Hitting soft tosh

Question
I am a member of a varsity softball team, and before games, we practice batting using the soft toss method (the batter stands facing a "pitcher" who tosses the ball).  I have heard that this is a terrible exercise because it is harmful to your batting stance.  I would like to know if this is in fact true and if it is, what are some other more effective drills I could suggest to my coach to replace the soft toss exercise? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Sarah

Soft toss, like most drills are only helpful if done correctly with the right equipment. Soft toss is done with two people. The batter sets up about 6-8 feet in front of a portable net. The tosser kneels safely to the side of the net and will toss the balls to the batter for the batter to hit into the net. The tosser wants to use an underhand motion where s/he brings the ball back slightly, indicating to the batter to 憀oad' and then begin the toss, aiming for the front knee or thigh. You can vary speed and location of the tosses to simulate pitches.