Feeding slow, looping tosses that teach nothing about timing
- Taking dozens of swings with no goal for the session
- Standing where a batted ball or the bat can reach the tosser
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between soft toss and front toss?
In soft toss, the tosser is to the side or at an angle in front of the hitter. In front toss, the tosser is in front, about 15 feet away behind a screen, so the ball comes from the pitcher's direction. Soft toss builds mechanics; front toss adds timing.
Where should you stand for soft toss?
Beginners usually take tosses from the side. More advanced hitters can take them from about a 45-degree angle in front. Either way, stand where the ball and the bat cannot reach you.
How far away should front toss be?
A common setup puts a protective screen about 15 feet in front of the hitter, with the tosser behind it.
Is front toss better than soft toss?
Neither is better. Front toss is closer to a real pitch's direction and timing; soft toss gives more quick reps on mechanics. Many hitters use both.
Sources
Related terms
- Hand-Eye Timing DrillsHand-eye timing drills train a hitter to read release and adjust swing timing. Reaction balls and varied-speed machine reps are common examples.
- Teaching a Young Fast-Pitch Hitter (Parent Guide)Teach a young fast-pitch hitter the basics in order. Start with a balanced stance and eyes on the ball, then a short stride and a level, on-time swing. Use a light bat she can control, lots of tee and soft-toss swings with soft balls, and short sessions that praise solid contact.
- Contact PointThe contact point is the specific location in front of (or at) the plate where the bat meets the ball — which varies by pitch location, pitch type, and desired ball-flight direction.
- Compact Swing TimingCompact swing timing uses a short, direct path from load to contact. It cuts trigger-to-contact time, adding margin for error in a short reaction window.
- Quick HandsQuick hands describe a short, direct path from the load to the ball. Fast-pitch hitters need this compact swing to be on time with under 0.5 seconds to react.
- Hitting the RiseHitting the rise means squaring up a well-located rise ball instead of swinging under it. The hitter stays tall and tracks the ball up through the zone.
Related guides & benchmarks
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