Slapping/Lefty hitting advice please

allheart11

New Member
Joined
Feb 23, 2016
Messages
15
Reaction score
1
Points
3
Location
Lawrenceburg, IN
Hello, my daughter is 11, will be turning 12 soon and is a first year 12U. We are located in Dearborn County. She first started slapping last summer and as of last fall transitioned to left side hitting only. I am curious of anyone has any advice for me on an excellent hitting coach who specializes in slap hitting/lefty transitioning. (She throws right handed). She is a very quick runner and actually has had better stats from the left than she ever has from the right. I would be willing to travel up to 1.5 hours for weekly lessons for her. We are fairly new to left handed hitting and I know that the initial learning period is very crucial. Any advice is welcome, including recommended bats. She currently uses an Easton Mako (great bat) but I have also heard great things about the Demarini slapper bat-the CF8. We just bought the 2016 version, but I was told that there is no such thing as a slapper bat and it doesn't even matter. I would love to hear your input and network with other folks who have experience in this subject. :)
 

yossarian

Member
Joined
Aug 30, 2014
Messages
286
Reaction score
0
Points
16
I think Shannon Wullenweber (Hardcore Hitting) is in Lawrenceburg. Not sure if he specializes in slapping, but he seems to have a line out his door.
 

Irish196

Active Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2014
Messages
350
Reaction score
31
Points
28
Location
NE Ohio
Hello, my daughter is 11, will be turning 12 soon and is a first year 12U. We are located in Dearborn County. She first started slapping last summer and as of last fall transitioned to left side hitting only. I am curious of anyone has any advice for me on an excellent hitting coach who specializes in slap hitting/lefty transitioning. (She throws right handed). She is a very quick runner and actually has had better stats from the left than she ever has from the right. I would be willing to travel up to 1.5 hours for weekly lessons for her. We are fairly new to left handed hitting and I know that the initial learning period is very crucial. Any advice is welcome, including recommended bats. She currently uses an Easton Mako (great bat) but I have also heard great things about the Demarini slapper bat-the CF8. We just bought the 2016 version, but I was told that there is no such thing as a slapper bat and it doesn't even matter. I would love to hear your input and network with other folks who have experience in this subject. :)

Regarding your bat question, I would call SPC in Mentor and ask to speak with Jesse (the owner). His daughter uses a "slapping bat" . I don't know what the difference is, but in the only game I saw her use it she hit a nice slap as well as a nice hit to the outfield. I'm sure he can answer your questions.
 

Fairman

Member
Joined
Jun 20, 2014
Messages
399
Reaction score
16
Points
18
The specialized DeMarini 'Slapper-Bat' is relatively new to the softball scene. I would be very anxious to hear from the players and coaches using it; if it makes much difference.

It is a big $ commitment and is NOT recommended for a heavy hitter. Certainly is not required for an 11 year old. What do people think of it?
 

allheart11

New Member
Joined
Feb 23, 2016
Messages
15
Reaction score
1
Points
3
Location
Lawrenceburg, IN
Thanks for your input. We went to him for over a year and a half. He is very knowledgeable and in high demand but I am looking for someone who specializes in slapping or perhaps a young women who was a slapper in college, etc.
 

allheart11

New Member
Joined
Feb 23, 2016
Messages
15
Reaction score
1
Points
3
Location
Lawrenceburg, IN
Well, I have not heard a whole lot from it in this area. I do belong to a few forums online and on facebook for other parents of slap hitters where we can share videos, advice, etc. and the large majority of the parents on that site have turned to the CF8 and love it. My daughter has used it and likes it, but it stings her hands more than the Easton Mako does. Honestly, only time will tell but since I'm very new to the art of slapping, I thought maybe someone else might be able to guide me on a good bat. My dd will be 12 next month and I would not call her a power hitter, but she can slap the ball hard enough to knock it into the outfield. Her favorite way to hit is a sneaky slap that hits the ground a few feet to her left towards the third base line. It's interesting to see the defense react to it because it's a bit of a scramble.
 

b lesh

Member
Joined
Jun 24, 2014
Messages
84
Reaction score
2
Points
8
Location
Massillon
Thanks for your input. We went to him for over a year and a half. He is very knowledgeable and in high demand but I am looking for someone who specializes in slapping or perhaps a young women who was a slapper in college, etc.

Cassie Cunningham great slapper/hitting instructor .Head coach of Ohio Wesleyan University. email cccunnin@owu.edu
 

Long Baller

Active Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2014
Messages
194
Reaction score
142
Points
43
This sounds just like my DD at 1st year 12U. Since I am on the other side of Ohio, I can't recommend a coach by you. I can give some thoughts about what I experienced with my DD switching sides of the plate.

One thing that I would stress is that being able to hit is still extremely important. A lot of people get caught up in the "novelty" of having a young slapper, but there are always going to be situations where she will need to sit back and drive the ball. If she can't hit the ball, then she isn't the "triple threat". Remember, the whole purpose is to move the defense around to create holes. Then you hit the holes. Drag bunt, slap (power and soft slap), sit back and drive. If a girl can do these, then she will be a nightmare for the opposing defense. I made sure that my DD could swing away and drive the ball from the left side before she became a "slapper".

