A timely bunt is one of the best effective weapons in the game of baseball. The art of bunting has not been perfected by too many. When a baseball 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 cut at the ball, baseball bunting demands a lot of hard work to perfect and proves very difficult without the correct mechanics.
There are several different types and causes for bunts. A batter can bunt to simply move a runner to the next base or it can be done to get on base. When someone ‘drag’ bunts they are typically trying to get on-base, so they will show bunt at the last second to avoid tipping off the infielders of their intent.
When trying to move a runner it is better that you square up earlier because you are more likely to get the bunt down and it is necessary to execute the bunt correctly, especially if a runner is stealing. In some cases you can square up well before the pitch to draw an infielder in on a steal play. Excellent base-hitters can perform what is sometimes referred to as a ’slap’ bunt in which a batter shows bunt early and then draws it back at the last second to hit away, ideally aiming at the infielder who was drawn in. When a batter squares at the last second and makes contact all in one motion it is also sometimes called a ’slap’ bunt.
The desired direction of the bunt relies on the scenario, such as where the infielders are set up, runners on base, and how many outs. Under no conditions should there be a bunt to the mound.
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 move 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 avoid ‘popping’ the ball up. You want to be slightly leaning forward over and bent at the knees. The only adjustment to get to a higher or lower pitch will be made at the knees.
Joe Rodgers has taught at all competitive levels of baseball.
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