How To Slash Bunt / Hit

The slash hit is used after a fake bunt. The way the slash works is the batter squares around to bunt and as the pitcher goes to throw the ball the batter pulls the bat back and takes a short, quick, choked up swing.

The idea behind the slash is that the infielders will be playing close and/or charging. The slash is designed to punch the ball past the close playing infielders. Coaches will usually only call on catact hitters to slash therefore it is good to know who your contact hitters are and the opposing teams contact hitters are.

You should also be aware if you are capable of accomplishing this feat as well. The last thing you want to do is fake bunt slash and miss the ball. Now you are behind in the count and the infielders can creep even more because they know you can't slash as well as you think.

The mechanics of the slash are simple compared to a regular swing. Everything is short and compact. Starting in the bunt stance early so they think you are bunting, you want to first slide your hands together as the pitcher begins his stride and throw home. The hands should come together by sliding your bottom hand up to meet your top hand so that you are choked up on the bat. Quickly rotate the hips and hands back about half way as they normally are.

From here you want to stay low, short, and compact with the swing. It should almost be like you are trying to punch it through the infield. Stay on top of the baseball. The last thing you want to do is hit the ball in the air in this situation. This could lead to a double play. Make sure you hit the ball hard and on the ground.

We keep the swing short so you have no excuses except to hit the baseball this way. The slash can be a great play if you execute it right. I've seen guys score from second on a good slash that gets through the infield. Just think of if a team has a wheel play on and your see that. You can hit a little dribbler to where the short stop usually plays and the guy from second can coast into home.

Practice the slash after all drills that you practice the bunt. Also try to starting watching the play develope as the pitcher is delivering. This is very hard to do but the great players are the ones who can get it down and make quick decisions.