How to Slap hit a Softball

Slap hit strategy in softball aims at getting the batter on the base, advancing runners to the next base or sacrificing a runner home. Learning the art of executing an effective slap hit in softball means knowing the technique and following through exactly as explained in these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Start by positioning the player's body at the left side of home plate.

2. Hold the bat in the standard position with hands gripping the bat's handle up near the shoulders.

3. Cross the player's back foot over the front foot to prepare to run to first base.

4. Poke the player's bat at the ball, so the ball goes in whatever direction possible. The key is to hit the ball to the farthest left side of the field—-shortstop or between third base and shortstop. Make sure the slap hit goes on the ground--not a line drive or pop up.

5. Keep the ball in play but run as fast as possible to first base.

Tips & Warnings

• Although the slap hit works better on the left side of home plate, performing on the right side of the plate works, too, but it's not as effective in getting a running start to first base. If you position the player on the right side, make sure she times her starting position with the slap of the ball; otherwise, if she crosses the plate before hitting the ball she is out.
• Slap hit works best with a fast runner because timing of the ball necessitates top running speed.
• Success of performing a slap hit in softball requires plenty of practice. The technique applies primarily to softball.
• A tricky move to try is to have the batter get in a bunting position. The infield moves in to receive the bunt, but then the player changes quickly to poke the ball over the infield.
• Do not leave the batter's box before "slapping" the ball. If you do, it's an automatic "batter's out."

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