When to let a new slapper .... Slap for the 1st time

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Jun 11, 2013
2,619
113
She has to do it in games or it will never work. It might be painful at first but give it a shot. Bat her in the lineup accordingly. If she isn't getting on base move her down.
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
113
Considering this is a beginner not so much control yet...
Simply
Slapping the ball moves it toward the defense...
Which closes the gap faster to getting the out.
This discussion should include how fast is this player.
Time to train sprinting out of the box ALL the way down the line.

THAT is critical.
 
May 6, 2015
2,397
113
you must fail at something in practice before you get it right in practice, probably multiple times

similarly, generally, you must fail at something in game situations before you get it right in game situations

how many players caught the first pop fly hit to them in a game. probably very few. how many got a hit their first time hitting against live pitching (not counting 4 pitch walks ;)), again probably very very few. how many IF threw to 1B for an out the first time they fielded a GB, almost none. why should slapping be different.

do not fear failure, failure is really simply learning opportunities.
 
Mar 28, 2020
285
43
Considering this is a beginner not so much control yet...
Simply
Slapping the ball moves it toward the defense...
Which closes the gap faster to getting the out.
This discussion should include how fast is this player.
Time to train sprinting out of the box ALL the way down the line.

THAT is critical.
She is track fast....We are talking this summer going to the 7th grade running a 1:04 in the 400 and 12.94 in the 80 meter hurdles......she is lighting running bases.....need to get times on her 60 meters one of these days. One of the main reason we decided slapping was for her...actually she made a hit to shortstop and out ran the ball....by the time the SS pickup it up. She was crossing 1st and we all looked at each other and said hmmmm what about slapping and the journey began......
 
May 29, 2019
269
63
She is track fast....We are talking this summer going to the 7th grade running a 1:04 in the 400 and 12.94 in the 80 meter hurdles......she is lighting running bases.....need to get times on her 60 meters one of these days. One of the main reason we decided slapping was for her...actually she made a hit to shortstop and out ran the ball....by the time the SS pickup it up. She was crossing 1st and we all looked at each other and said hmmmm what about slapping and the journey began......
That's legit speed at that age 👍 That should translate to a 2.7ish home to 1st time. I love having "track stars" on the bases.

Make sure that she is "developed" the correct way, i.e. a true triple threat. Even with elite speed, being able to hit away is a must. A truly legit triple threat is arguable the most potent offensive weapon you can have in your lineup.
 
Nov 29, 2009
2,975
83
Over the years I've had several girls who switched to the left side. The very first thing I tell them and the parents is she will not be hitting from the right side again once they make the commitment. I also tell them it's a very long and frustrating process. Much like learning how to pitch. The biggest thing as a coach is you have to understand slapping and the mechanics involved with it. It is a completely different animal.

Once a girl has the basic mechanics down to where it looks like she not thinking about what she is doing in practice turn her loose in games. Always make sure to foster an aggressive mindset to her. Make sure she knows she is there to attack the defense. Not take what they give her. Let her know she won't "GET" it all at once. Try and find positives with the failures so she has something to build on. But most all.... Remember THE #1 rule. P A T I E N C E ! ! ! ! !

One year I had a 10U team with 3 girls who were switching to the left side. They were struggling with it at the start. We played a team in the fall and I overheard the opposing coach saying he couldn't understand why were letting those kids hit from the left side. Come the end of spring and early summer those kids destroyed his defense. I just smiled and kept my mouth shut.
 
Jan 17, 2020
20
3
Absolutely agree with Sparky Guy. Only thing I would add is I would tell the girls its going to be hard, but I’m not putting them back on the right side. If they are able to switch back and forth you have less development and and quicker frustration when they fail a time or three. I started with bunts and soft slap to get the confidence up with connecting with the pitch, which is a ton more difficult. Then moved to hard slap, etc…
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
I would have her hit, no slapping, lefty for a few games. No going back and forth. Until she can hit lefty slapping is a nothing, we will shut her down on defense side.
 
Last edited:

Strike2

Allergic to BS
Nov 14, 2014
2,044
113
Nothing wrong with a few practice ABs with live pitching and defense. The most effective slapper not only can put a ball in play, but can eat LOTS of pitches. They don't go after bad pitches and are consistently able to at least foul off anything close. Nothing more demoralizing to a defense than walking a nine-hole or lead-off batter, who is now a fast base runner, after a dozen pitches.
 

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