A push bunt in softball is a firmer bunt pushed past the charging corner infielders or the pitcher, usually into the gap toward the second baseman or shortstop. It is used when the defense crashes hard on an expected bunt, leaving space behind the charging fielders. The key is to show bunt a little later than usual, hold the bat firmly, push through the ball with the arms instead of absorbing it and keep the ball on the ground by contacting the top half.
This guide explains when to use the push bunt, step-by-step technique, where to aim, how it compares with other bunts, drills, rules to know and the mistakes that turn a push bunt into an easy out.
When to use the push bunt
- The corners charge aggressively. When the first and third basemen crash toward the plate, the ball can be pushed past them.
- The second baseman is moving to cover first. That leaves a gap on the right side of the infield.
- The shortstop is rotating to cover a base. A ball pushed toward the vacated area can find open space.
- The defense expects a sacrifice. In obvious bunt situations, a push bunt can turn an out into a hit.
- The batter has speed. Fast runners get more value from balls that reach the gaps.
Push bunt vs other bunts
| Bunt type | Goal | Bat action | Best when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacrifice bunt | Advance a runner, give up an out | Soft hands, absorb the ball | Close games with a runner to move |
| Drag bunt | Reach base with a surprise bunt | Bunt while moving toward first | Corners are playing back |
| Push bunt | Reach base or advance runners past charging fielders | Firm hands, push through the ball | Corners and pitcher crash hard |
| Slap | Put the ball on the ground while running | Short swing from the left side | Fast left-side hitters |
Technique, step by step
- Show bunt late. Pivot or square as for a regular bunt, but a little later to hide your intent from the defense.
- Grip firmly. Hold the top hand more firmly than for a sacrifice, keeping the fingers protected behind the bat.
- Bat at the top of the zone. Start with the bat at the top of the strike zone so you can bunt down on the ball.
- Push the bat forward. Push through the ball with the arms rather than absorbing it.
- Angle the bat. Aim the bat face toward the gap you are targeting, past the pitcher or charging corner.
- Contact the top half. Hitting the top half of the ball keeps it on the ground.
- Run after contact. Once the ball is on the ground and past the first fielder, sprint through first base.
Where to aim
| Target | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Past the first baseman toward second base | The second baseman is often moving to cover first, leaving the area open |
| Past the pitcher up the middle | A pitcher falling off after release may not react in time |
| Past the third baseman toward shortstop | Useful when the shortstop is rotating to cover second or third |
The ideal push bunt travels firmly on the ground just past the reach of the charging fielder, but not so hard that a middle infielder can field it easily. Right-handed batters often find it easier to push toward the right side, while left-handed batters may target the left side, but both should practice multiple directions to stay unpredictable.
Choosing the right pitch
Not every pitch is suitable for a push bunt. Pitches in the upper half of the strike zone are easiest to push down onto the ground, while very low pitches or drops tend to produce weak contact or pop-ups. Riseballs above the bat should be taken, since bunting up at them usually lifts the ball into the air. If the pitch is not right, pull the bat back and wait for a better one, as long as the count allows it. Patience turns a good idea into a successful bunt.
Reading the defense
Before each pitch in a bunt situation, look at where the corners are playing and how the middle infielders are positioned. If the first and third basemen creep in early or the pitcher breaks hard toward the plate after release, the push bunt becomes more attractive. Coaches may also call the push bunt from the dugout based on what they see. Communication with the base coach and runners is important so everyone knows the play.
Drills to build the push bunt
- Target zones. Place cones or hoops in the gaps between charging fielders and practice pushing balls into them.
- Soft toss push bunts. A partner tosses from in front while you practice the firm push and bat angle.
- Late show drill. Practice staying in your hitting stance until the pitcher’s release, then showing bunt and pushing.
- Live crashing corners. Have fielders charge hard while the batter tries to push the ball past them.
- Bunt and sprint. Combine push bunts with timed sprints to first base.
Common mistakes
- Showing bunt too early. The defense has time to adjust and cover the gaps.
- Pushing too softly. A soft push is fielded easily by the charging infielder.
- Pushing too hard. A hard push goes straight to a middle infielder.
- Popping it up. Contacting the bottom half of the ball lifts it into the air.
- Running before contact. Leaving too early leads to poor contact or a miss.
- Using it every time. Overusing the push bunt lets the defense adjust.
Using the push bunt with runners on base
With a runner on first or second, the push bunt can advance runners while also giving the batter a chance to reach base. If the defense runs a wheel play or sends both corners hard, a well-placed push bunt can leave the lead base uncovered and put runners at first and second or second and third with no outs. Runners should watch the ball: if it gets past the charging fielder, they can advance aggressively. If the push is fielded quickly, they should take only what the defense gives them to avoid being thrown out.
Rulebook and safety note
Bunting rules are set by the NCAA, the NFHS, USA Softball and other organizations. Key points include that a bunt that goes foul with two strikes is a strikeout and that the batter is out for making contact with a foot entirely outside the batter’s box. Some youth leagues limit bunting at younger ages. Check your league’s current rulebook. When bunting, keep your top-hand fingers behind the bat to avoid injury from inside pitches, and always wear a batting helmet with a face guard where required.
Frequently asked questions
What is a push bunt in softball?
It is a firm bunt pushed past charging infielders or the pitcher, usually toward the gaps near second base or shortstop, to reach base or advance runners.
When should you use a push bunt?
When the corner infielders and pitcher are crashing hard on an expected bunt and the middle infielders are rotating to cover bases, leaving gaps behind the charge.
How is a push bunt different from a sacrifice bunt?
A sacrifice bunt uses soft hands to deaden the ball near the plate, while a push bunt uses firm hands to push the ball past the charging fielders.
