Glossary
Slap bunt
A slap bunt, or slap hit, is a softball play in which a left-handed batter takes a running start toward first base and slaps the ball on the ground to the left side of the infield.
The slapper starts the swing while moving toward the pitcher, takes a short, controlled swing at the ball and is already several steps closer to first base when the ball lands. That head start turns a slow ground ball into a close play at first, and a batter who can slap well beats out ground balls other batters cannot.
A slapper usually bats left-handed, which puts the hitter a step closer to first, and aims at the space between third base and shortstop. The play is also a threat to a defense that has to guess between a slap, a bunt and a swing, so the corners play in and a hard line drive through the middle becomes possible.
The sign is usually a fixed one for the batter, since the batter decides the swing as the pitch comes. Teams set it on the wristband or the lineup card, so a hitter who slaps is known ahead of time and the third base coach can call a bunt, a slap or a swing away.
When to call it
- A fast left-handed batter leading off an inning.
- A runner on second who needs to move to third on a ground ball to the right side.
- A defense whose third baseman plays back and cannot get to a slow ground ball.
Put it on a card: Baseball and softball signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a slap bunt the same as a slap hit?
Mostly. A slap hit is a swing, so the ball is hit rather than bunted, but coaches use both names for the same running start and the same ground ball to the left side.
Can right-handed hitters slap?
Some do, using a drop step. Most slappers are left-handed because they start closer to first base.
More in the glossary
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