The first dance that I teach is one called the Haidauer, named after the town in Bavaria (Southern Germany).  It's sequence of hits, or slaps, has the basic eleven hits that will be used in later dances that I teach.  You can purchase a copy of this and other Schuhplatteln on CD.  For now, listen to one time through this Haidauer sample.  The low quality was necessary to conserve HD space.
       I break the eleven hits into two sections:  5 hits then 6 hits.  The pictures be low show myself doing each hit.  During the 5 hit sequence, balance is positioned over your right foot.  During the 6 hit sequence ( click next page at bottom), balance shifts over to your left foot so that you can do the last hit, number 11.  This shifting of balance is gradual and not quick or instantaneous.  Once learned, these hits and balance shifts should flow smoothly.
       Practice the first  5 hit sequence SLOWLY, with all the hits evenly spaced apart.  You could use a metronome or simply simulate a clock's second hand.  Say the count out loud. [This will set it into your subconsciousness and you'll "hear", later on, these numbers in the music without having to say them.  This will eventually lead to where you will identify certain sets of notes in the music with certain hits and sequences.]
 
 

	Count	Description	Image
The 5.	1.	Right hand hits your left foot behind your right leg.
	2.	Left hand hits your left thigh.
	3.	Right hand hits your right thigh.
	4.	Left hand hits your left thigh.
	5.	Right hand hits your left foot in front of your right leg.