How to Bunt Like You Mean It!

Advance a runner, score a run, or catch the defense napping

by Richard Todd, Head Coach, WebBall Baseball, as published on WePlay.com

---

Although some youth coaches hate bunting, a good bunt can be a great hitter's skill.

But you've got to know what you're doing, and build up your confidence. That takes practice.

Review the steps and try stop-action (Tai Chi) and slow-motion techniques - for the learning process only.

Start in normal batting stance.

• Balanced on inside balls of feet.
• Bat up.
• Hands shoulder height, arms relaxed.
• Same position to plate.(Don't crowd in; don't move up - you'll give it away.)

Rotate

• Turn back foot in, bring back knee forward.
• This opens hips, brings belly button to pitcher.
• Open front shoulder early.

Hands Movingstrong>

• Bottom hand pulls bat forward.
• Hold top hand back so it slides up the barrel as you rotate.
• Angle of the bat should remain upwards.
• Keep the bat head above the pitch.

Body Down

• Crouch down, on a soft front knee.(Do not kneel down, just be low and flexible)
• Get your eyes level and even with the bat head.

Catch the Pitch

• Extend your top hand forward.
• Keep your fingertips behind the barrel.
• Catch the pitch with the barrel of the bat - cushion the contact to deaden the ball.

Take Control

• Control direction of the bunt with the bottom hand (on the knob of the bat.
• Bring bottom hand toward body to go to third.
• Away from body to go towards first.

Bust out of the box hard

• Even on a sacrifice, run hard.
• The more pressure you put on them, the more likely they'll rush the play and make an error.