SolveYourProblem Article Series: Baseball
Teach Me About Baseball

Baseball - The Art of the Bunt

Bunting is a skill that is crucial to baseball. It can advance a base runner, get a base hit, or help to score, and has been known to make or break a game. However, many players in favor of a flashy homerun often overlook this crucial skill. Knowing the types of bunts and when to use them can help your team to win the game.

The “sacrifice bunt” is giving your self up for the greater good. You may be called to give away an out in order for one of your teammates to be able to advance a base. They are most often used when there are no outs in the inning, so the stadium and the opposing team may know that it is coming.

If you have been called on to make the sacrifice, move up in the batter’s box, as this will increase the chances that the ball will land in fair territory. Square up as the pitcher reaches the top of his motion. This is the same position that you would end up in if you were taking a swing. You do not want to square with your feet pointing directly at the pitcher, as this makes you unable to get out of the way if the ball is thrown at you.

Have your hands on the bat in a proper bunt grip. This means your non-dominant hand will stay at the bottom of the bat for control, and your dominant one will end up on the skinny portion of the bat where the barrel begins to get larger. Make sure that your hand is behind the bat to prevent your fingers from getting smashed by an incoming ball.

Choose your location carefully, watching the actions of the defense and where you want to move your players. You will generally want a location in front of home plate where the third baseman will need to field the ball. Angle the barrel of your bat in the direction that you chose.

If you are bunting for a hit, there are other things to consider. This includes who is hitting after you, where the defense of the opposing team is, and how fast you are. When you hit the ball, you want the ball to be right along the line.

Squeeze plays are another reason to bunt. They are usually used in a close scoring game, when a base player of average running speed or better is on third base and there are fewer than two out in the inning.

Know the type of squeeze that you are attempting. A “suicide” squeeze is when a third base runner heads home and the hitter attempts to bunt. If the bunt fails, the runner tries to steal home. A “safety” squeeze occurs when the runner does not attempt to steal home until after the ball is bunted down.

For a suicide squeeze, you should make contact with the ball regardless of where the pitch is thrown. If you miss it, move out of the way – your runner is attempting to make it home regardless! Try to push the ball away from the third base line, and try to make sure that the opposing player fielding the ball will be forced to throw to home. Run to first base after following through – you have a good shot of making it as the defense is most likely to stop the play at home plate before throwing to first.

Practice, practice, practice! As with all things baseball, you must practice the art of bunting until it become second nature. Then you will be ready for the big game, regardless of what you are called on to do.

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SolveYourProblem.com : 2008

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