Teach your DD how to read defenses. Every pitch, look where 3rd baseman is. Where is short? What did 1st and 2nd baseman do when you went through your footwork? I quiz my DD constantly on situations...3rd baseman crashed, SS in front of baseline cheating towards 3rd, out field normal depth, what do you do? And yes, this is all at 12U. Also, don't be surprised of the DD's coach just tells her to "do whatever" when she is up to bat. A lot of coaches played baseball then slow pitch, so they don't really understand what to do with slappers. All they know is that "slappers are supposed to be a good thing, and I got one" :confused:

As far as bats go, my DD uses the CF7 she got for Christmas a couple years ago. When it comes time for the next bigger bat, then we will look into the slapper bat. I would not buy the Slapper bat just because my DD now slaps the ball. I'm sure the advantage is minuscule.

When you have good slapper that is playing at the top of her game, it is a thing of beauty to watch. It is truly an art form to master. At 12U, most girls are still going up to the plate and just trying to hit the ball, hopefully driving it hard and fair. A slapper/bunter is dividing the field into quadrants and trying to place the ball. Its very difficult even for older girls, so at the younger ages it is exceedingly difficult. There will be times of frustration for sure, but stick with it. When she is a "triple threat" playing at the top of her game, she'll be the most valuable asset on the field. Good luck!
 
Last edited:

allheart11

New Member
Joined
Feb 23, 2016
Messages
15
Reaction score
1
Points
3
Location
Lawrenceburg, IN
This sounds just like my DD at 1st year 12U. Since I am on the other side of Ohio, I can't recommend a coach by you. I can give some thoughts about what I experienced with my DD switching sides of the plate.

One thing that I would stress is that being able to hit is still extremely important. A lot of people get caught up in the "novelty" of having a young slapper, but there are always going to be situations where she will need to sit back and drive the ball. If she can't hit the ball, then she isn't the "triple threat". Remember, the whole purpose is to move the defense around to create holes. Then you hit the holes. Drag bunt, slap (power and soft slap), sit back and drive. If a girl can do these, then she will be a nightmare for the opposing defense. I made sure that my DD could swing away and drive the ball from the left side before she became a "slapper".

Teach your DD how to read defenses. Every pitch, look where 3rd baseman is. Where is short? What did 1st and 2nd baseman do when you went through your footwork? I quiz my DD constantly on situations...3rd baseman crashed, SS in front of baseline cheating towards 3rd, out field normal depth, what do you do? And yes, this is all at 12U. Also, don't be surprised of the DD's coach just tells her to "do whatever" when she is up to bat. A lot of coaches played baseball then slow pitch, so they don't really understand what to do with slappers. All they know is that "slappers are supposed to be a good thing, and I got one" :confused:

As far as bats go, my DD uses the CF7 she got for Christmas a couple years ago. When it comes time for the next bigger bat, then we will look into the slapper bat. I would not buy the Slapper bat just because my DD now slaps the ball. I'm sure the advantage is minuscule.

When you have good slapper that is playing at the top of her game, it is a thing of beauty to watch. It is truly an art form to master. At 12U, most girls are still going up to the plate and just trying to hit the ball, hopefully driving it hard and fair. A slapper/bunter is dividing the field into quadrants and trying to place the ball. Its very difficult even for older girls, so at the younger ages it is exceedingly difficult. There will be times of frustration for sure, but stick with it. When she is a "triple threat" playing at the top of her game, she'll be the most valuable asset on the field. Good luck!


Thank you, that is all excellent advice and you are so right! Her coaches are not very familiar with it and it does cause some confusion when she goes up to the plate. She is learning to do both-power hit as well as slap (drag, power slap) as well as just plain lefty bunting. She loves it. It's exciting to watch her change her swing and style when the infield comes forward to crowd her. She is still very, very new at this and we are doing everything we can to do it the right way. It's tough to find coaches that are familiar with it at this age and that embrace it. We are trying to teach her the basics/fundamentals of the footwork of slapping as well as the mental acuity it takes to reach success. So is there anything in particular that you did to help your daughter? Such as videos on you tube, etc.?
 

Long Baller

Active Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2014
Messages
194
Reaction score
142
Points
43
Thank you, that is all excellent advice and you are so right! Her coaches are not very familiar with it and it does cause some confusion when she goes up to the plate. She is learning to do both-power hit as well as slap (drag, power slap) as well as just plain lefty bunting. She loves it. It's exciting to watch her change her swing and style when the infield comes forward to crowd her. She is still very, very new at this and we are doing everything we can to do it the right way. It's tough to find coaches that are familiar with it at this age and that embrace it. We are trying to teach her the basics/fundamentals of the footwork of slapping as well as the mental acuity it takes to reach success. So is there anything in particular that you did to help your daughter? Such as videos on you tube, etc.?
Luckily her team coach knows the value of having that type of hitter in the line up. He is very supportive and encouraging of it...

