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Fundamentals

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Bunting Drills

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DRILLS AND FUNDAMENTALS  

BUNTING

(VIDEOS COMING SOON)

 

Sacrifice Bunt:

 

The top hand should pinch the bat between the index finger and thumb, while the bottom hand should grasp the

 bat in the middle of the fingers (similar to a hitting grip). The top hand should be positioned so that the batter

can easily hold up the balanced bat with that one hand. This grip allows the top hand to be used as a fulcrum,

which can be directed by the bottom hand. For example, a right handed hitter who bring the knob of the bat

closer to his/her belly, while not moving the top hand, would direct the bunt to go down the third base line.

Conversely, if that same hitter moved the knob of the bat away from the belly, the bunt would be directed

to the first base line.

In terms of stance there are two approaches taught, pivot and square method. Both have their merits and neither

is absolutely the best. Personal preference plays a significant role in determining which method to teach. The pivot

 method allows the hitter to spin away from the ball coming at his/her ribs. The square method can leave a hitter

looking like a deer caught in head lights when a ball is pitched at his/her chest.

Regardless of method there are certain factors that are a given. First, the feet are roughly shoulder-width apart

 with knees slightly bent (important for balance). Secondly, the weight is on the balls of the feet (enables

the hitter to react properly). Thirdly, The bat is angled at roughly a 45 degree angle (ensures the ball is

directed towards the ground). And finally, the arms are extended so that the bat is out in front of the plate

 and the elbows are at a slight bend (promotes control).

The difference between the pivot method and the square method is in one method a hitter abandons his/her

hitting stance (square method). The square method asks the back foot to be brought forward to be in line with

 the front foot. The pivot method simply warrants the back foot to pivot so that it points towards the pitcher,

much the same as it would during the swing action of hitting.

The final element in bunting mechanics is the actually bunting action. The best way to describe it is to say the

 hitter attempts to "catch the ball" with the bat. This will promote a soft touch. Further, during the bunting

action the angle of the bat should never change. A high or low pitch should be compensated with bending or

 extending the legs.

 

Drag Bunt:

 

Right handed hitters:

1. Hitters can cheat up in the batter’s box slightly.
2. As the ball is released by the pitcher, move the right foot back slightly (away from home plate).
3. As the left hand pulls the knob down to a position approximately six inches in front of the right hip or to the belly button,

slide the right hand up to the trademark area grasping the bat with the same grip as used in the sacrifice bunt.
4. Approach the ball with a level bat.
5. Be cautious not to transfer the body weight over the left foot too early.

This causes the bunter to start running prior to bunting the ball which is a crucial mistake.

Sacrifice one step toward first base for accurate placement of the bunted ball.

Left handed hitters

1. Hitters can cheat up in the batter’s box slightly.
2. As the ball is released by the pitcher, the right foot should be opened slightly.
3. As the right hand pulls the knob down to a position approximately six inches in front of the left hip,

slide the left hand up to the trademark area grasping the bat with the same grip as used in the sacrifice bunt.
4. Approach the ball with a level bat.
5. As the ball approaches, the weight is shifted to the right foot and the left foot begins to come

forward directly toward the pitcher. This cross-over type step should always be toward the pitcher

 and should not be completed until after the bat has made contact with the ball.
6. The left handed hitter should be particularly cautious not to move toward first base too early.

The location of the bunt is much more important than the additional step that drag bunters try to

achieve so often. See the ball down prior to running to first base.
 

To eliminate confusion for hitters, a drag bunt is always down the 3rd base line and a push bunt is always at the second baseman. A hitter can bunt for a base hit down the first base line when the 1st baseman is playing deep or a left handed pitcher falls off the mound towards third base.

 

 

  

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