How to Slap Hit a Softball

A slap hit or slap bunt is used to trick the other team.  It is designed to make the infield think that a bunt is coming, and then surprise them with a slap hit that goes past them when they’re prepared for a regular bunt.

There are basically two ways to slap hit or slap bunt a softball.

The first way is the most common way.  It involves showing the bunt early to lure the infield in.  Ideally this will happen by the first baseman moving up to halfway down the first base line.  The third baseman may similarly move up.  In this situation, the pitcher is likely going to charge as well, as soon as the ball is in play.

In this situation, you should set your bunt up early to encourage the infield to react.  You do not even need to wait for the pitcher to begin her motion, you can show the bunt as soon as you step into the batter’s box.

If you are a right-handed batter, your right hand should control the bat right about the point that the bat begins to widen.  Your left remains on the bat’s tape.  Remember that it’s very important that you keep your fingers behind the bat so that the ball doesn’t smash them.

In this first version of the slap bunt, you keep the bat in bunting position.  But instead of just letting the bat meet the ball as in a regular bunt, you rush forward to meet the ball so that the bat meets the ball with momentum.  In order to achieve this, you need to start fairly far back in the batter’s box so that you do not step out of it while you are executing your slap.  If you time things right, you should be able to push the ball past the pitcher and 3rd basemen who have moved up.  Ideally this will help you get on base.

The second type of slap bunting or slap hitting is a little more complicated.  It involves beginning by showing the bunt, just like normal.  However, when the pitcher actually releases the pitch, the bat is brought back to a regular starting position and swung like normal.  This method requires much more timing and precision than the first type of slap hitting.

Why slap bunt?

Slap bunting is a technique often employed by a lead hitter who is very fast.  Even if you do slap the ball past the immediate infield, you need to be able to beat the throw by a shortstop.  Often it is a way to get that first fast runner on base.  The theory is that they will be fast enough to steal their way into scoring position.  Although even if they are not fast enough to steal into scoring position, at least there will be one runner on base.

It takes time to master the art of slap bunting.  If you have a batting cage near you, it’s a good idea to try slap bunting over and over again so that you get the feeling for it.  With enough practice, you will be able to execute the perfect slap bunt.

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