How to Bunt With a Composite Bat

Laying down a bunt is often a critical play in a baseball or softball game. A sacrifice bunt moves runners into scoring position, while an unexpected bunt can catch the defense off guard and result in a hit. Bunting with a composite bat, which is made of a fiber material, presents a different challenge than bunting with a wood bat. The ball jumps off a composite bat with more speed, forcing you to stay on top of the ball when bunting.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the type of bunt that needs to be delivered. For a sacrifice bunt, deception is not important. Know the direction you want to bunt the ball. If you need to get a runner from first to second, either foul line will work. If you need to get a runner from second to third, the bunt should go down the third base line. When bunting for a hit, look at the defense and locate a hole.

    • 2

      Square around to bunt as the pitch is thrown toward home plate. Move your front foot so that you are squarely facing the pitcher with feet shoulder-width apart. Move your top hand up the bat, and grip the barrel with your thumb and index finger. Keep your fingers behind the bat to avoid injury. Position the bat at the top of the strike zone. Anything above the bat should be taken as a ball.

    • 3

      Follow the pitch as it approaches the plate. If the pitch is a strike, prepare to bunt. With a composite bat, it is critical to keep the bat just above the middle of the ball. Because the ball jumps off a composite bat quicker than most other bats, staying above the ball ensures that the bunt will get down to the ground. If you bunt under the middle of the ball with a composite bat, you will pop up the bunt and fail in your bunt attempt.

    • 4

      Bend your knees and bunt down on the ball. Try not to jab at the ball. With a composite bat, jabbing at the ball can lead to the bunt being hit too hard or popped up. Instead, pretend as if you are catching the ball with your bat. The bat moves slightly back and stays above the ball.

    • 5

      Run out the bunt. Even in a sacrifice bunt, sprinting through first base is critical. This can help you avoid a possible double play on a poor bunt or can put added pressure on the defense, resulting in an error that prolongs the inning.