My DD sees a hitting coach that is extremely knowledgable in the aspect of slapping. She played in the NPF, so she knows her stuff. We do a lot of tee work and front toss where she breaks down individual aspects of the swing, then at the end of the lesson put it all together "full go" off a machine or live pitching. Some lessons we focus on footwork, others mostly hand path, and some times we need to focus on problem areas that mysteriously popped up.

We try to work on our own a couple times a week. It doesn't need to be a long time, even just 20 minutes/50 swings at a time. We focus on the "lessons" from the hitting coach and work off of that. Obviously, hand path and footwork are huge. Make sure the crossover step goes forward towards the front of the box and not in towards the plate. Stepping out of the box in front of the plate is the biggest mistake you see. When she gets the footwork down, then work on starting the steps later, but quicker. Most girls go too slow, like they are walking in the box. That doesn't get you closer to first base any quicker.

When she starts seeing better pitching, she will more balls up in the zone and in on the hands. If she starts by dropping her hands, then she will swing and miss a lot of balls, or even worse and pop the ball up. Also, she will see a lot of off speed pitches. It takes a lot of practice to recognize the change up and lay off of it.

I haven't looked for any youtube videos lately on slapping. Im sure that there are some good ones out there, so I think I will take another look there soon. There is supposed to be a really good hitting coach out towards Indianapolis somewhere, who unfortunately his name escapes me right now :confused:. There are a lot of good teams out in your area though, so I am sure that you'll find a good hitting coach with a little bit of searching. Good luck!
 

CoachLucas

Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2014
Messages
102
Reaction score
10
Points
18
Just personal experience/opinion:we went lefty 12u and spent entire 7th grade school ball season hitting lefty.
If she can hit lefty small ball should be easy to learn.If she can small ball lefty,can she hit?
 
Last edited:

Mad Hornet

Active Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2014
Messages
248
Reaction score
97
Points
28
My daughter made the switch when she was 11. I consulted a guy in Michigan by the name of Don Seaton. Never met him face to face but he emailed some tutorials that were very helpful. Not sure where he is now but I would look him up. We have since converted three other kids successfully and I have to give him credit for the help he gave me.
 

DanMaz

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jun 17, 2014
Messages
1,480
Reaction score
917
Points
113
The specialized DeMarini 'Slapper-Bat' is relatively new to the softball scene. I would be very anxious to hear from the players and coaches using it; if it makes much difference.

It is a big $ commitment and is NOT recommended for a heavy hitter. Certainly is not required for an 11 year old. What do people think of it?

DD has been using the new slappers bat the last few tournewys we played in for the WWATS charity team... she thinks it has a little more pop than her last bat (EASTON) and she has more control because the longer flat area on the barrel. I guess time will tell BUT just like most things, if she likes the look and feel of it - then it must be the right bat!! lol
 

wow

Active Member
Joined
Jun 21, 2014
Messages
836
Reaction score
53
Points
28
Location
Right over here!
The earlier you can get to the left side the better. One other point is don't switch back and forth. I see that a lot at the younger ages and never really see the left side get better. As far as the bat, yes Demarini came out with a CF8 last year designed for the slapper. Its a little bigger sweet spot so you can transition between slapping and hitting away.

Here is a link to the bat http://www.demarini.com/en-us/fastpitch/bats/cf8-fastpitch-minus10-slapper-bat/

This is a nice bat but NOT necessary to slap. Learn the timing and footwork first. Slappers have to stay on TOP of the ball.

The other topic is being able to "sneaky" bunt when needed. Drawing in defense and then pulling back and pounding the ball into the ground is just another weapon a lefty has.

The Thunder Elite 04 team has two of the best slappers I have seen at 12U. Talk with them and see what they do/where they get instruction.
 

Sweetpea

New Member
Joined
Aug 14, 2014
Messages
21
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Cassie Cunningham at Ohio Wesleyan is as good as it gets but she's in Delaware, Ohio which is 20 miles north of Columbus and she also has limited times during the year that she does lessons due to her commitment as a college coach. She did wonders with my daughter. Took her from a right handed only hitter to a slapper that was productive enough to now be playing D2 ball. I can tell you that it is about a 2 year process from start to finish and Cassie focused as much on hitting from the left side as she did on slapping. As far as the bat goes, I am pretty sure the "slapping bat" is just a sales gimmick. I would just suggest that she use the balanced bat that she is the most comfortable with. Obviously an end weighted bat could cause problems with a slapper. My daughter used the Mako her last year in high school. I'm not sure what she's using now. I think she using a balanced Louisville Slugger -10 because her college is a Louisville Slugger school. Not sure which model though.
 

lewam3

Active Member
Joined
Jun 17, 2014
Messages
498
Reaction score
64
Points
28
Just find out who taught Alexis Mack,
Brecksville 2015/Bandits Conroy/South Carolina Gamecocks
 

Similar threads

Top