Bold above....that's where the 'timing' problem comes into play...pre-load isn't part of the proper sequence.
Get to a pitching distance that your players don't have to pre-load. Getting to a Pre-loaded position isn't teaching them how to face 'speed'. Unless your hitters are going to bat in a pre-loaded position. Hitters need to be able to 'figure out' how to create 'time' in THEIR sequence. Ideally that's against the closes-es a coach can simulate game speed. I think older good hitters distance isn't as big a factor as it is for younger hitters. I also understand a coach has to work with what they can. So, it's just my opinion.
This is how I do it also.I'd say I hardly ever throw front toss from more than 15-20 feet. The timing trick is to show the ball and have a consistent motion delivering the ball. I tell my hitters I will show the ball, take it away and then come forward with the toss. In that way, they are to time my motion the same as they do a pitcher's motion.
I front toss from about 20 feet away. It gives me a better chance to hit locations. The hitter has to learn when to start (which is sometime during my arm swing) so that their front foot is off the ground by release. No different than from regular distance - timing is the same.
Bobby's video above that RD posted speaks a HUGE issue for fastpitch hitters in that they rotate around the front hip and spin instead of learning how to rotate around the back hip. The pelvis needs to open upon landing the front foot and this can only happen if you learn to turn the pelvis over the rear hip joint.
I will start hitters on the back leg balanced over their rear hip to start to understand the timing (basically get to the position Melero is in above in the right frame) and learn how to use the front leg to help turn pelvis over the rear hip. Hands learn to go back as this happens.
Unlike a lot of us on these boards, he actually works with mlb hitters - so grab a monster energy drink and try to power thru it - more likely than not you will find useful nuggets for your hitting journeyThis guy is utterly brutal to try and listen to. Point is delayed....i cant hear him and i just cant follow him. Brutal