Straightleg- Gerry and I are friends. Just so no one gets confused on this post. Slappers do not use the hips in many of the slaps they are taught. My dd has 7 different ways she has been taught to slap. Each depends on the defense and what you are trying to accomplish. If she is power slapping or hitting for power the hips come into play. She can power slap and bounce it off the fence or hit for power like she did against Shelby high school last year. It all depends what is needed. She also works with Howard, CB, Cassie Cunningham and many others . For example if the first slapper is moving a runner at second, she does not want to hit it hard. If she is doing a Whatley slap into the ground, then she is looking to advance herself or runner. If she is picking on second base, you want a soft slap. Hips are just one part of the slap. Where you hit it on the bat, is also important. So keep in mind each slapper above might be doing exactly what they want based on the situation. Plus look at each slapper, who is quicker out of the box? Keep in mind if you are trying to hit a single you must be 2.8 or faster to first. I do like the fact slapper #2 used the cross over type slap that is taught at the elite level. . Slapper #1 moves back before going forward, making it very difficult to power slap or change to hit for power? Slapper #1 gives up the fact she is going to slap very early in her swing. Why must of the elite players no longer use this type of slap. When it comes to coaching or teaching slapping , I suggest you read or watch the DVD that coach Candrea put out on how to play and coach small ball. It is well worth the money.
