The Bunt - A Little Bit Goes A Long Way

By Joe A. Rodgers

A timely bunt can be one of the most effective weapons in baseball. The art of bunting has not been mastered by too many. If a bunt is placed in exactly the right spot it cannot be defended easily, if at all. Although it seems like something simple compared to a full swing at the ball, bunting requires a lot of practice to perfect and proves very difficult without the proper techniques.

There are several different types and reasons for bunts. A player can bunt to simply move a runner over or it can be done to get a base-hit. When someone "drag" bunts they are usually trying to get on-base so they will show bunt at the last second to avoid tipping off the infielders of their intent. A "slap" bunt is basically the same thing because you make contact at the last second squaring and bunting all in one motion. When attempting to advance a runner it is suggested to square up earlier because you are more likely to get the bunt down and it's that much more important to execute the bunt properly, especially if a runner is stealing. In some cases you can square up very early to draw an infielder in on a steal play. Sometimes very good base-hitters will show bunt then draw it back at the last moment and try to hit the ball hard at an infielder that has been drawn in by the fake bunt, also sometimes refered to as a "slap" bunt.

The ideal direction of the bunt depends on the situation, such as how the infielders are set up, runners on base, and how many outs. There should never be a bunt back to the pitcher. Fundamentally, you want to have the bat square to the pitcher and as the ball approaches you either push a little bit or pull a little bit with your bottom hand to steer the ball in a desired direction. Your top hand should slide up just below the barrel with the bat resting on your fist and your thumb behind it giving support. Under no circumstances do you wrap your hand around the baseball bat or put it on the barrel. The bat head should remain slightly up to prevent "popping" the ball up. You want to be slightly hunched over and bent at the knees. The only adjustment to get to a higher or lower pitch will be made at the knees.

My name is Joe Rodgers and I've participated and played at competitive levels of baseball. Now I enjoy helping others enhance their skills in the game of baseball, especially when it comes to stepping to the plate. I also give personal instructions and maintain a website offering baseball bat reviews

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