Slap hitting in softball is a technique used to put the ball in play quickly, usually to get on base and advance runners. Note that the guide below is meant to be a general guide to slap hitting, and certainly not the end-all-be-all guide. If you have a hitting coach who teaches slapping we suggest deferring to in-person, live coaching over this or any step-by-step guide to slap hitting. For more visual references, please check out the training videos for slappers section of our Website.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Proper Stance:
- Feet: Stand in the batter’s box with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Your front foot should be closer to the pitcher, and your back foot should be slightly turned.
- Body Position: Position yourself slightly toward the back of the batter’s box, which helps you make contact with the ball as you move forward.
2. Grip:
- Use a relaxed grip on the bat. Your top hand should be slightly more dominant, but avoid gripping the bat too tightly to maintain a fluid swing.
3. Bat Angle:
- Hold the bat at a slightly upward angle. This will help you make contact with the ball at the right point and potentially slap it in the desired direction.
4. Load and Timing:
- As the pitcher winds up, start your load by shifting your weight slightly to your back leg. This means your hips and shoulders should start to rotate away from the pitcher.
- Time your load with the pitcher’s release to be ready to swing as the ball approaches.
5. Step and Swing:
- Step Forward: As the pitcher delivers the ball, step forward with your front foot. This helps generate momentum and allows you to make contact with the ball as you move toward it.
- Swing Path: Swing the bat with a slapping motion, making contact with the ball with the bat’s backside. Aim for a quick, short swing rather than a full, powerful one. Your goal is to make contact and direct the ball into play.
6. Follow Through:
- After making contact, continue your swing in a natural, controlled manner. Your follow-through should be smooth and balanced, helping you maintain control and readiness for running to first base.
7. Practice:
- Slap hitting requires a lot of practice to perfect timing, contact, and placement. Work with a coach or practice on your own to improve your technique and consistency.
Remember, slap hitting is as much about speed and precision as it is about power. The key is to practice regularly and refine your technique based on your experiences and observations during games.