Learning how to bunt effectively is an essential skill for any young baseball player. As a long-time player and coach, I’ve worked with hundreds of kids to help them master the bunt. It’s a skill that takes practice and repetition, but any motivated player can become an excellent bunter with the right instruction. In this article, I’ll share my top tips for teaching bunting fundamentals based on decades of experience on the field.
The key to teaching young players how to bunt effectively is breaking down the mechanics into simple steps and allowing plenty of practice reps.
Start with the Stance
The foundation of a good bunt begins with the proper stance. When first teaching bunting, I have players start by squaring up to the plate with their feet shoulder-width apart and knees bent. Hands should hover over the plate, knees bent, and eyes focused on the pitcher.
It’s important to emphasize keeping the upper body loose but alert. Tension in the shoulders or grip will make bunting more difficult. I remind players to hold the bat lightly as if they were holding a tube of toothpaste – a firm but gentle grip.
During dry swings, check form and make adjustments as needed. Common issues like clenching the bat too tightly or leaning too far forward are easy to correct at this stage before introducing live pitching. Taking the time to ingrain proper mechanics from the outset will pay dividends down the road.
Break Down the Approach
Once the stance is solid, it’s time to add the approach. An effective bunt begins with three shuffle steps toward the pitcher, keeping the weight back. On the third step, the stride foot – usually the back foot – should land and anchor briefly.
Then, in one swift motion, bring the bat forward to meet the ball and allow the momentum of the stride to carry into the bunt. The key is keeping the upper body loose while the lower body leads the swinging movement.
When first teaching the approach, have players take exaggerated slow steps to ingrain the proper sequencing. Cues like “step, anchor, swing” can help them remember the progression. Focus on balance and control rather than speed at first.
After players are comfortable with the steps individually, let them practice the full approach in a continuous motion. Provide feedback on their form, pacing, weight transfer, and bat control throughout the approach.
Get the Angle Right
Along with the stance and approach, the angle of the bat is vital for an effective bunt. I teach my players to keep the barrel of the bat above the hands at a 45 degree angle as they push the bat head out to meet the ball.
The precise angle will vary by player height and stance, but keeping the hands beneath the barrel is key. The bat should meet the ball solidly at the sweet spot, not the handle. Players may need reminders to keep the bat head up and avoid dropping their hands.
For beginners, I demonstrate the 45 degree angle and have them mirror it in dry swings. We make small adjustments from there based on comfort and control. Setting up tee work or soft toss at different heights reinforces keeping the barrel up through the strike zone.
Pick Your Spots
Even with proper form, bunting takes pinpoint timing and bat control. One of the biggest tactical keys I teach is waiting for hittable pitches in the strike zone.
For right-handed hitters, I advise focusing on balls on the inner half of the plate. For lefties, look for pitches on the outer half. This allows you to meet the ball out in front with less chance of popping it up.
I also caution against bunting low pitches. Keeping the barrel up through the zone improves solid contact. Let low balls go by rather than forcing a tough bunt.
With practice, players can learn to read and react to get the barrel on the right spot as the ball crosses the plate. But initially, patience is key – wait for a pitch in the sweet spot.
Follow Through Properly
The final piece of the bunting fundamentals sequence is the proper follow-through. Much like the approach, I break this down into steps:
- Push and pivot with the front side as contact is made.
- Drop the bat in front of the plate.
- Sprint toward first base.
Following through properly channels the kinetic energy into forward momentum rather than stopping abruptly. Good form also reduces the chance of fouling off bunt attempts.
During drills, I watch for players who drop the bat too soon or don’t pivot fully after contact. Making post-contact footwork part of practice reps develops good habits. Proper follow-through takes discipline but pays off with better control and execution.
Use Live Pitching
Once players have the fundamentals of stance, approach, angle, pitch selection, and follow-through down in isolation, it’s time to put it all together against live pitching.
Start with tee work and soft toss with progressive levels of velocity. Tracking and bunting moving pitches takes additional hand-eye coordination. Give positive reinforcement as players adjust to focusing on the incoming ball while applying their form.
When live pitching is introduced, I have the players call out cues like “step, anchor, swing” to reinforce their sequencing. We also do “bunt-only” drills where they execute regardless of pitch location to ingrain the mechanics.
