Slap or Bunt?
 

Another question by a parent that doens't know anything but is trying to learn. I must say, this board sure is great, I have learned alot from just reading the treads.

So, Batter has 2 strikes and attempts to slap again. She makes contact and the ball goes foul. PU call her out for bunting the ball foul. I wish I would have say this play but I didn't. The parents and coaches were saying it was a slap because she was moving her feet like a slap hit. The PU said it based on her hands and what they do. I'm just looking for a little clarification.

I have been thinking(not reading rules,LOL) about it and i would think it had more to do with the hands> i have seen plenty of running bunts that people think are slaps. Again, I know nothing though.

Thanks

The feet have nothing to do with it being a slap or a bunt. Simply put, a slap is an attempt to hit the ball with some amount of power behind it, usually a short chopping swing. By definition, a bunt is an attempt to tap the ball with the bat within the infield. Just because a batter is moving their feet and going forward through the batters box does not mean they are not attempting to bunt, hence the term "drag bunt".

Generally, if the barrel of the bat is moving forward when it hits the ball, it's a slap. If it's stationary or moving back, it's a bunt.

By definition a bunt is: A pitched ball that is intentionally tapped with the bat, slowly, within the infield.

Slap is not defined by rule.

Original post does not specify a rule set, but, NCAA does define a slap.

1.105 Slap Hit
A batted ball that has been struck with a short, chopping motion rather than
with a full swing

FED also defines it.

2-51-Art 1

A slap hit is a batted ball (often incorrectly called a "slap bunt") that has been struck with a short, chopping motion rather than a full swing.

Thanks so much for the help.

Would it be a "general" guideline to say that on a slap the batters hands are usually together and on a bunt the hands would be apart.

Thanks Again.

Watch the barrel of the bat. Generally, if it is moving toward the ball faster than the handle, it is a slap. If the barrel and the handle are moving toward the ball at the same rate, it is a bunt. Generally.

Thanks

Someone should have said that earlier... :) :D

Mike,

can you describe this better for me? I see the bat barrel move forward when they tap it.

Thaks, Ron

SEE MNBlue's response above..

;)