Bunting is a great way to advance a runner or maybe even get to first base. If you run like lightning or think the first or third base man might make a mistake, a bunt can be very effective. If you or your coach like to take risks, you might as well attempt a sacrifice bunt. Here's how to use bunt like a pro.
Steps
Step 1. Decide whether to "show bunt" or not
"Showing the bunt" means entering the batter's box and immediately assuming the bunt position, with two hands on the bat. You will show the bunt when everyone knows you will try it - for example if you are a pitcher. You may decide to hide it if you want to surprise the opposing team.
As soon as you show the bunt, the opposing team's first and third base players should approach the batter's box to collect the bunt. If you're trying to surprise them and increase the odds of getting to first base, you shouldn't bunt until the pitcher starts his move
Step 2. As the pitcher begins his move, he begins to assume the bunt position
Leave your lower hand in the normal hitting position. Slowly slide your upper hand to where the club starts to get thicker. You should aim the club slightly upwards so that it is at an angle of 30-45 ° from the ground. The thick part of the club should always be above the hands.
If you are holding the thick end of the club, be sure to keep your index finger and thumb behind. You don't want to risk covering the impact point with your fingers
Step 3. Rotate your back foot towards the pitcher as you prepare to bunt
Your feet will not have to form a straight line with the plate, as you will be very exposed, and you will not be able to sprint from the batter's box if you can hit the bunt. Instead, turn your back foot towards the pitcher and keep your upper body perpendicular to him. If the throw is internal, you can quickly rotate your body back to avoid getting hit.
Step 4. Pull the bat back if the pitch is not in the strike zone
In a sacrifice bunt situation, you should hit all throws you can touch. Otherwise, you should only hit the strikes. If the pitch is very low, high, or too inside or outside, bring the bat back to indicate to the referee that you don't want to hit the ball. If you keep the bat on the plate, you will likely receive a strike even if the ball lands in the ball zone.
Step 5. Tilt the club in the direction you want to place the bunt
The direction of the bunt is of great importance to be able to get to first base. If you want to direct the bunt to the third base side, tilt the club so that it is perpendicular to the third base man. If you want to direct the bunt towards first base, tilt the bat so that it is perpendicular to first base.
- Observe the infield before entering the batter's box. If third baseman, for example, plays close to the grass or is closer to the shortstop than he should be, you should probably try to target the bunt as much as possible towards the third base line.
- There is no universally recognized direction better for a bunt. Some say the ideal choice is to target the bunt between the pitcher and third baseman, as this could create confusion as to who will receive it. Other people believe that throwing the bunt to second base forces that player to complete a very difficult pass by crossing the body.
- If there is a runner on first base, try to bunt to second base. If there is a runner on second base, try shooting between third base and the shortstop.
Step 6. Bend on your knees to hit the ball instead of dropping the club
Getting the club down to bunt a low pitch is very difficult and requires excellent hand-eye coordination. Bending the knees is relatively easy - anyone can do it.
Step 7. Keep your eyes on the ball as it reaches the plate
When the pitch comes, watch the ball hit the club. You will always have to keep your eyes on the ball.
Step 8. Pull the club back slightly before hitting the ball
If you hold the club stiff when you hit the ball, it will likely bounce a lot, and it will come snugly in the pitcher's, third or first baseman's glove. If you pull the bat back slightly just before contact, the ball should travel the right distance - halfway between the pitcher, the catcher and the infi. This way you can get a perfect bunt.
Step 9. Try to hit the ball with the lowest part of the club, and immediately bounce it to the ground
If you bounce the ball immediately to the ground, the opponents will have to collect it as quickly as possible to effect the elimination. If you hit the ball with the top half of the club, it will rise in the air and it will be very easy to catch it on the fly.
Step 10. Be careful when bunting after taking two strikes
If you send the ball into foul zone with a bunt with two strikes on your account, you will be eliminated. Many batters switch to a traditional serve after receiving two strikes. Ask the third base manager if you should try a two strike bunt on your account.
Step 11. As soon as you hit the ball, sprint at full speed to first base
If you are a left-handed hitter, you can drag the bat to first base before hitting the ball. (This technique is called pull bunt or drag bunt and it's difficult!)
Advice
- If you are attempting a sacrifice bunt, make sure the coach or batter's coach knows you are going to do so so they can give the right directions to the runners.
- Only try to get to base this way if you run very fast or if the opposing team thinks you will try to hit on the outfield.
- Surprise is the secret of a good bunt. Don't do this too often and try to hit the ball on the first try.
- If there is a runner on third and not second, a bunt is a clever way to reach first base or hit a run at home. The opposing team will be afraid to throw first and risk that the runner in third scores.
- It may seem obvious to you, but never bunt if the basics are full.
