The ability to bunt for a base hit is a great tool for any speedy runner. A softball player who’s fast (and smart) has essentially more options than anyone else in the box because she doesn’t need to give up an out when she bunts. She can try to get on base by bunting for a hit while still advancing a teammate on base.
If you are quick on your feet, being able to execute a bunt for a base hit is a great tool to have. Read on to learn how!
Note: Basic bunting techniques are grounded in softball’s most standard bunt — the sacrifice bunt. If you need a refresher course on proper bunting technique, check out our guide, How to Sacrifice Bunt.
The Bunt for a Base Hit
When you bunt for a base hit, there are two things that you need to know. The first is that you are going to bunt at the last possible moment. The second is the proper footwork (as a right-handed batter):
- Get into the box as if you are going to hit. Do not show your bunt right away.
- Let the pitch get deep. You will begin your bunting motion as the pitch approaches home plate, at the last possible moment (basically, if you were to wait any longer you would miss the pitch entirely).
- The next motions are simultaneous:
- Transition your hands from being “high and ready” in a hitting stance into the bunting position. Do this by sliding your bottom hand down the handle of the bat as your arms get into the bunting position. Your arms won’t be completely in the “L” position, but they will be bent at the elbows and very close to your body.
- You will not have to pivot your feet to face the pitcher when bunting for a base hit. Instead, drop your back leg backwards (in the direction your heel is pointing). Try to mimic the position your legs would be in to start a race or take a lead-off.
- Bring your arms down and your back leg backwards simultaneously. A good way to envision this is to think of your bottom elbow and your back leg being tied together with a string. The string is being pulled straight behind you — when one moves, they both move together.
- The instant the pitch makes contact with the bat, drive your back leg forward and sprint down the line.
No matter what, remember this is still a bunt. When you bunt for a base hit, you can bunt it softly or push it forward — but always have a strategy.
Hot Tip: Read the Corners!
Every good bunter is a smart bunter. That is, she knows how to read the infield. A coach will generally give you a sign on which bunt to use, but with that sign comes further responsibility: Bunt placement.
First look at the corners. If you see slow corners, don’t push bunt. A soft bunt will be the most successful in this situation because a slow third or first baseman won’t be able to field the ball in time to throw you out. On the other hand, if the corners crash, push the bunt right past them!
Besides their speed, look at the strength and accuracy of their throws. If one corner fielder’s throw is a little slow, try to place the bunt in her direction. The same goes for whichever corner has the least accurate throw. Be smart with your bunt and its placement!
Get Down the Line
Being able to bunt for a base hit is a prime skill for any softball player. A bunt is generally used to advance runners on the bases, which means the batter gives herself up with a sacrifice. But if you can bunt for a base hit, you don’t have to sacrifice your own out!
With this skill, you can get the bunt down, move the runner, and still try to get yourself to first base.
Not only will this technique be great for you, but it will help your team out, as well. Successfully bunting for a base hit means you won’t have to sacrifice an out and you’ll have more runners on the bases — which, in turn, means a better chance to score!
