Bunting Angie Ryan Centennial HS Softball Head Coach
Bunting Angie Ryan Centennial HS Softball Head Coach
2 main things! • #1: Back knee should be within 2” of ground • #2: Eyes should be directly above the bat
Other things • Proper lunging posture is very similar to what one should look like when bunting • Elbows relaxed • Slight angle of bat • Nose to knuckles • Contact should happen out in front and then bunter should “catch” the ball with the bat • Most often bunters get out because they bunt too hard…encourage them to be SOFT! • Knees should bend as necessary, not arms moving
Positioning in Box When Bunting • As they get older, they shouldn’t change their position too much as it gives away what is happening • Crowd the plate, toes on chalk line to cover the outside pitch • Contact should happen at the end of the bat if possible • Bunt the back of the ball, not the top (if knee is 2” or less from ground, this will happen more)
Sacrifice Bunt • Batter should “sacrifice” herself to move her teammates 1 base, this is the goal and players need to understand this • Bunt buntable pitches or strikes…not pitches that are out of the strike zone • Bunt toward the 1 st baseman whenever possible • They are normally not as athletic/quick as the other players and do not frequently make throws • As coaches, don’t be afraid to stick with the sacrifice bunt on 2 strikes • Sends a message to the team • Players need to buy in to bunting…not pretend they can’t do it and then hit away
Sneaky Bunt • This is a bunt for a base hit • The batter is attempting to get herself on base • Bunt should be shown as late as possible • Drop the back foot but player should be balanced • All players should practice a sneaky bunt
- Slides: 7