The team's most effective offensive weapon, aside from a consistent home-run hitter, is the bunter.
The bunt is extremely effective when executed with the proper timing, location, and technique. Proper timing is half the battle in bunting productively. Telegraphing movements, except for the sacrifice, or turning too early when bunting for a hit renders the bunt useless. The elements of surprise and deception are critical. Location is just as important to take advantage of the defense and handle the pitcher. For example, with the first baseperson back and the third baseperson up, a drag is ideal down first base. With a runner on third, a bunt should go to the pitcher's left side about 20-30 feet into the playing field in order to squeeze the runner home.
The most common bunting techniques are the sacrifice, punch/push, drag, sneaky, squeeze (safety & suicide), and fake. Let's look at each technique for purpose, mechanics, timing and location.
Sacrifice Bunt
The sacrifice bunt is intended to advance lead baserunners, either to second or third base. The mechanics involve setting up in the box as if you are hitting away. As the pitcher starts any movement the batter turns 90 degrees (belly button facing pitcher) by stepping the back foot a couple inches toward the plate and pivoting the back foot 90 degrees to point at the pitcher. The front foot opens too. The knees are bent. The hands are set framing the top of the strike zone. The head is upright with both eyes level looking forward. The hands, loosely gripping the bat, can be together or apart and choked up on the handle. The bat is "above the horizon/above level" and the barrel of the bat slightly in front of the hands towards the pitcher. The legs act as an elevator on pitches below the hands. After catching the ball, the ideal to place this bunt is to the pitcher's left side and the first baseperson's right side approximately 20-30 feet into the playing field. The timing on this bunt is early. It does not matter if we telegraph this move. Everyone expects it anyway.
The Push or Punch Bunt
The push or punch bunt can follow from a sacrifice or drag bunt. It is a reaction to overly aggressive corners. This bunt puts the ball in play where there is no defense, typically towards shortstop or second base. The mechanics can be the same as the sacrifice bunt or drag with one exception. The hands push or punch simultaneously together forward. The grip is firm and contact is ideally made in the middle of the barrel. The bottom hand controls direction. Try not to swing or favor the top hand in the bunt. Timing is important here. If the defense is aggressive and charging as in a sacrifice situation, take advantage of it. If the corners are in a regular position, turn late to surprise a quick-reacting corner and punch/push it by her as she sprints forward.
The Drag Bunt
The drag bunttakes advantage of the first baseperson's positioning, lack of mobility or laziness. The drag is intended to parallel the first-base line far enough to avoid the catcher and first baseperson. The pitcher is too far away. The mechanics from the right side involve a late turn on the bunt with slightly different footwork. When the ball arrives drop step the back foot a couple inches and point the toes to first base. This allows a sprinter's block start. Push off the back foot when the pitch location is known and contact the ball with the back foot in the air on the way to first base. "Catch the ball" with the bat and "carry it" down the first base line. A drag from the left side is more effective using running left side footwork to be discussed separately.
The Sneaky Bunt
Also called a bunt for-a-hit, the sneaky bunt is the most exciting bunt and has different options in mechanics. The mission is to get on base safely. The stance is the same as the hit away position in the batter's box. The timing is as late as possible. Catch the ball and locate the bunt between the white lines. The mechanics involve keeping the bat hidden from the third baseperson. This means keeping the bat behind the body and not pivoting or turning the body like other bunts. The bat acts like a red flag on a postal box. It simply moves from an up position to a down position. The ball contacts the bat hidden from the third baseperson. The footwork is a simple hop shuffle drop-stepping the back foot slightly to enable a sprinter's start. Once contact is made, run like the wind! There are variations on the left side depending on the batter's speed & ability. These variations will be discussed separately.
The Suicide Squeeze
The suicide squeeze intends to score a baserunner from third. Just like the sneaky, do not telegraph any movement or change positioning in the box. Treat the bunt mechanics like the sacrifice except the timing. Always bunt the top of the ball. If the pitch is not controllable, foul it off to protect the runner. The location to bunt is like the sacrifice--to either side of the pitcher 20'-30' into the playing field.
The Safety Squeeze
The safety squeeze is similar to the suicide except it is not a "must bunt" and the location should be down the third-base line. The mission is for the baserunner at third to read the ball leave the third baseperson's hand and score. The longer the throw to first base, the better chance of scoring.
TheFake Bunt
Finally, the fake bunt is important to a successful offense. Fake bunt to move a runner or affect a pitcher. To move a runner from second to third base, nonchalantly move toward the back of the batter's box to reposition the catcher. At the last movement of the pitcher, turn like a bunt to draw the third baseperson and either keep the bat in the strike zone or flip it back depending on the coach's strategy. Protect the runner on a pitchout. The mechanics can be like the sacrifice or sneaky. Push the limits with the umpire delaying the catcher without getting called for batter's interference. To affect a pitcher who is struggling, when ahead in the count, like 3-0, turn abruptly at pitchers release point to shock her.
Additionally, here are a few practice ideas:
- Use circuit training for each type of bunt (i.e. sac, drag, sneaky, fake). Include a catch net bat, opposite hand glove to catch bunts with the bat, machine pitch, then live pitch.
- Use chalk or cones to mark ideal locations on the field to practice each bunt type.
- Make bunting practice competitive.
- Practice live situations, reading defenses and reacting with proper technique.
- Bunt under pressure (whether actual or simulated).
- Execute the bunt called by coach through signs, especially a suicide squeeze.
- Plan your bunting practices. It will pay off!
Enjoy your team's offensive success by advancing and scoring runners via the bunt. |
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Bunting Fever...Catch It! 
