Tee Drills for Hitters: Fix Head Movement & Improve Contact
If you want more hard contact, better balance, and improved pitch tracking, it starts with tee drills.
Head movement is one of the biggest silent killers of hitting performance.
When your head drifts, pulls, dips, or jumps, your timing suffers, your balance shifts, and your power leaks.
The batting tee is the fastest and most controlled way to fix it.
Why Tee Drills Are Essential for Hitting Development
Tee drills build the mechanical foundation that allows hitters to track the ball longer, maintain balance through contact, improve barrel accuracy, and develop consistent swing paths.
Stable head = Better vision = Cleaner contact.
Common Head Movement Problems
- Excessive movement during load
- Pulling the head off the ball before contact – (so common!)
- Dropping the head during the swing
- Tilting the head and restricting vision
- Jumping forward in anticipation – (lunging kills power)
3 Powerful Tee Drills to Improve Head Position
1. Nose-to-Contact Tee Drill
Focus on keeping your nose pointed at the contact point through and after contact. Hold your finish for two seconds. Perform 3 sets of 15 swings.
2. Cap Bill Vision Control Drill
Wear your cap normally. If your head dips during the swing, the bill blocks your vision. This provides immediate feedback and reinforces proper head height.
3. Partner Feedback Drill
Have a coach or teammate observe only your head movement. After each swing, they say either ‘Still’ or ‘Move’ to build awareness.
Building a Complete Training Station
Creating an efficient tee drill station is critical for high school and college programs. A quality sock net allows you to set up an instant batting station anywhere on the field or indoors.
Recommended product: Got Tee? Now get a Team Quality Baseball Sock Net – Makes an Instant Batting Station!
This portable sock net helps teams set up structured tee-drill stations safely and efficiently, making it ideal for daily repetitions and all-season training.
Train with the Right Equipment
For complete team training & practice field solutions, visit BaseballTips.com
See us for the best in team baseball field equipment for all-season training!
From batting stations to protective screens and field equipment, BaseballTips.com supports high school and college programs committed to player development.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tee Drills
Why do college coaches still use tee drills?
Because tee drills isolate mechanics without timing variables. Even elite hitters refine their mechanics daily using a tee.
How often should players perform tee drills?
High school players should aim for 3–5 sessions per week during season and daily in the offseason.
Do tee drills translate to live pitching?
Yes. Tee drills build the foundation. Live pitching tests and refine it.
Final Thoughts
Watch any video of Barry Bonds for a great look at how the best look at load and contact; your finish might differ and still be correct for you!
When your head stays still, your eyes stay locked, and your body stays balanced. Commit to disciplined tee drills and eliminate one of the biggest obstacles to consistent hard contact.
