The Sacrifice Bunt

The sacrifice bunt is a viable part of any teams offensive game and can be the difference between winning and losing a close game.

When we consider that most hitters are reluctant to sacrifice bunt and that the sacrifice bunt is almost always used late in the game when pressures are at their greatest and the game is on the line, it's no wonder most sacrifice bunt attempts fail.

It has been estimated that 20 to 25 percent of all sacrifice bunts are misplayed by the defense. So, why not sacrifice bunt more often!?

Here are some ways to improve your sacrifice bunting game:

I. Tenets of Successful Sacrifice Bunting

1. Up Front... in the batter's box. Back foot should be even with the middle of home plate (back foot is even with "break-in plate"). Up front will increase the chances of the ball going into fair territory.
2. Out Front... to consistently bunt the ball into fair territory with good placement, the bat must be extended "out in front" of the hitter's body and home plate... bunt the ball "Out Front"!
3. In Front... the bat must be "In Front" of the hitter's line of sight. That is, the bat is between the ball and the hitter's eyes! You must see your work!
4. Coaching Communication
   1. Up Front!
   2. Out Front!
   3. In Front!

II. Strategy and Mental Considerations

1. Bunt only strikes!
2. Give yourself up... at no time attempt to make a base hit out of the bunt.
3. Don't bunt in motion! Bunt the ball first, then run! See the ball down!
4. Bunt the ball in the area one-half way to the mound and three feet from the foul line.
5. Assume the bunting stance when the pitcher lifts his front foot to deliver from the stretch. Don't work the foul lines.
6. With a runner on first base bunt down the first line.
7. With runners on first and second bases, bunt hard toward the third baseman. If third baseman fields the ball, his only play is to first base.

III. Mechanics

1. Stance
   1. Place back foot at the break of home plate. This will make it easier to bunt a fair ball.
   2. Pivot on balls of feet with both feet pointing at the pitcher.
   3. Knees and arms slightly flexed.
   4. Be close enough to the plate to be able to reach the outside pitch.
2. Grip
   1. Hold the bat firmly with the bottom hands two to three inches up from the knob.
   2. Slide the top hand to the trademark -- let go with the bottom hand and the bat should balance there.
   3. Hold the top hand near the trademark with the thumb and index finger forming a V. This is the conventional grip.
   4. Point index finger of top hand up the back of the bat to aid bat control. This is a very effective method of bunting, but not too common.
   5. Note -- Fingers are not around the bat so they cannot be smashed with a pitched ball.
   6. Club head of bat slightly elevated above hands... too much elevation causes loss of plate coverage.
   7. Carry bat at top of strike zone and bunt only balls below this level. Any pitch above the bat is a ball. Smart pitchers throw high fastballs trying to make the hitter "pop-up"!
   8. Catch the ball on the bat! Don't jab at it!
   9. Bunt the ball out front. The bat must be in front of the plate.
   10. Never let the club head of the bat drop below the hands. If you do, it's an automatic pop fly.
   11. Low pitches are bunted by lowering the body. This is done by bending the back knee - not by dropping the club head.

IV. Direction of Bunt – Where to Bunt

1. Runner on First Base - Bunt the ball toward first base between the area about three feet from the foul line and half way to the mound. The bat is parallel to the third base line, and the knob of the bat is pointing at the third baseman. Bunt the inside half of ball if you are a right-handed hitter and the outside half of the ball if you are a left-handed hitter.
2. Runners on First and Second Base - Bunt the ball hard toward the third baseman on the infield grass. The bat is parallel to the first base line and club head points at the first baseman. Bunt the outside half of the ball if you are a right-handed hitter and the inside half of ball if you are a left-handed hitter.
3. Runner on First and Second Base - Assume stance early then read shortstop. If he evacuates, position to cover third baseman "SLAP BUNT!" .

Remember - Hold the bat in front of body (or plate) so that contact with the ball is in front of eyes. Ball! Bat! Eyes!