I would like to see some discussion on when to and when not to bunt. I know everyone has their philosophy about this.
In my opinion, you use the bunt sparingly. If you are in a close game and need to move a runner, I can see sacrificing an out, if you have no outs. Maybe even with 1 out. I see no value in using the bunt every inning or every time you have a base runner. If you are playing a team that has proven to you that they can't defend a bunt, by all means, bunt away. If they keep throwing your runners out, you might want to rethink that strategy. If you have a girl that is blazing fast and every bunt is a single, then bunt her all day every day if you want to. If you have a slower girl who hasn't been hitting well, work on her hitting in practice. Do not bunt her. Bunting a struggling hitter is not going to build their confidence in their ability to hit the ball. It will only make them feel like they can't hit, so all you do is bunt them. If you are nearing the end of the game and are down several runs, do not bunt. You aren't going to win by moving runners station to station at that point.
Also, whenever you do use the bunt, make sure your batter knows the situation. If you are trying to move a runner and the 3rd baseman is playing up, consider using a push bunt between 3rd and SS. Most likely the SS is moving toward 2nd base, 3rd is charging, and it's unlikely a RHP is going to successfully field that ball in time to throw either runner out.
Make certain you are teaching your batters how to break from the box while bunting. Standing still, laying down the bunt, then taking off running will greatly reduce your chances of success. Teach them to bunt on the move.
What are your opinions and teachings on bunting? I would love to see some discussion. It could be helpful to others.
In my opinion, you use the bunt sparingly. If you are in a close game and need to move a runner, I can see sacrificing an out, if you have no outs. Maybe even with 1 out. I see no value in using the bunt every inning or every time you have a base runner. If you are playing a team that has proven to you that they can't defend a bunt, by all means, bunt away. If they keep throwing your runners out, you might want to rethink that strategy. If you have a girl that is blazing fast and every bunt is a single, then bunt her all day every day if you want to. If you have a slower girl who hasn't been hitting well, work on her hitting in practice. Do not bunt her. Bunting a struggling hitter is not going to build their confidence in their ability to hit the ball. It will only make them feel like they can't hit, so all you do is bunt them. If you are nearing the end of the game and are down several runs, do not bunt. You aren't going to win by moving runners station to station at that point.
Also, whenever you do use the bunt, make sure your batter knows the situation. If you are trying to move a runner and the 3rd baseman is playing up, consider using a push bunt between 3rd and SS. Most likely the SS is moving toward 2nd base, 3rd is charging, and it's unlikely a RHP is going to successfully field that ball in time to throw either runner out.
Make certain you are teaching your batters how to break from the box while bunting. Standing still, laying down the bunt, then taking off running will greatly reduce your chances of success. Teach them to bunt on the move.
What are your opinions and teachings on bunting? I would love to see some discussion. It could be helpful to others.
Last edited: