A slap, “batzac” in Catalan, is spinning a stick with a sharp hit when it is already in the air after being thrown. These are short and dynamic tricks that usually work as an accent within a more complex movement.
There are three clear moments. First, the throw. Second, the reading of the flight to locate the contact point. Third, the hit that changes direction and sends the stick back to the hand. When it works well, you notice it.
Slap 1
Half and half
Slap 2
From flat to inverted
How I practice and where I use slaps
I start with low throws, eyes on the contact point and attention throughout the entire movement, especially at the moment of contact. I do sets of 10 repetitions to lock in the movement. I work with both hands; if the non-dominant hand doesn’t work as well, I give it more time.
When it works most of the time, I integrate the slap into tricks I already have solid, especially those with free twos: rhythms like 423, (4x,2)* or even 522.
The slap works like a short accent. It often comes in offbeat, like in music: it accents a weak beat after a rest on the strong beat, shifting attention without breaking the pulse.
Working principles
- Hit timing. It comes in when the stick is already in flight and its path is clearly visible; you can do it at the start, mid-flight, or near the catch.
- Intensity and direction. Short and targeted hit: enough to change the trajectory or speed up the return, without taking the stick out of line.
- Hand and wrist. Relaxed hand and lively wrist: touch and get out quickly so the stick comes back clean to the hand.
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