A slap bunt is a move, not a swing. It requires a specific grip and a running start. Start with the grip and first step, and the swing comes later.
Equipment needed: 10 softballs, a bucket, one bat, soft toss net, 30 feet of open space.
Setup: You stand 30 feet away with the bucket. Hitter is at home plate. Net is behind them.
How to run it:
- First five reps: Hitter takes the slap grip (choke up on the bat, hands together), takes two quick steps forward, and bunts down the first baseline.
- You soft toss easy pitches at chest height.
- Next five reps: Same thing, but they bunt down the third baseline.
Don’t worry about perfect bunts yet. The goal is grip and footwork, not contact.
What to look for: Quick feet and a short swing. The slap is an accelerated quick step into a controlled bunt. Kids who take a full swing won’t get the speed needed.
Variation: For younger kids (8-9), just work the grip and stance without bunting. For older kids (10), add a base runner so they practice laying the bunt down in a game situation.