Bunting for a Base Hit
As the name implies, a base
hit bunt is used when the primary objective is to get a runner on base.
Coaches will usually call for a base hit bunt when facing a team whose
infielders are either slow, or playing their positions quite deep. The
technique used when bunting for a base hit will differ depending on whether
the batter is right or left handed. For a right-handed batter, the process
is similar to the sacrifice bunt, with the following exceptions:
-
The batter needs to wait as
long as possible (at the point the pitcher releases the ball) to come around
into a bunting position.
-
Contact is made with the weight
on the front foot while the back foot is pushing off towards first.
Left-handed batters will
use a drag technique. “Dragging” involves a crossover step with the
back foot as the batter moves into a bunting position.
In both cases, the delay
prevents the corner infielders from charging forward, which means it will
take them longer to come forward and field the ball. The batter moves from
a normal hitting stance to a forward moving bunting position very late
in the delivery of the ball. The lack of movement by the corners combined
with the early steps toward 1st increase the chances of reaching first
safely.
The most common reason attempted
bunts for a base hit fail is poor placement of the ball, or contacting
the ball too hard. The goal is always to create that perfect “slow roller.”
Key Points to Remember:
-
Wait as long as possible to
come around
-
Use soft hands to “catch” the
ball with the bat
-
Only bunt a strike
-
Keep the bat at the top of the
strike zone
-
Try and place the ball near
the foul line where it will be difficult to field
-
Push off towards 1st at the
point of contact