Bunting

Bunting, the lost art, is a great tool in manufacturing runs. Sometimes you may want to bunt for a hit, sacrifice a runner over into scoring position or 'squeeze' a run in through bunting. When bunting, you will want to move up in the batter's box towards the pitcher. This will keep your bat in fair territory and also assist you in bunting any breaking balls before they break.

SQUARING AROUND
Generally when bunting for either a sacrifice or Squeeze lay you will want to square around. This means turning your feet and shoulders so that you are facing the pitcher. Don't step on the plate or you'll be called out if you get the bunt down.

Pivot to Bunt
Start like you are going to swing away. As the pitcher begins his wind up, pivot on your toes and bring the bat into position to bunt.

Bunting Basics
The top hand should slide down the bat somewhere around the midpoint and 'cradle the bat' with your thumb on the top with the fingers underneath.

To protect your fingers from getting hit, don't wrap your top hand fingers around the bat. You want to hold your bat at the top of the strike zone with the bat angled up and out in front of you.

You want to have your arms extended with a slight bend at the elbows. Since your bat is already at the top of the strike zone, if the pitch is higher than your bat, let it go (unless it is a squeeze play). If the pitch is lower, then bend at the knees to bunt the ball and try to avoid dipping the bat head as this will increase the chances for a popup and could result in a double play.

The batter simply wants to 'catch' the ball with the bat and wants to avoid slapping at it. The best bunts are those down the lines about 10-20 feet.