It Starts with the Tee

Kwick Baseball/Softball Fundamentals

The baseball tee is a critical tool to the development of your baseball or softball swing. The idea is simple: If you can't execute your swing to a stationary target, you certainly won't be able to hit a moving one. Selecting the correct tee and ensuring proper height is the first step to the development of a proper swing.

You've purchased a $200 glove, $200 bat, $50 batting gloves and other expensive baseball or softball items, but you're using a cheap plastic tee that is the wrong size for the player. Access to tees can be difficult and most tees -- from what I've observed coaching and in my own children's youth leagues -- are adult tees being utilized on children. I recommend using any tee that can adjust a lower height; the top of the tee should be even with the player's knees. The premier option is the youth Tanner tee.

Now that you have the proper baseball tee, what can you do to help yourself or someone you know be better from the tee? Check out this Kwick baseball video for additional tips about hitting from the tee. You can also schedule coaching lessons in the Services section on this website for more personalized tee drills.