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How to Bunt

Whether it's used to advance a base runner, get a base hit, or help score a run,
bunting is a critical skill that can make or break a game, depending on execution.

Position: 

Try pivoting your shoulders rather than "squaring up" your entire body.

Using the pivot keeps both feet in a normal hitting stance.

This allows hitters to momentarily "show bunt" and

to get back to a normal stance before the pitch is thrown. 

Take advantage of the first or third baseman by moving into a partial sacrificing position.
Softly push the ball down the right or left baselines. 

Drag bunts are effective especially if you are a left-handed batter,
making it a shorter running distance to first base. 

Hands out Front 

To bunt consistently well, the hands must be extended far out toward the pitcher.

The batter can maximize the sighting of the ball to the bat.

Bunting technique REQUIRES that the hands are away from the body.

The arms/hands are almost completely extended 

Bat at top of the Strike Zone

On a sacrifice bunt, you should start with your bat at the top of the strike zone.

Get your eyes at the same level as the bat.

This way you only bunt down on the ball, reducing the chance of popping it up.

With your eyes even with the bat, it gives you a better view of the pitch,

making it easier to judge. 

Pitch 

Attempt to make contact with a pitch close to the strike zone.

Pull the bat back if the pitch is high.

For a low pitch, bend your knees to keep your bat low, and try not to pop the ball up.

To make sure the ball is hit downward, hold the top of the bat slightly higher than the handle. 

Sacrifice Bunt 

Steps: 

1.   Examine the situation.
      The best times to sacrifice bunt are when a runner is on first base or
      when runners are on first and second with fewer than two outs.

2.   Disguise your intention to sacrifice bunt until the pitcher winds up to throw.

3.   "Pivot Shoulders" to bunt after the pitcher releases the ball.
      To Pivot Shoulders, shift your back foot forward 90 degrees so that you are facing the pitcher.
      Both feet should be parallel to the side of home plate.

4.   Move your top hand several inches upward on the bat for better bat control.

5.   Keep your fingers out of the pitch's way.
      Form a "U-shaped" grip on the top of the bat by placing the thumb on the top of the barrel.
      Pinch the bat.

6.   Keep your legs apart as in a normal batting stance. 

7.   Position the bat in the heart of the strike zone. 

8.   Keep your elbows and knees bent slightly to make it easier to adjust to the pitch.

9.   Focus on hitting the ball downward.
      When you do, try not to run out of the batter's box too early.

10.   After making contact, follow through by gently pushing the ball toward either the left side of the infield
      (between the pitcher, catcher and third baseman) or
      toward the right side of the infield (between the pitcher, catcher and first baseman).

11.   Run to first base after following through.  

Drag Bunt or Push Bunt 

Steps: 

1.   Examine the situation.
      The best times to drag bunt (bunt for a base hit) are
      when either the first or third baseman is positioned far from the batter,
      when either the first or third baseman is a poor defensive player or
      if you can flat-out run.

2.   "Pivot Shoulders" to a bunting position as the pitch is thrown. 

3.   Avoid moving into a full sacrificing position, since getting a good running start is important. 

4.   Make contact only at a pitch in the strike zone. 

5.   Start moving toward first base upon contact with the pitch.
      Try to "catch" the ball with the bat and roll the ball gently outward past the pitcher
      and between the first and second basemen.
      Position the ball to force an infielder to charge the ball toward home plate,
      making for a difficult throw.
      Try not to pull the bat back upon contact or the ball will go foul.

Suicide and Safety Squeeze 

Steps: 

1.   Examine the situation.
      Use the squeeze play with a base runner of at least average speed on third base,
      and with fewer than two outs in the inning. 

2.   A suicide squeeze play occurs when a base runner on third base heads home
      and the hitter attempts to bunt.
      If the batter fails to execute the bunt,
      the play becomes an attempted steal of home plate.

3.  The suicide squeeze offers a greater chance for both scoring and disaster,
      since the runner heads for home base regardless.

4.   Safety squeeze plays occur when the runner doesn't attempt to steal home until the batter bunts the ball down.

5.   Use the suicide squeeze by making contact with the ball regardless of where the pitch is.
      If you miss the pitch, move out of the way of the oncoming base runner's path.

6.   Use the same stance and movement as in any bunt.

7.   Upon making contact, push the ball away from the third base line.
      Make sure the player fielding the ball is the pitcher or first baseman and
      is forced to throw home rather than simply tagging the runner out.

8.   Run to first base after following through.
      The defense is likely to try to make the play at home before throwing to first base.