Seeing the poster asking for slapping instruction recommendations got me thinking about slapping. The relative lack of instructors REALLY got me thinking.
What makes a good slapper? Yes, speed is crucial. However, can a girl who may be a little above average speed, but quick out of the box, be an effective slapper? How do you measure this? I think that very good slappers have a little bit of an intangible quality. Sure, you can teach the footwork. Sure, you can teach the swing. But can the "swagger" needed to excel at slapping, be taught? I believe it can. I do believe it takes an instructor who was an experienced slapper to give a girl the confidence in the slapping mechanics.
Why are there so few great slapping instructors? Is it due to a dearth of truly great slappers? We have quite a few excellent hitting instructors, pitching instructors, catching instructors, and fielding instructors. I truly do hope that as these girls who DO slap well, would pass on their knowledge to the up and coming players.
What makes a good slapper? Yes, speed is crucial. However, can a girl who may be a little above average speed, but quick out of the box, be an effective slapper? How do you measure this? I think that very good slappers have a little bit of an intangible quality. Sure, you can teach the footwork. Sure, you can teach the swing. But can the "swagger" needed to excel at slapping, be taught? I believe it can. I do believe it takes an instructor who was an experienced slapper to give a girl the confidence in the slapping mechanics.
Why are there so few great slapping instructors? Is it due to a dearth of truly great slappers? We have quite a few excellent hitting instructors, pitching instructors, catching instructors, and fielding instructors. I truly do hope that as these girls who DO slap well, would pass on their knowledge to the up and coming players.