Breaking Down the “Push Bunt”

In today’s video blog post, we are demonstrating the “Push Bunt” for situational hitting. The push bunt is often used against a team where their second baseman is playing close to the second base bag, or against a left-hand pitcher, or maybe even a first baseman who’s slow-moving.

Breaking Down the Push Bunt

The right-hand hitter will drop his right foot behind him, much like a drag technique, but will have the bat in closer to his body, with his elbows bent.

The bat is up at the top of the strike zone with the barrel, and as the pitch arrives, he will actually push his bat forward, getting his arms straight and then stepping through after contact is made.

This technique is used with a firm grip because we want to bunt the ball hard past the pitcher, so that the pitcher and first baseman have to make a decision as to who is going to field the ball and who is going to cover first base. If there is any hesitation on the part of the pitcher and the first baseman, then our runner has a very good chance of reaching first base.

Push Bunt for the Left-Hander

The push bunt for the left-hander involves the hitter getting towards the back of the box and actually crossing over, left foot over right, and getting into that same position with his bent elbows and then pushing the ball out as he steps forward with his right foot. Again, you’re trying to push the ball past the pitcher so that the first baseman and pitcher have to make a decision as to who’s going to field the ball, who’s going to cover first.

The left-hander can also push bunt to the shortstop hole. Which means push the ball past the pitcher towards the short stop so the pitcher cannot move on a straight line to the ball and the shortstop will have to charge, or the third baseman, to make that play. It’s a long run for a third baseman, it’s a long run for a shortstop to get to that ball.

How often do you find yourself in a situation to use the push bunt?   Share your thoughts on this awesome bunt below!     And don’t forget to Join Us on Facebook, where we talk about throwing mechanics and much more!