2 year old hitting

My son turns 2 in July. He’s gotten to n a unit of throwing things and hitting. He used to throw a ball around which was fine but now he will throw wood blocks. Sometimes hitting us which hurts!!!! He also will slap us and laugh. I try so hard to correct it, redirect but I feel like it’s having no affect. I was told this is all because I do t give him enough attention 😭

I try to say ouch and do a fake cry so he can be aware that is painful for me when he does those things but does he see that as a game? I don’t want him to pick up that habit of faking things too…. Just trying to desperately find a way to have him understand. I don’t feel safe leaving his side while on play dates because I worry he’ll do it to another baby.