Bunting

Chuck Middleton-Past President

Walhalla Middle School

Good bunting technique helps players as a hitter.

Force players struggling as hitters to bunt---eye tracking

Threat of good bunter pulls infielders in and opens holes

IN-STRIDE vs Square Bunting Technique:

1. Conceals the bunt longer

2. Faster out of the box

3. Can slash more effectively

4. Eliminates the "STEP" mistakes

   a. STEP on the plate

   b. STEP out of the box

SACRIFICE---Help you team---Execute-Good things will happen

BUNTS STRIKES ONLY (EXCEPT SQUEEZE)

Dozen Keys to a Successful Bunt

1. Cheat up in the box (back foot even with back point of home plate)

2. Front foot slightly dropped, ball of front foot almost aligned with instep of back foot

3. Pivot on balls of feet-6 points to pitcher: Toes, Kneecaps, Belly button, Chest, Shoulders, Eyes

4. Bat at 45-degree angle-top hand at top of strike zone. (Thumbs up grip ---hitch hiker--- to reduce injury)

5. Bottom hand firm but relaxed---don't squeeze. Comfortable position near the knob.

6. Arm extended 90-degree angles at elbow, top arm almost pointed at pitcher, bottom arm slightly across mid-section.

7. Start at top of strike zone

8. Distance stays the same between eyes and bat (Bend at knees)

9. "Catch" the ball with top hand (soften the bunt unless you are pushing the ball past the pitcher)

10. Bottom hand is the "Rudder"-guides the bat angles for accuracy.

11. KNOW the area you are attacking and reason for attacking it---Sacrifice/Hit/Squeeze---1st base line, 3rd base line, Drag, Push, Squeeze, Slash

12. Practice with a purpose-don't bunt the next one until the previous one stops rolling-FOCUS

Bunting Drills

Robot: Box position, feet alignment, pivot, hands/arms positioning, knee bend, eye/bat alignment

Dry Run:  

1. No bat, no pitch

2. Bat, no pitch

3. No bat, pitch (catch ball in top hand

Different Approaches:

1. Little League Bat/softball (confidence builder)

2. Bat with ball (contact only)

3. Bat with ball to marked areas (with or without penalty)

4. Groups-to incorporate base running with the bunt

5. Short Game-incorporates bunting, base running, and bunt defense with or without live pitching

6. Incorporate with Batting Practice-penalties imposed on batter or batting group for failure

7. Difficulty drills-Broomstick/Fungo with golf whiffle balls, Small bat with tennis balls, regular bat with mini balls