Softball Bunting Drills

Bunting is a crucial, but often overlooked, skill that can make the difference between winning or losing a softball game. Knowing how to bunt is especially important in youth softball, where certain players may not be good hitters but can still contribute to the team's success by bunting a runner into scoring position. To ensure that none of your team's at-bats are wasted, spend extra minutes on bunting drills in each of your practice sessions.

  1. Circle Drill

    • This drill allows you to practice bunting fundamentals with a large number of players at once. Have the players form a circle, making sure each player has enough room to handle a bat without hitting a teammate. Stand in the middle of the circle and face one of the players. Softly toss a ball so that the player can bunt it. If you notice aspects of the player's technique that must be corrected, use this as an example to teach the rest of the players in the circle while they are waiting for a turn at bat. Give each player three or four chances to bunt, then move to the next player and repeat the drill.

    One-on-One Drill

    • Set up a station at each of the three bases and one at home plate. At each station, have one player stand with a bat and use the base as home plate. Another player or coach should stand approximately 20 feet in front of the base and toss a ball for the batter to bunt. The batter must bunt the ball down the base line as if she were trying to advance a runner in a live game. After 5 to 10 pitches, the batter and pitcher will change places so both players get a chance to bunt.

    Speed Drill

    • Place six bases or home plates in a straight line, leaving enough space between each station for a player to comfortably attempt a bunt. Have a player stand about 10 feet in front of each plate with a softball and a glove. The rest of the team should form a single-file line to wait for a turn at bat. The batter must attempt a bunt at the first pitching station, then immediately move to each of the other five stations to bunt another pitch. In order for a batter to be successful at this drill, she must learn to get into bunting position and set her feet quickly.

    Directional Drill

    • Use chalk or jump ropes to divide the area in front of home plate into three sections. Have the players line up single file behind home plate to wait for their turn to bat. Stand about 20 feet in front of the plate and call out a numbered section as you toss the ball to the batter. Give each player five chances to bunt the ball according to your directions. You can split the team into two groups and keep score to make the drill more interesting.