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Slap Pass Basics

Add a short sweeping swing to send the ball farther and faster than a push.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Slide your hands a little closer together.

Core: Medium. Beat your own longest run of passes.

Ages
11 and up
Time
12 min
Players
You and a partner
Space
Yard or field
Bring
Stick, ball, wall or partner
Level · skill
Developing · Passing

The steps

How it works

  1. Slide your hands a little closer together.
  2. Start the stick a foot away from the ball and sweep low through it.
  3. Keep the flat side down so the ball stays on the ground.
  4. Do 25 slap passes to a wall or partner.

Coaching point

Low sweep, flat stick.

Safety: Keep your stick low and check that the space around you is clear before you swing. Wear protective eyewear (ASTM F2713) where your league requires it.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Push-pass pairs: pass back and forth and count passes in a row to beat your own last round, taking a step back each time you reach the count.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (close), Core (medium), More (one touch). Beat your own longest run of passes.

Story

You are a pair of dolphins playing catch across the bay.

My best

Beat your own count

Beat your own longest run of passes. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

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