A timely bunt is one of the most strategic weapons in baseball. The art of bunting has not been mastered by too many. When a baseball bunt is placed in exactly the right spot, it cannot be defended easily if at all. Although it seems like something simple compared to a full hack at the pitch, baseball bunting requires a lot of hard work to perfect and proves very difficult without the proper techniques.



There are several different types and causes for bunts. A player can bunt to simply advance a runner over or it can be done to get on base. When someone 'drag' bunts they are usually trying to get on-base, so they will show bunt at the last second to avoid tipping off the infielders of their motive.

When trying to advance a runner it is suggested that you square up earlier because you are more likely to get the bunt down and it is that much more important to execute the bunt properly, especially if a runner is stealing the next base. Sometimes you can square up well before the pitch to draw an infielder in on a steal play. Excellent base-hitters can perform what is sometimes called a 'slap' bunt in which a batter shows bunt early and then draws it back at the last second to hit away, ideally aiming at the infielder who was drawn in. When a batter squares at the last second and makes contact all in one motion it is also sometimes called a 'slap' bunt.

The ideal direction of the bunt relies on the scenario, such as where the infielders are set up, runners on base, and how many outs. Under no circumstances should there be a bunt to the pitcher.

Fundamentally, you want to have the bat square to the pitcher and as the pitch approaches, you either push a little bit or pull a little bit with your bottom hand to steer the ball in a desired direction. Your top hand should slide up just below the barrel with the bat resting on your fist and your thumb behind it giving support. Under no conditions do you wrap your hand around the baseball bat or put it on the barrel. The bat head should remain slightly up to avoid 'popping' the ball up. You want to be slightly hunched over and bent at the knees. The only adjustment to get to a higher or lower pitch will be made at the knees.