Hitting and Hitters Discussion question about slapping

[default]

My main goal this fall/winter is to teach my 12u kid to slap. She's a natural lefty, decent speed, not a burner , but at least average or better. I don't know how to properly do it, so I've consulted a few people and most if not all , teach the crossover step. When we practice this seems very awkward for her to do, very un-natural, but she slaps pretty well not crossing over . The college coach I spoke with briefly said this keeps the front shoulder in and tucked. help---MD

 

[default]

and I thought this was the correct way to backslap Ringer...

MD,
I can pm you some info if you need it!

 

[default]

Don't pass on teaching her to lay down a good bunt down either line. A slapper who can also "spot place" a bunt at will is EXTREMELY valuable, especially with any kind of speed. In fact, if EVERY batter can bunt - including the cleanup - you WILL win many, many games. Slapping and power hitting are specialties, bunting is a MUST HAVE skill every kid should be comfortable with.

As far as the crossover, all the good, fast slappers use it. It's an advantage you HAVE to have at the higher levels of play. She might get away without it for awhile, but, like a pitcher without a good rise, she'll wish she had it when she gets older.

 

[default]

I would suggest finding someone who has played as a slapper in college or has trained slappers to work with your daughter, or at least meet with you two and pass along some specific techniques to work on. There are so many skills a slapper can use to great advantage and really work the field, if they are done well.

 

[default]

Sammy--she already bunts really well , hate to brag but as far 12u goes , she would be looked at as an above average bunter and thats trying not to brag too much on my DD. She could use work pushing/dragging down the 1st base line , not as comfortable as using the 3rd base line , but I can help with that . I need help with the crossover question. Thanks MD

 

[default]

and I thought this was the correct way to backslap Ringer...

MD,
I can pm you some info if you need it!

send it on please Thanks MD

 

[default]

Gotcha MD. FYI, I watched the 18u Roadrunners (WV) this past summer, and I'd have to say that team put on the most spectacular "short game" performance of any team this side if the Mississippi! I don't know the coach, but someone obviously taught those girls some excellent skills.

Maybe someone on OFC can put you in touch with him? If he doesn't teach it, I'm betting he could put you in touch with someone who taught his team.

 

[default]

Righty or lefty? If left, naturally left or? Personally I like the style that Mike Larabee teaches at Wright State - probably because it uses the same look and steps for their bunting style too.

 

[default]

My question is " At what age does slapping really come into play" We went to a tryout for 12u and my DD batted well but coach said she didn't score well at slapping. We never did teach it but she was down the line and just watched the others and tryed it. She is not the fastest so we worked hard at power.

 

[default]

I agree with the Bear. We coverted by 13U last year and with the cross over step bunting and slapping that Mke teaches, she had a great year and ended up with the second highest batting average on her team. . Now we are teaching her to hit with power as a Lefty. She is not a naturally Lefty but we wanted to use her speed. Mike has an excellent small ball camp .

 

[default]

That makes sense, Mollie Berry who was one of the best slappers I had seen from Clay High School in the Toledo City League is going to play softball at Wright state this year, now I know why she picked that school lol.

 

[default]

Righty or lefty? ?If left, naturally left or? ?Personally I like the style that Mike Larabee teaches at Wright State - probably because it uses the same look and steps for their bunting style too.

natural lefty . ? MD So does anyone slap without the crossover step ?

 

[default]

ManitouDan: Have been with three hitting/slapper instructiors all taught the cross over because of the speed of getting out of the box. Mike teaches the cross over step bunting so you gain speed. If you get a chance take your dd to the Wright State Camp.

 

[default]

Start on a tee....crossover step is a definite. Start out s-l-o-w on the tee....she'll get it quickly. You can progress to whiffle balls from there, and then a machine.

There are some decent "how to slap" videos at http://www.championshipproductions.com/cgi-bin/champ/c/Softball/Slap-Hitting-2082.html -- the one by Steve Miner talks about the crossover. I haven't seen the others.

 

[default]

I have to Slap Hitting 101 video, its pretty good. I also have the one from Jay Miller, but the 101 video is better (IMO).

I just found this one (Natasha Watley), from the demo clip it looks good...

http://www.themilesmediagroup.com/E-Store.html

 

[default]

Manitou, best slapper ive seen and former all-american and now college coach Cassie cunningham runs a slaper/bunting/ dragging/Hitting clinic in early december . Take your daughter you wont be disapointed !

 

[default]

Bear or anyone, do you know of any video that show the cross-over step for bunting? ?It sounds kind of like the drag bunt. :-? :-?

 

[default]

Manitou, best slapper ive seen ?and former all-american and now college coach Cassie cunningham runs a slaper/bunting/ dragging/Hitting ?clinic in early december . Take your daughter you wont be disapointed !

where would this be located ? MD

 

[default]

MD, I am by no means an expert, but if I'm understanding you correctly by not using the cross over your daughter would basicly be place hitting. The cross over gets you out of the box much quicker as you are running when you hit the ball. I,m having a hard time seeing how you could slap not crossing over and have your body in the proper position.

 

[default]

I have seen girls do the slide step, but the crossover is the norm. ?

A drop step with the front foot, to the heel of the rear foot, then the crossover step toward the pitcher. ?Keeping the hands back throughout this entire process. ?There should be only one step and the ball should be contacted at the point the back foot crosses over and contacts the ground. ?It has everthing to do with timing and not commiting the hands to early, and picking the right pitch.

This is basically what I teach.