How to Teach Hitting T-Balls

T-ball is a version of baseball in which youngsters aged about four to eight play by hitting the ball off an upright stand similar to a golf tee. This form of baseball is easier for younger children to play, since many young kids haven't developed the hand-eye coordination necessary to hit a pitched baseball. If you want to teach a child how to hit the ball off the tee, you can do so with a little basic instruction and some consistent practice.

Things You'll Need

  • Baseball bat
  • T-ball stand
  • Baseball
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give a size-appropriate bat to your child. The bat should be short enough and light enough that your child can swing it easily. Place your child's non-dominant hand closest to the handle end of the bat and his dominant hand on the bat closer to the tip of the bat. His hands should be touching each other.

    • 2

      Place a baseball on top of the t-ball stand. Make sure that the stand is on level ground. Adjust the stand if necessary so that the ball is the same height as your child's waist.

    • 3

      Position your child to the side of the t-ball stand. If she is right-handed, she should have her left shoulder forward as she faces the stand. If left-handed, she should have her right shoulder forward. Her feet should be shoulder width apart with her weight on the balls of her feet.

    • 4

      Instruct your child to bend his knees slightly and to watch the ball closely as he swings the bat to hit it. He should swing level, keeping his shoulders level as well. Teach your child to drop the bat gently after he hits the ball.

    • 5

      Demonstrate how to hit the ball if your child is having trouble. Get on your knees and hit the ball from the tee. You also can stand behind your child and place your hands on his hands to help him swing and hit a few times.