Most players head into the cage with one goal: get their swings in. They measure success by how many balls they square up, how many line drives they hit. But here’s the thing -swinging isn’t the problem. Bad swings usually come from bad decisions.
That’s where the Strike Zone Discipline Drill comes in. It’s not just about training your swing, it’s about training your eyes and brain to know when not to swing.
The "Strike Zone Discipline" Drill
- Round 1:25 pitches – swing ONLY at pitches in your zone
- Round 2: 25 pitches – call "ball" or "strike" as the pitch is on its way
- Round 3:25 pitches – call "ball" or "strike" before swinging, then identify the zone location after ("middle away," "low and in," etc.)
- Never swing at a pitch outside your zone
- If you swing at a ball, restart the round
- Focus on quality decisions, not just contact
What You’re Training
Studies show that elite hitters - the ones with 15% swing-and-miss rates, aren’t always faster or stronger than those at 25%. They’re just better at recognizing pitches early.
This drill builds the discipline to lay off bad pitches and the confidence to attack good ones. You’re rewiring your brain to automatically recognize what’s worth swinging at, and what’s not.
The Takeaway
Anyone can work on their swing.
Elite players train their decisions.
Every rep in this drill builds the kind of strike zone awareness that turns solid hitters into complete hitters.
You’re not just practicing hitting. You’re practicing patience, recognition, and control.
And that’s what wins at bats.