Softball has transitioned from a game based on power hitting to one based on the “short game” and the occasional long ball. The short game focuses on getting runners on base — runners who are quick, smart, and hungry for a win — and then moving those runners around the bases to score. To have runners, the batters need to be able to get themselves on base, and slapping can do just that.
A slapper starts on the left side of the batter’s box and runs through the box as she makes contact with the pitch. The advantage? She starts one step closer to first and is well on her way as she hits the ball.
Needless to say, slapping is an essential offensive tool in softball. But, not everyone can become a slapper. If you think you have what it takes, or want to know whether you can convert into a slapper, read on. This guide will give you the indicators of what a slapper needs.
Speed
Exceptional speed is the number one requisite for a slapper. At advanced levels of softball, a slapper’s speed needs to range from 2.5 to 2.9 seconds down the first base line. The players with the most success at beating out the plays at first base are those that average less than 2.8 seconds to first base. Players with speed between 2.8 and 3.0 seconds can also be successful, but should constantly work at their speed to be more effective.
Speed is necessary because a slapper’s job is to create chaos. Being incredibly fast puts a lot of pressure on the infield. Pressure often leads to errors and errors puts runners on the bases. These runners can be moved around the bases to score — and scoring can lead to a win.
Note: If you or one of your players are on the brink of being fast enough to become a slapper, check out our guide, Sprint Workouts to Get Faster in Softball. With consistent practice and dedication, these workouts will surely cut down your time to first!
“We need to be able to spread defenses, move runners, and put the ball in play. That gives you a lot more options than playing base-to-base. You don’t have to sit back and rely on three base hits in a row to score a run.”
Mike Candrea
Former USA & Stanford Softball Head Coach
It Takes Something Else, Too
Besides the obvious need for speed, a slapper also needs to embody a few more skills:
- A good eye: A slapper needs a great eye at the plate. As she moves through the box, she needs to know how to cover the low and outside pitch (the most common pitch thrown to slappers, as it’s the hardest for them to hit).
- Good eye-hand coordination: A slapper runs through the batter’s box as she is hitting, which makes it even more difficult to make solid contact.
- Rhythm: Once a slapper learns how to slap, it is necessary that she establishes a rhythm in her swing in order to stay balanced. Without rhythm, and she’ll never make solid contact with the ball.
- A variety of offensive skills: A slapper’s job is to get on base — no matter what. But if she comes up to the plate and can only slap, the defense will be able to read her easily. So learn how to do a few different bunts, and even learn how to hit away.
- Dedication: Learning how to slap is a process. A slapper needs to be willing to put in the extra work.
When to Start Slapping
Like any hitter, a slapper will only get better with time. It’s best if a player learns how to slap at a young age because slapping is not an overnight process.
The first thing to learn is the proper footwork, then the swing, and finally, being able to put it all together against a live pitcher.
There is no concrete age that serves as a cut-off for learning how to slap; some players aren’t converted to the left side until their last years of high school. As a general rule for slapping, the earlier, the better.
“I’m a table-setter. My job is to get on base, and it doesn’t matter how.”
Laura Berg
Former USA Softball Player
Be a Threat, Become a Slapper
Slapping is a golden ticket in softball. Not only will it advance your play, but it will attract attention from other teams, coaches, and even collegiate scouts. When a slapper can keep the defense on their toes in anxious anticipation of how she is going to hit, she’ll be unstoppable.
The eventual goal for a slapper is to be a triple threat at the plate: Bunter, slapper, and power hitter — all on the left side. But first you’ve got to master the skills! You won’t learn how to slap in one day, one week, or even one month. Being able to slap successfully (and consistently) in a game is a process. Just remember, be patient — and be ready to create havoc!
