Lay Down the Perfect Bunt!
What is a bunt? Simply stated, a bunt is an offensive technique used by the batter to push the ball into play instead of completing a full swing.
The batter either lets the ball hit the bat, or pushes the ball slightly into the ground so it travels just into the field of play. The main purpose of the bunt
is to use is as a sacrifice to advance runners already on base. This means the batter will most likely get thrown out, but the existing runners will advance a base
and into scoring position.
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The Bat Grip
Hands apart: slide the top hand up the bat to the top o fthe handle. Rest the bat on top of your curled fingers and use the thumb to grip and control the bat. This grip helps
protect the fingers from getting hit with the ball and allows you to use your bottom hand to angle the bat for bunt placement.
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The Perfect Bunt |
The Bat Angle
Hold the bat either parrallel to the ground or at a slight angle with the bat head a little higher than the handle. When yhou make contact with the ball, the bat should level out so the bat head gives the ball a downward
push. You should start with the bat at the top of the strike zone. If you have to raise the bat to bunt the ball, then you know the pitch is a ball and you shouldn't attempt the bunt.
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The Pivot Stance
As the pitcher completes the windup, pivot on the balls of your feet so you are facing forward. As you pivot, bend the knees and bring the bat into position. This stance prevents the batter from stepping on the plate or out of the batter's box,
and it is deceiving to the defense because it is similar to a regular swing until after the pitcher releases the ball.
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