I mix in opportunities to track pitches and bunt selectively as skills improve. But extensive reps versus live arms are essential to developing the split-second reaction time and bat control needed to bunt successfully in games.
Make Adjustments
As with any skill in baseball, not every player will pick up bunting at the same rate. I watch carefully for areas that need extra work and tailor my instruction accordingly.
For those struggling with the approach, I spend more time on the shuffle step patterns. For players dropping their hands, we focus on dry swings holding the proper angle. If pitch selection is an issue, we track live pitches and emphasize discipline.
I also pay attention to each kid’s confidence level. Over-coaching or criticizing can sometimes do more harm than good. Building up frustrated players and keeping practice fun maintains motivation. Stick with the basics and stay positive.
With patient work on individual weaknesses, players’ bunting form comes together. I celebrate small improvements and keep things upbeat as their skills develop. Before you know it, they’re laying down perfect bunts in games!
Make Bunting Part of Practice
The sheer repetition needed to become an adept bunter means working on it throughout the season, not just initially. I incorporate bunting drills into batting practice a few times per week.
We focus on fundamentals like approach and angle when first introducing the skills then progress to situational work like sacrifice bunts or drag bunts for hits. I also have players face curveballs or sliders to bunt to keep their reactions sharp.
Infielders also benefit from bunting reps to work on defending them. Varying placement and speed challenges fielders’ reflexes.
Bunting is a fundamental part of the game at any level. Dedicated practice makes perfect and builds muscle memory. Keep skills progressing with regular practice.
Know When to Bunt
While mastering the physical mechanics of bunting is crucial, understanding strategy is equally important. As players gain competence and confidence, I teach situational bunting based on game conditions:
- Sacrifice bunts to advance a runner with no outs
- Drag bunts for a hit against a shifted defense
- Bunting for a single to get on base with two strikes
We discuss game situations where bunting makes tactical sense as well as when taking a full swing could be the higher percentage play. Instilling baseball IQ ensures skills get applied wisely.
Along with strategy, I emphasize being ready to bunt every pitch when called on. Even if you don’t plan to lay one down, protect the plate in case the sign comes. Consistent preparation prevents getting caught off guard.
With practice, young players quickly develop a feel for when to employ their hard-earned bunting skills during games. Knowing not just how but also when to bunt makes a tremendous all-around player.
Make It Fun!
Above all, my top priority in coaching youth baseball is making sure kids are having fun and building a love for the game. This applies equally to teaching bunting.
I incorporate friendly competitions into practice like “knock the bottle off the cone” to maintain energy and enjoyment. We cheer on improvement and effort as much as execution.
Seeing their hard work pay off with successful bunts is its own reward. The smile on a player’s face after perfectly placing a bunt makes all the practice worthwhile.
With the right positive environment and patient guidance, any player can thrive. Mix encouragement, variety, and a sense of humor into your coaching approach. When learning is fun, skills come naturally.
Making an impact on young players through baseball is an enormous privilege. Let their passion excite you as they develop new talents. With sound fundamentals and supportive coaching, the bunting success will follow.
Master the Sacrifice Bunt
The sacrifice bunt is one of the most useful applications of good technique. In key situations, giving up an out to advance a runner into scoring position can be a winning play.
I introduce the strategy around age 10 once kids have the basics down. The execution is similar to a standard bunt, but requires additional elements like getting the lead runner over and timing with the hitter.
In practice, we designate a runner on first base and have the batter work on laying down the bunt. It takes reps to get the angles precise – angling too much toward first risks forcing the runner. I have them aim for the first base side of the mound to start.
Timing the drop with the runner’s lead is also crucial. I clap my hands as the cue for the runner to break and bunter to react. We walk through it step-by-step then speed up.
I remind them that a perfect bunt isn’t necessarily the goal – just put the ball in play to advance the runner. We track success rate rather than beautiful form.
Above all, I stress that the hit and run is on no matter what. Don’t pull the bat back if it’s a bad pitch. Do your job for the team.
By their early teens, most players can lay down a pretty good sac bunt when called upon. The satisfaction of moving a teammate into scoring position makes the work worthwhile!
Bunting with Two Strikes
One of the riskiest but potentially useful applications of bunting is when the hitter has two strikes. Surprising the defense with a bunt can end a strikeout and get on base.
