Bunting is a fundamental aspect of baseball. Through practice, bunting can be turned into a major offensive advantage for any given team. There are two types of bunting: the sacrifice bunt and bunting for a hit. The sacrifice bunt is the more commonly used of the two.
Sacrifice Bunt: The objective is to move a runner or runner(s) to a succeeding base. The batter's concern is on moving the runner(s) along, not trying to get a hit, by using one of two methods, the pivot or square around.
The Pivot
stance is with the feet shoulder width apart and remain square to the plate
stand closer to the pitcher than normal (in the batter's box)
pivot on both feet when pitcher takes the ball from glove during delivery (i.e. square to the pitcher)
body bent forward with knees bent and arms relaxed and extended forward
bat held in front of plate slightly slanted
bat is held lightly
top hand slides up barrel and forms a V shape with thumb on top and fingers underneath to hit low strikes lower body
Square Around
batter moves their front foot slightly to the outside while bringing their rear foot almost parallel with the front
continue with the pivot method from above with points 4-7
Here are several helpful hints for successful bunting:
important that the batter be in the front of the batter's box, allowing a better opportunity to bunt the ball in fair territory
hitters must attempt bunting strikes only
bunts should rarely be attempted with two strikes in the count (a bunted ball that goes foul is called a strike even if there are already two strikes on the batter)
do not go after the ball or 'jab' at it. This causes the ball to be popped up or hit too hard.
the batter should forget about getting a fast start to first base until after he/she has bunted.
The priority is in moving the runner(s) over with a good bunt, not in getting an infield hit.
