A soft slap is a slap hitter’s touch shot. The batter uses normal slapping footwork, moving toward the pitcher with a crossover step, but instead of swinging, softly places the ball on the ground, usually toward the left side of the infield, almost like a bunt on the move. It works best when the third baseman or shortstop is playing deep or when the defense is set up for a hard slap or power swing. Because the ball travels slowly and the slapper is already running, fielders have to charge and throw quickly, which often produces an infield hit or a rushed error. This guide explains when to use the soft slap, the technique step by step, how it compares to other slap options and how to practice it.
Rulebook note: A batter who contacts the ball with a foot entirely outside the batter’s box, touching the ground, is typically called out, so slappers must time their footwork carefully. Rules vary slightly between NFHS, NCAA and USA Softball; check your league’s rulebook.
When to use the soft slap
- The third baseman or shortstop is playing deep.
- The defense is set up for a hard slap or power swing.
- A fast runner is at the plate and needs a quick infield hit.
- The pitch is outside or low, making it easier to place on the left side.
- You want to move a runner without giving up an easy out, similar to a sacrifice but with a chance to reach base.
Soft slap vs other slap options
| Option | Contact | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Soft slap | Soft, controlled contact placed on the ground | Infielders are playing back |
| Hard slap (chop) | Downward chop for a high bounce | Infielders are at normal depth |
| Power slap | Short, firm swing | Infielders are playing shallow |
| Drag or slap bunt | Bunt pushed down the line while moving | The third baseman is deep or out of position |
Having all of these options in your toolkit makes you much harder to defend. The defense cannot play too deep or too shallow without leaving a gap for one of them.
Step-by-step technique (left-handed slapper)
- Start deep in the box with your normal slapping stance.
- Open with a short step of your right (front) foot toward the pitcher as the pitcher begins the motion.
- Cross over with your left foot in front of the right, keeping your shoulders closed.
- Keep the bat head above your hands, with the top hand firm but relaxed.
- Catch the ball with the bat rather than swinging, letting the bat give slightly on contact.
- Angle the bat to place the ball between the pitcher and third baseman or toward the shortstop.
- Make contact within the batter’s box, then sprint to first base.
The key difference from a hard slap is the contact. Instead of hitting through the ball, you absorb its speed so it drops softly onto the ground. The goal is for the ball to stop or roll slowly in an area where fielders must charge a long way.
Grip and bat position
Many slappers choke up on the bat for the soft slap, which gives better control over the barrel. Some slide the top hand a little way up the handle as they cross over, which steadies the bat and makes it easier to absorb the pitch. Hold the bat at a slight angle with the barrel above the hands, since letting the barrel dip below the hands is the most common cause of pop-ups. The bottom hand guides the bat, while the top hand controls the angle and softness of the contact. Relaxed hands matter: a tight grip makes the ball jump off the bat, while a softer grip lets it die on the ground.
Why the soft slap works
The soft slap exploits the time it takes for fielders to reach a slow-moving ball and throw to first. Left-handed slappers already start closer to first base, and the running start shortens their trip further. When infielders play deep to defend the hard slap, a soft slap forces them to cover a long distance, field the ball on the run and make an accurate throw in very little time. Even a good defensive play may not be quick enough against a fast runner. Just as importantly, the threat of the soft slap forces the defense to play in, which opens up space for hard slaps and power slaps. Each option makes the others more effective.
Practicing both sides of the ball
Although most soft slaps go to the left side, practicing placement toward the right side, past the pitcher toward second base, gives you another option when the left side is well covered. Varying placement keeps fielders guessing.
Placement
The best places for a soft slap are usually the area between the pitcher and the third baseman and the space in front of the shortstop. These spots force fielders to charge and make long throws to first base while you are already running at full speed. Avoid placing the ball directly back to the pitcher, who is closest to it and can make a quick throw. The bat angle controls direction: keeping the barrel slightly behind the hands sends the ball toward the left side.
Reading the defense
Before each pitch, look at the third baseman, shortstop and pitcher. If the third baseman is deep, the soft slap toward third is likely to work. If the shortstop is back, place the ball toward the shortstop area. If the infield is drawn in, switch to the power slap. Coaches may also call the slap type with signs based on what they see. Reading the defense quickly and adjusting is what makes slappers effective.
Timing and footwork
Footwork timing is critical. Start moving as the pitcher begins the motion, so your crossover step lands as the ball reaches the hitting zone. Moving too early can cause you to leave the box before contact or give away the soft slap, while moving too late removes the running start. Practice the footwork repeatedly until it feels automatic, then add the soft contact.
Drills
- Footwork reps: Practice the open step and crossover without a ball.
- Tee soft slaps: Set a tee and practice catching the ball with the bat as you move, placing it softly on the ground.
- Soft toss soft slaps: A coach tosses from the side, and you practice absorbing the ball while moving.
- Target placement: Place hoops or cones between the pitcher and third base and aim for them.
- Live pitching: Practice against real pitchers, mixing soft slaps with other slap types.
- Defensive reading drill: Move infielders to different depths, and the slapper chooses the right option.
Mental approach
Soft slapping requires patience and trust. It is tempting to swing hard, especially after a few unsuccessful attempts, but a soft slap relies on touch and placement. Commit to the choice before the pitch and focus on the contact. If the defense adjusts, adjust with them by switching to another slap option.
Common mistakes
- Swinging instead of catching the ball with the bat.
- Popping the ball up, often by letting the barrel drop below the hands.
- Placing the ball back to the pitcher.
- Leaving the box before contact.
- Opening the shoulders early, which pulls the ball to the right side.
- Using the soft slap every time, making it predictable.
- Watching the ball instead of running after contact.
Frequently asked questions
What is a soft slap in softball?
A slap hitting technique in which the batter uses slapping footwork but softly places the ball on the ground, similar to a moving bunt.
When should a slapper use a soft slap?
When the third baseman or shortstop is playing deep, or when the defense is set up for a hard slap or power swing.
How is a soft slap different from a drag bunt?
A soft slap is placed by absorbing the pitch while moving through normal slap footwork, while a drag bunt uses a bunting motion to push the ball down the line.
