Learning to Slap: 2 specific questions

[OldSchoolFlats]

Old "flats" I-IV-V blues guy here wondering about investing time in learning to slap. Note: I have a 5-string.

1: I am just working on aiming my thumb right now, and getting the wrist twist and bounce down. I can get a pretty good sound, but my muting problems have risen to a whole new level. I can mute with thumb of left hand, but I don't like that habit for normal finger/pick playing. Question: Is a fret-wrap acceptable, long-term? Thinking of getting one, but don't want to go there if I am just learning bad habits.

2: How long should it take to gain minimal "aim" with the thumb? I realize everyone is different, and I'm getting old at early 60s, but I still learn fairly rapidly.

#1 is really my reason for posting, but curious about #2. I have a lot of things to work on right now, but I thought this would be a good time to play with slap, since my main focus right now is on learning where all the notes are on the fretboard, rather than just using patterns from a root-note. Trying to "kill 2 birds with one stone"...

 

[Lesfunk]

When I thump on a five string, which isn’t often, I try to angle my right arm up a little to be more parallel to the strings.
That way I can lay part of my arm over the string to mute at the bridge
Similar to how one might “palm mute” at the bridge except I’m using my arm instead of the heel of my hand.

 

[mexicant]

I slap on my 5 string basses, I utilize both hands when muting. On my left hand I use my thumb to mute the B string and the side of my hand when slapping. It definitely takes practice. ..and I'm 56 so old guys can still learn new things! Just takes us longer,good luck.