What are some tips for hitters who are attempting to lay down a bunt? Learn tips for laying down a sacrifice bunt. In the last few years, so much emphasis had been placed on the importance of hitting the...
In the last few years, so much emphasis had been placed on the importance of hitting the home run. And rightfully so because home runs take a lot of coordination and power to muster a 90 mph pitch over 300 feet from it's starting point.
But one area of the game of baseball that often goes overlooked and is very valuable to the success of any team is the bunt.
But one area of the game of baseball that often goes overlooked and is very valuable to the success of any team is the bunt.
Bunts require skill and practice to perform correctly. Most big home run hitters are not good bunters because of the lack of practice. But in certain game situations, being able to lay down a bunt is more valuable to a team than taking a few hacks for the fences.
Bunts are often needed and required to win late games. The type of bunt that a player decides to lay down will also be determined by the situation that he is bunting in.
For example, the three most prominent types of bunts are the sacrifice, suicide and bunt for a hit.
Perry Roth is the assistant coach of the Birmingham Southern College Panthers. In his second stint with the Panthers, Roth is responsible for catchers and hitting instruction. In his career, Roth has coached at BSC (two different occasions), Bradley, Illinois St., Springfield Calvary Academy and his alma mater, Greenville College.
Roth said that having proper technique on each one of these different bunts will help any hitter to become a better and more polished bunter.
"There are many techniques," he said. "But for the most part, you want to get your hands out front, reach towards the pitcher with some flexion in your elbows and knees. Keep the barrel above your hands and your eyes as close to the barrel as possible."
When you're laying down a sacrifice bunt, the objective is to advance the base runner by giving up yourself for an out. If the runner is at first base, be sure to get the bunt down one of the baselines so that the catcher can't make a play ahead of the runner.
But, if there is a runner on second base, be sure to get the bunt down the third base side to make the third baseman field the baseball.
Since you're giving yourself so that you can advance the runner, it's alright to show the bunt ahead of time. This will allow you to be in a better position.
"You want to give it away as early as you can," Roth said.
The next type of bunt is the suicide bunt.
When you're laying down a suicide bunt, the objective is to get the runner from third base across the plate. The runner will break on the pitch and the hitter will square to lay down a bunt.
The important detail to remember during a suicide is to make sure you make contact with the baseball.
"Just get it down," Roth said. "Some kids will wait for their perfect pitch or perfect strike, but what you are trying to do is get a bunt down in fair territory. That may be your only shot at scoring the run."
When you're bunting for a hit, timing and skill are very important. This is the hardest of all the bunts and requires years of dedication to master.
What should a hitter remember when laying down a suicide bunt?
Just hit it down. Some kids will wait for their perfect pitch or perfect strike. What you are trying to do is get a bunt down in fair territory. That may be your only shot to squeeze and get around.
When should the hitter show the bunt?
You want to give it away as early as you can.
