Baseball Bunting - Six Bunting Tips

Everyone needs to learn how to bunt. Laying down a proper bunt can help the team. There are two types of bunts. Sacrafice bunt and drag bunt. They are closely related but used for different reasons.

The sacrifice bunt is used to move base runners and possibly score or at least get into a scoring position. When doing a sacrifice bunt the player should show the bunt early. This will move the first and third baseman up closer and away from the base. This leaves the base runner a little more freedom and take a bigger lead. If the bunt is layed down and a play is made getting the batter out, the runner can advance, even score if the base runner is on third. If the fielders cannot make the play or decide to hold the runners , well that is good too, because now there is 2 base runners on!

The drag bunt is a little different. You are trying to fool the defensive and bunt for a base hit. When in the batters box you do not want to show bunt till the last possible moment. This will keep the first and third basemen in position and allow the bunt to give you more of a chance of getting on base. If there are no baserunners..it is best to try and put the bunt down the third baseline since this will be the longest play for the defense to make. If a man is on third we should try and bunt down the first base line. This will cause some confusion for the defense because they will have to make a decision quickly on getting the out at first or holding the runner on third, which will allow you a bunt for a base hit!
Bunting is a great offensive strategy that moves runners, scores points, and can win youth baseball games. Bunting puts the team goals first, however you can bunt for base hits and increase your versatility at the plate. Every youth baseball player needs to learn how to bunt. Here are some tips to help learn how to bunt properly and effectively in youth baseball.
1) Imagine yourself putting the bunt down. Great players vision success before it happens. If you get the bunt sign from your coach step out and focus and visualize the bunt. Getting your mind right(mental preparation) gives you a huge advantage before you actually attempt the task.

2) Move to the front of the batters box. You want your bat head out in front of the plate. The reason for this if the ball goes straight down you still have a fair ball and a hard play for the defensive to make.

3) Hold the bat properly. Hold the bat head up and out in front of the plate. The handle should be down lower than the bat head. This will help you bunt the top of the ball and drive it down. We do not want popus when attempting a bunt. I do not approve of holding the bat level for this reason.

4) Use your legs not your hands to move the bat according to the pitch. Using your hands can result in the dreaded popup. Use your legs to lower or raise the bat!

5) Bunt only strikes. Pull back on bad pitches. Bunting bad pitches can result in pop ups and called strikes.

6) Catch the ball with the bat. Do not try and push the bat into the ball. I see this and it usually results in a strike. Hold the bat at the proper angle out in front of the plate and use your legs to move the bat and drive the ball down.