Slappers

Question
When watching NCAA college softball I have wondered why girls they call slappers are allowed out of the batters box when hitting the ball. I have always thought if you are out of the batters box you are out. What is the ruling on this?

Answer
Hi Diana,

Most NCAA players that slap are very well schooled in their footwork.  You must remember a couple of things.  

1)The bb extends 4' in front of a line drawn through the center of the plate.  
2)Any part of the foot touching any part of the line is considered in the box  
3)a foot can be in the air outside the box when contact is made and the technique is to be in mid stride at contact
4)and lastly a foot must be on the ground completely outside the box when contact with the ball is made for it to be a db, out.

All of this adds up to what you see actually looks worse than it is especially if watching on tv.  Occasionally however they'll mess up on the footwork and you'll see the call made.

Mark