Slapping / Slap Defense

[anonlooker]

Googled the subject(s) and have a couple of questions:

Is slap hitting growing in TB and college ball, or was it bigger a few years back and now on the wane? I've read both opinions, and thought I'd throw this out there.

Also, curious about slap defense theory, i.e. how to position your IF and OF to maximize put outs; how to pitch slappers, etc.

I've seen a few different defensive 'shifts' against slappers, and thought it would be interesting to get some feedback on The Bucket.

[Ace]

We use the "invert" defense. Not because it works, but because all the cool people are doing it. But then again you already know how "we" defend it!

[Gone in 2.6]

Googled the subject(s) and have a couple of questions:

Is slap hitting growing in TB and college ball, or was it bigger a few years back and now on the wane? I've read both opinions, and thought I'd throw this out there.

Also, curious about slap defense theory, i.e. how to position your IF and OF to maximize put outs; how to pitch slappers, etc.
I've seen a few different defensive 'shifts' against slappers, and thought it would be interesting to get some feedback on The Bucket.

I'm coming to the conclusion that "slap defenses" aren't really effective or even necessary (especially at the older age groups a la 16U & 18 Gold). Against a top flight slapper (like a Jamia Reid, Alana Dyson or Karissa Buchanan type) there isn't a slap defense that really works. They will absolutely kill you if you pull any of those shennanigans. The way to stop them is to have an excellent pitcher. One that has great velocity and wicked spin. (However if you have an umpire that thinks the opposite batters box is a strike, just keep throwing it there. Even with a mediocre pitcher, it will be all the slapper can do to get the ball fair let alone place it with accuracy).

For a slapper with mediocre skills or speed, you don't really need to put yourself at risk with an aggressive slap defense because they just aren't going to hurt you unless you have weak pitching and or defense. And if that's the case, the slapper is the least of your problems.

[3Bsnag]

I have come to the same conclusion as 2.6. You can't really set up your defense just to a slapper because they can punch it just over your infield, bounce it over your pitchers head, or damn near hit the outfield wall. And all of us have seen an infield move in (mostly 2B and 3B) for a slapper to hit it right where they were standing for a base hit.

It's all about the pitching.

[Danible]

Along those same lines, at the 16/18u age, how do you pitch a slapper. Our defense doesn't change, but am always looking for more information on how to pitch to one.

Thanks,

[3Bsnag]

Usually it takes 1 pitch to pick up tendencies and it depends a little on the umpire. Rule 1 would be outside pitches. Most slappers (minus Lowe) still have a natural curve towards 1B in their footwork which makes the outside pitch harder for them.

If I was pitch calling for a lefty pitcher, it would be:
curve
rise
drop curve
curve

If she has excellent footwork, a low screw.
Again, if she has excellent footwork, a high inside pitch may be needed to force her to move towards 1B on her swing and then throw outside.

[dallasfungo]

Larry Ray (Arizona) said he would only use the invert defense against a slapper if the kid playing 2B was asking for more scholarship money. His view is that there are too many players who can hit for power from the left side to take the risk of putting someone that close to the batter.

[anonlooker]

Larry Ray (Arizona) said he would only use the invert defense against a slapper if the kid playing 2B was asking for more scholarship money. His view is that there are too many players who can hit for power from the left side to take the risk of putting someone that close to the batter.

Perhaps he needs a 2b with reflexes as quick as his corners!

[Sam]

Googled the subject(s) and have a couple of questions:

Is slap hitting growing in TB and college ball, or was it bigger a few years back and now on the wane? I've read both opinions, and thought I'd throw this out there.

Also, curious about slap defense theory, i.e. how to position your IF and OF to maximize put outs; how to pitch slappers, etc.
I've seen a few different defensive 'shifts' against slappers, and thought it would be interesting to get some feedback on The Bucket.

I'm coming to the conclusion that "slap defenses" aren't really effective or even necessary (especially at the older age groups a la 16U & 18 Gold). Against a top flight slapper (like a Jamia Reid, Alana Dyson or Karissa Buchanan type) there isn't a slap defense that really works. They will absolutely kill you if you pull any of those shennanigans. The way to stop them is to have an excellent pitcher. One that has great velocity and wicked spin. (However if you have an umpire that thinks the opposite batters box is a strike, just keep throwing it there. Even with a mediocre pitcher, it will be all the slapper can do to get the ball fair let alone place it with accuracy).

For a slapper with mediocre skills or speed, you don't really need to put yourself at risk with an aggressive slap defense because they just aren't going to hurt you unless you have weak pitching and or defense. And if that's the case, the slapper is the least of your problems.

I've always found that a HU that gives you 8" off the black is the best defense.....

[anonlooker]

I've always found that a HU that gives you 8" off the black is the best defense.....

No doubt, but that's true against just about any type of hitter.

As much as 8" umps are loved by pitchers (and their pitching coaches), they are equally despised by hitters (and their hitting coaches).

And long live the UIC who gives such instruction to their blues. Gotta love those 0-0 ITB games that lend fastpitch softball the reputation (to the general public) of being as exciting as growing grass and drying paint.