The slide hit is is an effective weapon that all hitters should be able to execute and all coaches should incorporate into their attack. This type of attack can be an effective way to create openings for you hitters and is difficult for your opponent to block and defend.
In order to execute the slide hit, the hitters must master the one foot take off. The footwork will be familiar to players that have a basketball background as the 1-2 step into the slide is the same as the 1-2 step into a lay-up.
In the video clip below Iowa Head Coach Bond Shymansky presents an exercise perfect for teaching hitters the art of hitting on one-foot takeoffs. Running a slide hit attack is a very technical skill. Coach Shymansky gives you key coaching points for teaching players the footwork and arm preparation and arm action required to execute the slide hit.
For more information about the DVD that this clip came from click the link Developing the Slide Hitter The DVD contains the following:
1. Learn how to make your attack hard to block and defend by training attackers from all positions at the net to run a slide hit attack
2. Get detailed explanations, demonstrations and drills for running a high percentage slide hit attack
3. Learn how to change up your drills to create game-like chaos and force your attackers to adjust to the tempo of the pass and set
The YouTube video below has sound, so please make sure that your sound is turned on and that you have access to the site. (Some schools block access to YouTube)
For more teaching points regarding the execution of the slide hit click here to see and earlier post regarding the execution of the slide hit. The clip in this post is from features Coach Shymansky and is from the the same DVD as the clip above.