To slap hit an outside pitch in softball, start deep in the left-handed batter’s box, open with a small first step of your right (front) foot, cross over with your left foot toward the pitcher, and let the ball travel so you can place it on the ground to the left side of the infield, typically toward the shortstop or the hole between shortstop and third base. Keep your front shoulder closed and your hands leading the barrel, so you push the ball rather than pull it. Because you are already moving toward first when you make contact, a well-placed slap on an outside pitch forces the defense to make a long, rushed throw. This guide covers footwork, slap types by pitch location, the rules on the batter’s box, drills and common mistakes.
Rulebook note: A batter who makes contact with the ball while a foot is entirely outside the batter’s box, touching the ground, is typically called out. Slappers must time their footwork so contact happens with their feet in legal position. Rules differ slightly between NFHS, NCAA and USA Softball, so check your league’s rulebook.
What slap hitting is
Slap hitting is a left-handed batting technique used in fastpitch softball. Instead of a stationary swing, the batter moves toward the pitcher and first base as the pitch arrives and makes contact while already running. Left-handed batters stand closer to first base, and the movement gives them a head start. The goal is usually to hit the ball on the ground, often with a high bounce, so that fielders cannot make the play in time. Slappers are typically fast players, and they put pressure on the defense by forcing quick, difficult throws.
Slap types and pitch locations
| Slap | When and where |
|---|---|
| Soft slap | Chop the ball into the ground for a high bounce; works at most locations |
| Outside pitch slap | Let the ball travel; place it toward the shortstop or the hole between short and third |
| Inside pitch slap | Make contact out front; pull it past the first or second baseman |
| Power slap | A short, hard swing when infielders play shallow |
| Slap bunt or drag | A soft push down the third-base line |
Why outside pitches suit the slap
Outside pitches give slappers more time to let the ball travel and place it to the left side. Balls hit to the shortstop or third baseman require the longest throws to first base, and the slapper’s head start makes those throws even harder. Pitchers often work slappers outside, hoping for weak contact or a pop-up, so learning to handle outside pitches is essential.
Footwork step by step
- Start deep in the box, near the back line, with your weight balanced.
- Take your first step with your right (front) foot, a short open step toward the pitcher, as the pitcher begins the motion.
- Cross over with your left foot in front of the right, toward the pitcher, keeping your shoulders closed.
- Time the crossover so your left foot lands as the ball reaches the hitting zone.
- Make contact while your feet are within the batter’s box, as required by the rules.
- Continue running toward first base immediately after contact.
Footwork timing is the most challenging part of slap hitting. Starting too early can lead to contact outside the box or leaving before seeing the pitch, while starting too late removes the advantage of the running start.
Hitting the outside pitch
- Keep your front shoulder closed as you cross over, rather than opening toward first base.
- Let the ball travel deeper into the hitting zone.
- Lead with your hands, keeping the barrel behind them.
- Angle the bat so the ball is directed toward the left side.
- Hit down on the top half of the ball for a high bounce, or level through it for a harder ground ball.
- Run through the contact toward first base.
A common image coaches use is pushing the ball to the left side rather than pulling it. Opening the shoulders too early tends to pull the barrel across the ball, sending it toward the pitcher or first baseman, where the throw is short and easy.
Grip and bat control
Many slappers choke up slightly on the bat or use a lighter bat to improve control, since placement matters more than power on most slaps. Some slide the top hand up the handle as they cross over to steady the barrel, especially on soft slaps and drag bunts. Keep the grip firm enough to control the bat on contact but relaxed enough to adjust to the pitch. The bat angle determines direction: on an outside pitch, keeping the barrel slightly behind the hands helps direct the ball to the left side. Practicing with different bat angles on a tee teaches you how small changes send the ball to different spots.
Bat speed still matters on power slaps, so slappers who want to use all three options, soft slap, power slap and bunt, often train both control and bat speed. Coaches may have slappers take regular swings from the left side as well, so they can swing away when the defense plays in.
Reading the defense
Before each pitch, look at where the infielders are playing. If the third baseman and shortstop are playing deep, a soft slap or drag bunt toward the left side may work. If they are playing shallow, a power slap can drive the ball past them. If the defense is shifted to the left, an inside pitch pulled to the right side may be the best option. Adjusting your slap to the defense makes you much harder to defend.
The power slap
When infielders creep in to defend the slap, the power slap uses a short, firm swing to hit the ball harder, often on a line or hard ground ball past the drawn-in infielders. The footwork is similar, but the swing is more aggressive. Mixing in the power slap keeps the defense honest and opens up space for soft slaps and bunts.
Drills
- Footwork without a ball: Practice the step and crossover repeatedly until the timing feels natural.
- Tee slaps: Set a tee on the outside part of the plate and practice slapping balls to the left side while moving.
- Soft toss slaps: A coach tosses from the side, and the slapper practices contact while crossing over.
- Target placement: Place cones at the shortstop and third-base areas and aim for them.
- Live pitching: Practice against real pitchers who mix inside and outside pitches.
- Box awareness drill: Mark the batter’s box clearly and check that contact happens within the lines.
Mental approach
Slap hitting requires confidence and commitment. Hesitation disrupts the footwork and timing. Decide your approach before the pitch based on the defense and count, then commit to it. If you miss or hit a weak ball, reset quickly and trust your plan on the next pitch. Many slappers keep a simple checklist: read the defense, choose the slap, stay closed and run.
Common mistakes
- Opening the shoulders early and pulling the ball.
- Leaving too early before the pitch is released.
- Contact outside the batter’s box.
- Swinging too hard on soft slap attempts.
- Ignoring the defense and using the same slap every time.
- Watching the ball instead of running after contact.
- Hitting fly balls that give easy outs.
Frequently asked questions
What is slap hitting in softball?
A left-handed technique where the batter moves toward the pitcher and makes contact while running, usually to hit the ball on the ground.
Where should you slap an outside pitch?
Usually to the left side of the infield, toward the shortstop or the hole between shortstop and third base.
Can a slapper be called out for stepping out of the box?
Yes. If contact is made while a foot is completely outside the batter’s box and touching the ground, the batter is typically called out.
