Bunting in baseball is an excellent way to get a runner to base in front of him or maybe even record a base hit or get to first base. If you run like lightning or don't trust the skills of a third or first baseman, bunts can be very effective. If you and your manager like to take risks, you could even try a suicide squeeze. Here's how to bunt like a pro.
Step
Step 1. Immediately decide to show bunt or not
What is meant by show bunt is to step into the batter's box and immediately take the bunt position, with both hands holding the bat. Show bunts when everyone knows you're going to do it–for example, if you're a pitcher. It's best not to show the bunt if you want to do a surprise bunt.
Once showing the bunt, the third and first base keeper of the opposing team begins to move towards the batting box to catch the ball that is stuck. If you want to try to surprise them and increase your chances of a successful bunt, don't show the bunt until the pitcher has made his move
Step 2. When the thrower assumes a stretch position (standing on a rubber or pitcher's plate), begin to assume a bunt stance
Let your lower hand grip the same point as when you normally hit. Slowly slide your upper hand onto the part of the stick that starts to thicken before the barrel (thick end of the stick). The barrel should point slightly upward, at an angle of about 30-45 degrees from the ground. The barrel position should always be higher than both hands.
When gripping the barrel, ensure that your thumb and forefinger are firmly pressed against the back of the barrel. Don't let any fingers stick out, and you certainly don't want the front of the stick – the part closest to the thrower – to be obstructed by overzealous fingers
Step 3. Turn your back foot toward the thrower as you take the bunt position
Don't let your feet form a straight line with home plate, as this will expose you greatly, and make it difficult to run out of the bat when you end up bunting. It's a good idea to turn your back foot toward the thrower and face your upper body toward the court. If the ball is thrown inward, you can quickly rotate your body again, so you don't get hit by the ball.
Step 4. Pull the bat back if the throw is not a strike (into the hitting zone)
In a suicide squeeze situation, you have to curl every pitch you can hit. Otherwise, you're just bundling the strike throw. If the throw is too low, too high, too in or out, pull the stick back to indicate to the referee that you are about to hit the ball instead of trying to bunt. If you keep the stick on home plate, the referee will likely consider it a strike.
Step 5. Point the stick in the direction you want the bunt ball to aim for
Where you place the bunt ball has a big impact on whether or not you take advantage of the pitcher's throw. If you want to place a bunt ball on the side of third base, aim the stick until it is facing the third base keeper. If you want to place a bunt ball on the side of first base, aim the stick until it is facing the first base keeper.
- Watch the infield before you enter the batting box. For example, if the third base keeper tends to be in the outfield grass area or is closer to the shortstop than he should be, you might want to place the bunt ball as close to the third baseline as possible (the imaginary line between second and third bases).
- There is no unanimous agreement on the best place to place your bunt. One side says that the ideal is to tie the ball between the pitcher and the third baseman as they may be confused about who should catch the ball. The other side thought that bunting at the second baseman would force him to make a very difficult throw, across his body.
- If there is a runner on first base, try bunting at the second baseman. If there is a runner on second base, try bunts between the third base keeper and a shortstop.
Step 6. Bend both knees to make contact with the ball instead of lowering the bat
Lowering the stick to mount a low throw is extremely difficult and requires extraordinary hand-eye coordination. It's easier to bend both knees – anyone can do it.
Step 7. Keep your eyes on the ball as it enters home plate
When the ball hits, keep your eyes on the ball until it hits the stick. Your gaze should be as focused on the ball as possible.
Step 8. Pull the stick back slightly before the ball makes contact
If you leave the stick motionless when it makes contact with the ball, it's more likely to bounce harder, roll easily into the pitcher's mitt, third, or first base keeper. If you pull the stick back slightly just before making contact, the ball will bounce just enough – the same distance between catchers, throwers or infield players. This move helps you achieve the perfect bun.
Step 9. Try to contact the ball at the bottom of the barrel so that it falls to the ground instead of rising into the air
If you hit the ball with the bottom of the barrel, the ball will roll on the ground, so it must be caught at the bottom. If you hit the ball with the top of the barrel, the ball will float in the air and can be caught easily.
Step 10. Be careful bunt with two strikes
If you commit a foul (the ball falls in the foul area between home base and first base, or home base and third base) while bunting, you are declared out by the referee. Many hitters switch to hitting positions with two strikes and try to hit the ball. Pay attention to the third base coach's cues as to whether or not he can bunt with two strikes.
Step 11. As soon as you make contact with the ball, quickly jump out of the bat and run to first base
If you hit with your left, you can "pull" your stick together toward first base before making contact with the ball. (It's called a pull bunt or a drag bunt, and it's really hard to do!)
Tips
- The key is surprise. Don't bunt too much and try your best to hit the ball the first time you bunt.
- If there is a runner on third base but not on second base, a bunt is a very easy way to get to one base or help the runner on third base run to home base (a form of manufactured run). The opposing team must choose between throwing at first base or letting the runner at third base score.
- Although the reason is quite clear, never do bunts if all bases are full.
- If you're bunting “suicidal” (sacrifice bunting), make sure the batting manager or coach knows you're bunting, so the base coach will give the runners proper instructions.
- Only reach first base this way if you are a very fast runner or the opposing team is used to your habit of hitting the outfield.
