Become a Bunting Expert: More Than Just Giving Yourself Up
Bunting is often seen as a lost art in baseball, but it’s a crucial skill that can change the course of a game. A well-executed bunt can advance runners, put pressure on the defense, and even lead to base hits. This post will cover both sacrifice bunting and bunting for a hit, giving you the tools to become a bunting weapon.
Sacrifice Bunting: Moving Runners Over
The sacrifice bunt’s primary goal is to advance a runner (or runners) into scoring position, even if it means giving yourself up as an out. Here’s how to execute it effectively:
- Square Around Early: Don’t wait until the last second. Get into your bunting stance as the pitcher starts their delivery. This gives you time to react and adjust.
- Soft Hands: Think of ‘catching’ the ball with the bat. You’re not trying to hit the ball hard; you’re trying to deaden it. Keep your hands loose and let the bat absorb the impact.
- Angle the Bat: Angle the bat slightly downward towards the desired direction (first base line for advancing a runner from first, third base line for advancing a runner from second).
- Bat Head Above Hands: This helps prevent popping the ball up. Keep the barrel of the bat higher than your hands throughout the bunt.
- Contact Point: Aim to make contact with the ball on the top half of the bat, further deadening the impact.
- Watch the Ball All the Way: Track the ball all the way to your bat.
Bunting for a Hit: The Element of Surprise
Bunting for a hit is a more advanced technique, requiring speed, deception, and perfect execution. It’s most effective against defenses that are playing back or expecting a full swing.
- Disguise Your Intentions: Show bunt late. Start in your normal hitting stance and only square around at the last possible moment.
- Quick Feet: Footwork is crucial. You need to get a good jump out of the batter’s box. A ‘drag bunt’ (for right-handed hitters, dragging the bat towards first base as you bunt) can be very effective.
- Push Bunt: Instead of just deadening the ball, give it a slight push in the desired direction. This gives it enough momentum to get past the charging infielders.
- Placement is Key: Aim for the gaps between the pitcher, first baseman, and second baseman (or the pitcher, third baseman, and shortstop).
- Read the Defense: If the corners are crashing hard, a push bunt past them might be ideal. If they’re playing back, a softer bunt closer to home plate might work.
Drills to Improve Your Bunting
Practice is vital. Work on a soft surface, soft toss drills, and bunting off a pitching machine.
- Soft Toss Bunting: Have a partner toss balls underhand from a short distance. Focus on technique and placement.
- Machine Bunting. Set to different speeds and locations.
- Target Practice: Place targets on the field and try to bunt the ball towards them.
- Live Bunting: Practice bunting in live game situations or scrimmages.
Bunting is a valuable weapon in any player’s arsenal. By mastering both sacrifice and bunt-for-hit techniques, you can become a more complete and dangerous offensive player. Get out there and practice!
