Batting Questions..?

Question
Hi Mr. Rogers,

I was wondering if you can slap hit as a right-handed batter. My coach thinks I'm the best bunter on the team and he is starting to make me slap hit, but I bat righty. I mean, I've never seen anyone slap righty so I was just wondering if it's possible and if I should practice slapping as a lefty.

And I have another question. My coach is always telling me to choke up and just put the ball in play. He calls it "choke and poke" So, now I think I don't hit as well and I hardly ever drive the ball anymore. And because of all the changes he's making to my batting, I always pop the ball up. And I was wondering what I can do to improve my bat speed and power.

Thank you so much for you time,

Answer
Hey Brittany,

Thanks for your questions:

ANSWER #1:  I've never really heard of a right-handed slap hitter, so I think you are correct that if you intend to practice slap-hitting, you really need to do it as a lefty.  The purpose of slap hitting is to pressure the infield and advance the runner(s), especially if the game is getting tight.  The reason you should do this left is to minimize your travel time between home and first-base as you really begin your run while you are actually striking the ball.  This technique should only be used for those especially quick runners.  If your coach is asking you to take this on, you must be pretty fast.  I would recommend youtube for some basic training techniques (especially if your coach thinks you should do it righty).  Here are a few links I searched-up for you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTtULc30n-g&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSV1OK7RV8A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjZMXgCRb2U&feature=related

As someone who bats both right- and left-handed, it will definitely take time and and lot of practice to get this down.  Good luck!

ANSWER #2:  Sounds like your coach has a lot of confidence in you to make so many changes to your game.  My "assumption" here is that he/she probably has quite a few power-hitters already and really needs someone who can just put the ball in-play and advance the runners.  It may not be very sexy when compared to hitting a home run, but "choke-and-poke" as you put it, can win a game.   

It does suck to the one having to make those changes to your game, but it will eventually diversify your portfolio when you hit the field to play.  There is always a learning-curve when utilizing new techniques.  I would approach your coach and let him/her know that you are getting a little discouraged with your progress in learning these new techniques and ask for additional help.  I would characterize having to go from power-hitter to placement hitter like going from outfield to infield.  There is a adaptation period there.

All-in-all, I would say your coach has a lot of confidence in you.  An advantage to being a placement hitter is that, once you get it down, you will be on the bags more than if you were attempting to power-hit.  A lot more.

Good luck and check out those video links I sent you.

Shane