When to Use a Bunt Play in Baseball

Timing is everything when it comes to the sport of baseball. This is especially true when it comes to bunting. Whether you are trying to get on base yourself or to advance a runner into scoring position, you must know the best time to use a bunt play in baseball.

The first rule to follow is, like in the military, to have an advantage over your opponent, you must use the element of surprise. You cannot let the other team know that you are going bunt until the last second. This is usually after the pitcher is in his windup. Sometimes when you square up, you may surprise the pitcher and he does not complete the throw. You will get first base on the balk rule.

If you are trying to advance a runner, communicate to him that you are planning to do so. That way he will be prepared. For example, if you are trying to move a base runner from first to second, he can take a lead off first and be prepared to run once the ball has been pitched. The best way to communicate is by using a preset hand signal that the other team is unaware of. It is a good idea to have several different signals throughout the game because after a successful bunt, the opposing team will watch for the same signal.

When you go up to bat, check out the infield. Check to see if the third baseman is not as attentive as he should be. He also may be playing too far back and has to charge in to get the ball. By bunting towards the one in "La La" land, you will catch him off guard and may be able to beat the throw to first base.

If you have a runner on third base, you can try the suicide squeeze bunt.
In this play the runner on third runs towards home. By bunting, you can push the ball far enough away for him to score easily. However, there are several disadvantages to this play. You may miss the ball or you may make poor contact and pop the ball out. In either case, the person on third may not have enough time to get safely back to third.

Another thing to consider is who the base runners are. If you have a slower runner, you may consider not using the bunt play. He may not have the speed to make it to the next base. You also have to consider the opponent's infield. For example, the pitcher may be one consistently throwing fast balls; the third baseman may have an accurate throw.

There are several times when you should not use the bunt play. The first is when the bases are loaded. With the force, there will-in most cases-a play at home. Never bunt if you have two strikes. If a bunted ball goes into the foul territory it is always considered to be a strike, even when you have two strikes. In other words, you strike out if you bunt into the foul territory.

When you have been playing baseball for a while, you will know when it will be the appropriate time to use a bunt play. All it takes knows who is on base and who is playing the infield, communicating to your base runners and using basic common sense.