What is the best way to defend a slapper. I am talking defense not how to pitch. Does anyone have multiple calls. At 12U I think I want to take 2 things away, the bunt and 5-6 hole. The only defense I have found is playing 3rd way in to protect against the bunt, playing ss and 2nd almost even with the pitcher, keeping 1st back and moving the outfield in especially CF since it is unlikely ball will be hit there. Does this work at least at 12U. I can imagine it get's harder as they get older since they are faster and can probably hit for power. Any alternate set ups or is the only real option and then hope and pray we can pitch them the right way.
Defending teh slap at 12U
- Thread starter PJR
- Start date
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One defensive alignment we use is F5 in to cover the bunt or slow roller in the 5-6 hole. F6 even with the bags. F4 way in, and F3 back. Outfield is drawn in depending on what the hitter looks like (or we know what the slapper can do).
- May 17, 2012
- 2,807
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First at 12u I wouldn't respect any slappers ability to hit for power. If they are slapping in the top of the lineup you might respect them the first AB (I wouldn't).
Move RF to CF and move CF to SS (5 man IF no RF). Pitch away (outside to the lefty batter).
Alternatively play it straight up but throw all inside pitches (prefer curveballs).
We have a very high success rate even at the older ages.
Now a real tripple threat is another story. Those are very rare though.
Move RF to CF and move CF to SS (5 man IF no RF). Pitch away (outside to the lefty batter).
Alternatively play it straight up but throw all inside pitches (prefer curveballs).
We have a very high success rate even at the older ages.
Now a real tripple threat is another story. Those are very rare though.
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Pretty much this ^^^
Have 3B draw (or imagine) a line in the dirt from her position to the circle. Everything in front of that line is hers. Attack the ball. Be a ball hog and don't let it get through to SS. Having a speedy 3B helps.
I'm okay with 2B playing a little behind the base line, but expecting to charge hard at anything in her direction.
- Apr 8, 2013
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Honestly...nothing like experience. Get your butt handed to you for a game or two via small ball and you will figure it out. This is the make-it-or-break-it age where both coaches and players have to be able to adapt to various styles in game, on the fly.
Greenmonsters
Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Even at the college level, there are far more poor slappers than good slappers and the poor ones benefit because they are assumed to be good by default! Play em all short and call their bluff until they prove that they can burn you deep.
For 12u. I take away short gamers by:
1. 3rd comes way up and about 1 big step off the foul line.
2. ss will move closer into the 5-6 hole while staying right at the base line
3. cf will come in to cover 2nd
4. rf and lf come way up for bag back ups
5. 2nd will play up about 5 steps in front of the base line
6. 1st will stay put
pitcher needs to stay out of the way. unless the ball comes right into her circle... otherwise she'll give the play to her infield
1. 3rd comes way up and about 1 big step off the foul line.
2. ss will move closer into the 5-6 hole while staying right at the base line
3. cf will come in to cover 2nd
4. rf and lf come way up for bag back ups
5. 2nd will play up about 5 steps in front of the base line
6. 1st will stay put
pitcher needs to stay out of the way. unless the ball comes right into her circle... otherwise she'll give the play to her infield
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- Feb 15, 2016
- 273
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Greenmonsters
Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
I want to play your team!
Game on! I may not be from Missouri, but you'll still have to show me!
PS I have an extensive network of sources and won't be showing up without a comprehensive scouting report and spray charts
Agree with this. At 12U most slappers are just learning the technique. It takes time and a lot of practice to get it all figured out, read defenses, and find a way to hit it in a hole somewhere. A lot of girls only slap because they are small or fast, but don't put in the work to be really good at it and become a triple threat.
DD is a slapper, and I can't tell you how many times she would see third or short playing too deep and hit a routine groundball to them and beat it out. Once we started playing tournaments and playing against teams that knew how to defend a slap those turned into outs very quickly.
