The Biggest Hit in Baseball is the Bunt

A timely bunt is one of the most effective weapons in the game of baseball. The art of bunting has not been mastered by too many. When a baseball bunt is placed in exactly the right spot, it cannot be defended easily if at all. Although it seems like something simple compared to a full hack at the ball, baseball bunting requires a lot of hard work to perfect and proves very difficult without the correct mechanics.

There are several different types and reasons for bunts. A batter can bunt to simply move a runner to the next base or it can be done to get a base-hit. When someone 'drag' bunts they are usually trying to get on-base, so they will show bunt at the last second to avoid tipping off the infielders of their goal.

When trying to advance a base-runner it is suggested that you square up sooner because you are more likely to get the bunt down and it is necessary to execute the bunt properly, especially if a base-runner is stealing. Sometimes you can square up very early to draw an infielder in on a steal play. Excellent base-hitters can perform what is sometimes called a 'slap' bunt in which a batter shows bunt early and then draws it back at the last moment to hit away, usually aiming at the infielder who was drawn in. When a batter squares at the last moment and makes contact all in one motion it is also sometimes called a 'slap' bunt.

The ideal direction of the bunt depends on the scenario, such as how the infielders are set up, runners on base, and how many outs. Under no circumstances should there be a bunt to the mound.

Fundamentally, you want to have the bat square to the pitcher and as the pitch approaches, you either push a little bit or pull a little bit with your bottom hand to direct the ball in a desired direction. Your top hand should move up just below the barrel with the bat resting on your fist and your thumb behind it giving support. Under no conditions do you wrap your hand around the baseball bat or put it on the barrel. The bat head should remain slightly up to prevent 'popping' the ball up. You want to be slightly leaning forward over and bent at the knees. The only adjustment to get to a higher or lower pitch will be made at the knees.

Joe Rodgers is a batting instructor that emphasizes stationary drills to develop the propermechanics to be a successful batter.

- Joe Rodgers