Drills for Baseball Bunting

Bunting is an important part of playing offense in baseball. A bunt can be used to move a runner into scoring position, surprise a defense that is back on its heels or even score a runner from third base on a "squeeze bunt." Practicing the skill of bunting can help prepare your team for those tight game when one run is going to make all the difference.

  1. Baseline Bunting

    • The most effective bunts are those that are tough for the defense to get to during the game. Because you are not sure where the defense will be playing, you want to make sure your baseball players can bunt to either side of the field. That way if the third baseman is playing back, you can bunt down the third baseline, or conversely, if the first baseman is holding the runner on, you can bunt in his direction. Split your team into two groups. Have them stand about 60 feet apart (to simulate the distance from the pitcher's mound.) One group will throw the baseballs at half speed, while the other group will practice bunting the balls. The bunting players should attempt to bunt to the left and then to the right to simulate bunting down the first and third base line. After 20 to 30 bunts, the players should switch.

    Drag Bunting Drill

    • Though most players bat left-handed or right-handed, a drag bunt can be executed by either. To execute a drag bunt, an offensive player stands in the left batter's box and takes a normal batting stance. As the pitch is thrown the batter squares toward the pitcher and holds the bat out with his left hand so that it is parallel to the ground. At the exact same time, the player starts running toward first base. As the baseball makes contact with the bat, the player already has a two step advantage toward first base. For the drill, have one of your pitcher's pitch from the mound as if it was actually a game. Then have several offensive players practice connecting with a drag bunt so they get the feel for it. One important point to remember is that the foot of the batter must not be outside the batter's box when the bat makes contact with the baseball, otherwise the batter will be out.

    Squeeze Bunt Drill

    • A squeeze bunt occurs when an offensive player bunts while a runner is on third base. This is usually executed in close game situations where the runner represents the winning or go ahead run. Have a player stand on third base and take their normal lead. Have another batter face one of your pitcher's and try and execute and bunt off their normal delivery. Also, have the pitcher mix up his pitches so it simulates a real game. The only difference will be, once the batter makes bunts the ball, instruct the third base runner to run behind the catcher as the defense attempts to make the play. This will spare an unnecessary injuries that do not need to occur during practice. Take turns with different batters and runners for the drill until everyone has gone.