SLAPPING
Athletic Starting Stance
The slapper sets up in a balanced athletic stance.The feet are spread outside the shoulders with weight on the inside. The knees are flexed. The core is tucked which positions the head out over the feet. The front shoulder is underneath the chin. The head is positioned so that both eyes can see the pitcher. The hands are positioned outside, above, and close to the back shoulder.
Down Zone Contact
The slapper is in an athletic position. With the left foot postioned in the inside corner, the upper body and head is positioned well outside the feet. As the left foot touches the ground, contact is made with the top and barrell facing the inside of the ball. The arms remain flexed allowing for inside contact. The head and chin remain down towards the ball.
Step Back/Cross Over
The slapper, in a balanced athletic position steps directly back and on the balls of her front foot about 12 inches away from her back foot. As her front foot touches down, the back foot releases in preparation to cross over and the top hand slides to the top of the grip for better bat control. The bottom hand will slide up directly after. The shoulder remains underneath the chin and both eyes are on the pitchers release point.
Middle Zone Contact
The slapper is in an athletic position. With the left foot postioned in the inside corner, the upper body and head is positioned more upright but still outside the feet. As the left foot touches the ground, contact is made with the top hand and barrell facing the inside of the ball. The arms remain flexed allowing for inside contact. The head and chin remain down towards the ball.
Cross Over
The slapper retains an athletic position crossing over with the back foot placing it in the inside corner of the front box. The head is out over the feet with the hip is slightly open and the front shoulder closed. The hands are above and inside the ball with the knob pointing to the ball. The bat head remains
behind the hands. The head is down and the chin is on the ball.
Top Zone Contact
The slapper is in an athletic position. With the left foot postioned in the inside corner, the upper body and head is positioned more upright but still outside the feet. As the left foot touches the ground, contact is made with the top hand and barrell facing the inside of the ball. The arms remain flexed allowing for inside contact. The head and chin remain down towards the ball.