Whether you hit for power, hit for average, or even if you have trouble hitting, you can always help your team in critical situations by laying down a successful bunt. Bunts can help win ball games, so everyone who swings a bat should know how to properly execute a successful bunt.
Bunting occurs when a batter holds the bat in the hitting zone and, without swinging, lets the ball make contact with it. The idea behind the bunt is to deaden the ball so that the baserunners can advance while the opposing fielders are running in to make a play.
The pitcher and catcher are more likely than the third baseman to field the bunt. A pitcher that doesn’t field his position well will be vulnerable to a good bunt play. A catcher who doesn’t move quickly from behind the plate is also vulnerable. The two combined create a situation that you can take advantage of.
Bunting does two things – it puts the ball in play and puts pressure on the defense, because most bunts are difficult plays that require the defense to act quickly and make good throws.
Bunting can also disrupt a pitcher’s groove. If a pitcher thinks a bunt is coming he is suddenly concerned with getting off the mound to field that ball and loses some concentration on his pitch location.
The bunting drills in today’s video are great for simulating exact game conditions. There are 8 bunting drills covered, which include:
- Sacrifice Bunt – Man on 1st
- Power Bunt down the Third Base Line
- 2 Strike Bunt
- Base Hit bunt down the 3rd base line
- Base Hit bunt to 1st base side
- Squeeze bunt
- Fake bunt hit
- Wheel bunt
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