Switch Hitting (Fast-Pitch)
Also known as: switch hitting, switch hitter, switch hit in softball, hitting from both sides of the plate, learning to hit left-handed
Switch hitting means batting from both sides of the plate. In fast-pitch, the more common path is for a fast right-handed player to learn to slap from the left side. This starts her closer to first base and already moving at contact. A full switch hitter also swings away from both sides, which takes far more practice. Speed, bat control and patience usually decide which path fits.
The question usually comes up when a fast player with little power wants more ways to reach base. Slapping from the left side uses that speed. The left-handed box is closer to first base, and the slapper's footwork has her moving toward the pitcher and first base as she makes contact. A coaching guide from Human Kinetics lists good speed and the ability to put the ball in play as the keys for a slapper.
The switch takes time. A Notre Dame slapper who throws right-handed began batting left-handed in sixth grade. She described her first season on the new side as hard enough that she wanted to stop at times, and she started with bunting and drag bunts before working on footwork, hands and timing. Full switch hitting, swinging away from both sides, means building two complete swings, so many players keep a strong natural side and add the left-side slap instead.
Good candidates are fast, comfortable putting the ball on the ground and willing to struggle for a while. A player with real power from her natural side may gain less. A coach who knows slapping can help decide, and the choice can be revisited as the player grows.
Tips by skill level
Start on the left side with bunts and drag bunts. Once those feel comfortable, add the slap footwork.
Track on-base results from each side in practice and games. Results, not just feel, tell you when the new side is ready.
Example
A fast 11-year-old with little pull power starts taking bunts and drag bunts from the left side over the winter. By spring she adds a soft slap, and her coach tracks how often she reaches base from each side before deciding where she bats in games.
Why it matters
Speed is wasted if a hitter cannot use it. Slapping from the left side can turn a fast runner's ground balls into hits, but the change takes a real time commitment.
Common mistakes
- Expecting the new side to feel natural within a few weeks
- Learning slap footwork before being comfortable bunting from the left side
- Converting a hitter with real power without weighing what she gives up
- Dropping the new side after one rough stretch of games
Frequently asked questions
Should my daughter switch hit or slap?
For a fast right-handed player, learning to slap left-handed is the more common path. It uses her speed and starts her closer to first base. Full switch hitting, swinging away from both sides, takes far more practice. A coach who knows slapping can help weigh her speed and power.
How long does it take to learn to hit left-handed?
It varies by player. Players who have made the switch describe a hard first season, and many start with bunting before adding slap footwork.
Is switch hitting worth it in softball?
It can be for a fast player who can put the ball on the ground. A hitter with real power from her natural side may gain less. Decide with a coach and give it time.
Sources
Related terms
- Slap HittingSlap hitting is a left-handed offensive technique where a fast runner moves through the batter's box toward the pitcher while making contact, converting their running start into a head-start toward first base.
- Soft SlapA soft slap is a short, controlled slap that places a slow ground ball where the infield cannot make a quick play. The slapper runs through her crossover, keeps her hands inside the ball and meets it out in front with a short, firm stroke. Most slappers aim it at the left side of the infield, where the throw to first is longest.
- Drag BuntA drag bunt is a bunt for a base hit. A fast runner, usually a left-handed slapper, starts running toward first before contact to beat the throw.
- Crossover Slap StepIn a crossover slap step, the back foot crosses in front of the front foot. It starts the slapper moving toward the pitcher, building momentum into contact.
- Power SlapA power slap is a slapper's full swing taken with a running start through the batter's box. It drives hard grounders and line drives past a drawn-in infield.
- Speed to First BaseSpeed to first base is how quickly a batter gets from home to first. It is usually stopwatch-timed and used to judge bunt, slap, and infield-hit potential.
Related guides & benchmarks
Have a question about this?
There is nothing here to film. Ask SwingVantage a follow-up question, or keep reading the related terms above.