Slap hitting footwork

CoachJD · Nov 29, 2016

A question on footwork for slappers.

Some sources suggest that the right foot should step (or slide) back as the first move, and then the left foot crosses over. Other sources suggest the right foot can just pivot so the toes face the shortstop. No backward movement necessary.

My gut instinct is that this is mostly a matter of style/preference, but because I'm teaching slapping to more than one girl, I want to present all valid options so they can do what's best for them.

I guess I'm wondering what the rationale behind the backward step/slide is. The pivot-only method simplifies the process, and I can't see an obvious drawback.

Any help is appreciated, as always.

SB45 · Nov 30, 2016

I'd suggest watching this series...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY9VOqbZHKc

In my mind...if you take a normal neutral stance in the box, sliding your right foot back (more away from plate, than away from pitcher) allows you to take a forward step with the left foot and have that foot remain in the batters box. If you took a normal stance and only pivoted the right foot it would be harder to keep the left foot in the box I would think. I'm sure you could modify your stance a little and practice it and end up in the same place.

4 girl's dad · Nov 30, 2016

Not a hitting coach but the step back offers a timing mechanism to the pitcher.

The pivot offers a bit more of a surprise attack. If you can hit, bunt and slap form the same stance, you will keep the defense on their toes.

Just depends on what you are looking for out of your hitter. IMO

Good luck!

CoachJD · Nov 30, 2016

The India Chiles series is really good. I like her series better than Jessica Mendoza's just because I think Chiles does a better job explaining/teaching. That's probably subjective though.

The main place I've seen the pivot method advocated is in High-Scoring Softball by Ralph and Karen Weekly, which I had recommended to me here actually.

It sounds like maybe I should present both options to the slappers and let them decide what works best for them.

mudrunner · Nov 30, 2016

When DD started slapping she just did the pivot to keep things simple. Once she got comfortable with that she added the backwards step. As mentioned she prefers it because of the timing aspect. I don't believe there is a right or wrong answer, but more about style.

India Chiles has some good stuff. For a few tips check out her slapper nation website. DD really wants to do one of her clinics. Another good place for tips and drills is https://www.facebook.com/bethemomentumsoftball . DD just did Emily Allard's (Chicago Bandits) slapper bootcamp and learned a lot.

go4um · Nov 30, 2016

The back step or pivot is key to timing. Some players find it easier to take the back step a little early and learn to pause a nanosecond or so before taking an optimum cross. Some players using the pivot method tend to be late and hurried with their cross...especially if they have a stance where their feet are spread much wider than their hips. I think that good timing is much more important to achieving good results than a micro second of deception is worth.

CoachJD · Nov 30, 2016

Thanks everybody. Good stuff here. I never really thought of the pivot as a method to surprise the defense (this really only works the first at bat, and then only if the other team hasn't seen her hit before).

I think I'm going to teach both methods and let the girls decide (with my input based on their development and results, of course) what works best for them. This certainly doesn't seem to be an IR vs HE type of situation where one is clearly the inferior method, and it might actually be beneficial for them to be able to use both techniques.

4 girl's dad · Nov 30, 2016

Lindsey Cargill from Baylor is a triple threat and you can never be sure what she is going to do.

Slap hitting footwork

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