I wait until players have very strong fundamentals before attempting this. If the bunt isn’t placed expertly, it often results in an easy out at first. We talk through scenarios where it makes sense – like facing an overpowering pitcher with high strikeout rates.
The main modification is holding back just a bit on the approach to allow reacting to the pitch. On most 2 strike counts, the defense expects the batter is swinging away. That creates an opportunity.
During practice reps for bunting with two strikes, I remind them to wait for a hittable strike – don’t get desperate and bunt a bad pitch. Taking a close pitch for a called third strike is better than popping out on a bunt.
As we gain experience, their success rates go up. Seeing the surprise on an infielder’s face when a two strike bunt catches them off guard is priceless! It’s a high risk play but can yield big rewards.
Bunt Relay Competitions
One way I keep young players engaged with bunting practice is friendly relay competitions. We break into teams and line up to bunt down a baseline, testing execution and speed.
The first bunter runs to first base after making contact. The next batter bunts, then runs to first while the first runner advances to second, and so on around the bases like a relay team.
We see how fast a team can bunt around the bases in succession with proper form. I mix up the sequencing – drag bunts, sacrifice bunts, teamwork. The kids have a blast trying to best their times.
The relay races incentivize practicing the fundamentals we worked hard on all season. In the excitement of the competition, they sharpen their skills without even realizing it.
These bunt relays are a great way to wrap up a long practice on a high note. And the runners get conditioning work in too! Adding fun games keeps sessions fast-paced and enjoyable for everyone.
Unconventional Bunts
Once bunting basics are mastered, I have some players experiment with trickier, unconventional bunting like:
- Bunting for a double down the line
- Pushing bunts past the pitcher while running to first
- Slap bunting softly down the baseline
The execution requires expert bat control and speed. But pulled off correctly, unexpected bunting techniques can generate hits against an unprepared defense.
We only work on the flashier bunts once the fundamentals are rock solid. I have players bunt over 100 balls in a session before trying these advanced plays. Mastering control takes endless repetition.
Seeing the surprise and confusion from opposing teams when our batter lays down a perfectly placed double bunt makes it rewarding. The creativity pushes players to expand their skills and instincts for the game.
That wraps up my top tips for making bunting instruction engaging for young players!
Conclusion
From stance to pitch selection to follow-through, properly executed bunting requires attention to detail and repetitive practice. Breaking down each step of the process into digestible chunks and allowing players to master them individually builds a foundation. Patience, encouragement, and making drills engaging accelerates the learning curve.
While bunting may seem like a simple skill, the mechanics require precision and timing. With an organized progression focused on quality over quantity of reps as well as tailored adjustments, players’ skills improve dramatically. Instilling proper technique from the outset prevents bad habits.
But focused, repetitive practice is the key. Incorporating bunting into regular batting practice and mixing up drills maintains sharpness. A positive coaching approach also keeps players motivated to continue developing their technique.
With dedication, any player can become an adept bunter. The skills not only help them contribute in games but also build confidence and baseball IQ. Approached systematically and taught passionately, bunting instruction is deeply rewarding for both player and coach. The effort pays dividends down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age should you start teaching bunting?
I introduce bunting basics around ages 7-8 but focus initially on stance, grip, and tracking pitches. More complex sequencing and technique comes between ages 9-12 when coordination improves. But it’s never too early to lay the foundation.
Where is the best location to bunt?
For righties, bunts down the first base line have the highest chance of success. For lefties, bunts down the third base line are preferable. Focusing on balls over the inner half for righties and outer half for lefties improves solid contact.
How can you generate more power when bunting?
Proper weight transfer is key for power. Keeping the weight back during the approach then striding aggressively toward the pitch allows rotation and momentum to carry into the bunt.
What causes bunts to pop up?
Dropping the hands too low rather than keeping the bat barrel up is a common cause of pop ups. Bunting low pitches can also lead to pop ups. Maintaining the barrel above the hands through the strike zone improves solid contact.
How do you teach a drag bunt?
A drag bunt involves angling the bat across the plate to better direct the ball. Delay the turn of the wrists slightly while keeping the bat head out front to impart backspin and slow the ball’s speed. Useful for bunting for hits against a shifted defense.
What drill helps with bunting consistency?
Soft toss with a coach randomly calling out “bunt” or “swing” forces players to adjust on the fly and helps ingrain bunting mechanics versus full swing. The unpredictability keeps players focused.
