by James Douglas Doorsman

Created on: February 23, 2010   Last Updated: March 29, 2010

Laying down a successful bunt starts with the basic fundamentals.  They call it laying down a bunt because you need to make sure the ball is a ground ball and not a pop-up because the runners are usually going on a "hit and run" sign and will be doubled off base if the bunt is in the air. Pitcher are supposed to be extremely adept at this as a way of helping their cause, which is to win a baseball game.  Very few major league pitcher are good hitters but many can easily move a runner over with a bunt.  Placement of the bunt is important based on what you are trying to accomplish or where the runners are located on the base paths.  

Are you bunting for a base hit?  In this case you still need to be aware of the runners or one of the more advanced runners will be thrown out and your bunt will hinder rather than help the team.  A well placed bunt is a tool that helps teams win baseball games. Let's go over a couple of scenarios where you might want to lay down a bunt.

 There is a runner on first base and you want to advance him into scoring position, which means you need to get him to second base.  The pitcher is going from the stretch and coming off the mound as you square off to bunt.  He squares his hips to see where you place the bunt. You slid your hand up the barrel of the bat and placed it on the ball and push it either toward third base or first base far enough so the catcher or other charging players have no other choice but to make the play at first base.   The shortstop is covering second and second baseman first base and first baseman charging the bunted ball.  The third baseman is also charging in the event you punch the ball towards third base.  A good defensive team works in unison to make sure you are out art first base even if you lay down a good bunt.  If you don't do your job well the runner can be thrown out at second by one of four defensive players.  If you layed down a decent bunt the runner is standing on second base and you have made a successful “sacrifice” bunt. The other team has practiced getting an out numerous times so be aware that they know how to make sure your bunt is not a sucess.  An extremly well played defence may record two outs on your bunt attempt.

 Maybe you are a left handed batter and the bases are empty and the pitcher is having a good outing and you need to shake things up a bit.  You might try what

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