Slapping
In the sport of softball, slapping has become a a prominent part of the game, now more than ever. The whole purpose behind this idea is to get the quick girls on base to create havoc for the pitching and defense. The main objective for some slappers is to just put the ball on the ground and try to beat it out. But with the evolution of the technique, you see more often slappers who can also hit the ball through to the outfield in RBI situations. There are many ways to perform these techniques, but I will focus on the main components of all slaps.
The slapper should always make sure that she comes straight towards the pitcher until she makes contact. After she makes contact is when she begins toward first base. If she pulls out too soon she will never be able to hit an outside pitch. Concerning the footwork, there are two ways to start. The first is to take a negative step back with your front foot before starting forward. The second is just to start forward without taking a negative first step. Whichever one the slapper decides to use all depends on preference and timing. Whichever feels the most comfortable for her is what she should go with. But either way, she should always start with her left foot on the back line of the box. The slapper should start forward with her steps when the pitcher starts her windmill motion. As she is towards the pitcher, she should be using "crossover" steps, while keeping her knees bent and her head straight and still. The worst thing a slapper can do is to stand up while she is making contact with the pitch. When she does this her head has a tendency to move up and down during her approach. When she makes contact, her left foot should be pointing at the pitcher. So her first step towards first base should be with her right foot.
From here on out, there are two ways to perform a slap. The footwork remains the same, but the hand positioning and the point of contact are much different. The object for both techniques is the same in that the slapper is trying to hit the top inside part of the ball. This in essence disallows the slapper to make solid contact, thus creating a softly hit ground ball placed on the left side of the field.
Technique #1: Opening Up
In this method, the slapper is opening up so that her belly button is facing the pitcher at the point of contact. Because her hips are open, she wants to make contact more out front, towards the middle of the plate. She should start out with the knob of the bat pointing at the pitcher, while it is resting on her shoulder. As she starts her crossover steps, she keeps the head of her bat flat on a level plane. She keeps her hands close to her body as she starts to bring it forward. When she makes contact, the ball should be in the middle of the plate and her left toe should be out front and pointed at the pitcher. By pointing her toe at the pitcher in this manner she is opening her hips up before contact is made.
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Technique #2: Staying Closed
In this method, the slapper is keeping her right shoulder tucked in when contact is made. Because her shoulder is tucked in, she wants to make contact as late as possible (almost having the ball even being past her). She should start out just like a normal left handed hitter would. She still keeps her hands close to her body when she begins her slap, but the difference lies in the placement of the left foot. When she makes contact, the ball should be almost behind her with her left inside part of her foot facing the pitcher. By doing this, she is keeping her front shoulder tucked in. What this allows her to do is to take a stronger cut without supplying the power.
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