By Jim Bain
The utilization of the "Bunt" as an offensive weapon is not a new strategy, thus the rule which declares an automatic third strike call on a batter, who has two strikes and bunts the ball foul. The rule was created in order to prevent a player from being able to continue attempting to bunt until he finally got it right.
With the implementation of the rule the ability to successfully lay a bunt down in no more than two attempts, creating a two strike count on the batter, became more important than ever.
There are two distinct contrary philosophies in baseball pertaining to using the sacrifice bunt as a weapon.
1. Earl Weaver, famous manager of the Baltimore Orioles, eloquently expressed one point of view by stating " I only have 27 outs in a game, why would I give one away?" The idea of trading an out for advancing a runner into scoring position, with the hope he can be driven in, did not set well in that day and age.
2. The second thought process is, trading an out for the increased percentage of being able to score a run by advancing the runner, is no different than increasing your odds by bringing in a left handed pitcher to face a left handed batter.
Differences of philosophy not withstanding, one issue on which there is no disagreement on is Giving up an out without accomplishing the intended goal, is totally unacceptable. In other words, if you're going to bunt to move a runner into scoring position, you'd better be successful.
The key to a successful bunt is the ability to place the baseball in a particular area of the field which prevents the defense from throwing out the lead runner, and that ability is created by having complete control of the bat.
Let's exam a few of the skills required in order to become a proficient bunter.
1. Knowing how to hold the bat, which sounds simple enough, is totally different than your normal batting grip. The bat, instead of being firmly gripped with both hands, is cradled loosely allowing for the bat to move in your hands.
A. Your right hand (right handed hitters) will slide up the barrel of the bat, loosely held with the finger tips, never wrap your fingers around the barrel of the bat placing your fingers in the hitting zone. By holding the bat in this manner you allow the bat to recoil in your hand as the ball strikes the bat, which absorbs the ball's energy, which in turn reduces the travel distance off the bat.
B. Your left hand will firmly grip the handle of the bat, because this hand will control the angle the bat is moved in, which controls the direction the ball will be bunted in. Push your left hand out away from your body and you pull the bat barrel backwards, which will push the ball to the right side of the infield. Pull the bat handle in towards the body and the produced bat angle will push the ball to the left side of the infield.
It's the command of knowing how far to angle the bat, and how firmly to grip the bat head, which will dictate the exact placing, direction wise, and distance wise, which is the key to successful bunting.
Jim Bain, former Minor league baseball player, who since retiring has dedicated his life to teaching baseball to youth, shares his advice on running baseball drills on his exciting info packed website: http://www.learn-youth-baseball-coaching.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Bain
Showing posts with label bunting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bunting. Show all posts
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
How to Bunt in Baseball
By Thomas E Wilson
Most baseball players enjoy hitting. Baseball players absolutely love being the one up there at the plate smacking line drives along with the occasional long ball. These players enjoy hitting so much that they may do a huge selection of baseball workouts and hitting drills to improve their game. Unfortunately, simply because we all love batting so much, sometimes understanding the way to bunt correctly is disregarded. Many times, players (mainly younger ones) think that bunting is for players who aren't very good at hitting. That is just not accurate by any means! Bunting is a hugely important skill in the game of baseball, that can make the difference between your team winning and your team losing. It definitely isn't the most glorious thing to do, but it's necessary that you learn how to bunt and when to bunt.
When you bunt, you're hoping to achieve 1 of 2 things. You either want to advance a baserunner to the next base or you want to get a base hit. Occasionally if you're lucky you're able to do both!
Sacrifice Bunting: The objective of sacrifice bunting is to move a baserunner to the next base. When sacrifice bunting, you want to start in your standard batting stance. Before the ball is released from the pitcher's hand you want to square your whole body so it is facing the pitcher. Squaring early on makes it a lot easier for you to see the incoming pitch. Be sure that your weight is on the balls of your feet and you are in an athletic position with your feet shoulder width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hold the baseball bat out over the plate with one hand one third up the baseball bat from the knob, and the other hand two thirds up the bat from the knob, pinching the barrel of the bat with your right hand.
It is extremely crucial to hold the bat parallel to the ground or the barrel end of the baseball bat higher than the knob end of the baseball bat while sacrifice bunting. You should bend your knees if you are intending to bunt a low strike instead of lowering the barrel of the bat with your hands. If the barrel of the bat is closer to the ground than the knob, it's probable that you will pop up the bunt.
Bunting for a Hit: When bunting for a hit, you should use the same exact technique as sacrifice bunting except for a couple of things. The first is you want to surprise the opposing team and reveal the bunt as late as possible. Wait until the pitcher is at least releasing the ball to show the bunt. The later the better. The second difference is your stance. As an alternative to squaring your body towards the pitcher, you should stay in your batting stance and pivot both your feet so your toes are pointing at the pitcher. This allows you to be ready to bunt quicker so you're more likely to surprise the opposing team. Basically, everything else is the same as the sacrifice bunt.
Are you interested in improving your game and being the best baseball player you can be? If so, check out http://www.BestBaseballWorkouts.com to find more helpful information as well as baseball workouts and hitting drills that will take your game to the next level!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_E_Wilson
Most baseball players enjoy hitting. Baseball players absolutely love being the one up there at the plate smacking line drives along with the occasional long ball. These players enjoy hitting so much that they may do a huge selection of baseball workouts and hitting drills to improve their game. Unfortunately, simply because we all love batting so much, sometimes understanding the way to bunt correctly is disregarded. Many times, players (mainly younger ones) think that bunting is for players who aren't very good at hitting. That is just not accurate by any means! Bunting is a hugely important skill in the game of baseball, that can make the difference between your team winning and your team losing. It definitely isn't the most glorious thing to do, but it's necessary that you learn how to bunt and when to bunt.
When you bunt, you're hoping to achieve 1 of 2 things. You either want to advance a baserunner to the next base or you want to get a base hit. Occasionally if you're lucky you're able to do both!
Sacrifice Bunting: The objective of sacrifice bunting is to move a baserunner to the next base. When sacrifice bunting, you want to start in your standard batting stance. Before the ball is released from the pitcher's hand you want to square your whole body so it is facing the pitcher. Squaring early on makes it a lot easier for you to see the incoming pitch. Be sure that your weight is on the balls of your feet and you are in an athletic position with your feet shoulder width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hold the baseball bat out over the plate with one hand one third up the baseball bat from the knob, and the other hand two thirds up the bat from the knob, pinching the barrel of the bat with your right hand.
It is extremely crucial to hold the bat parallel to the ground or the barrel end of the baseball bat higher than the knob end of the baseball bat while sacrifice bunting. You should bend your knees if you are intending to bunt a low strike instead of lowering the barrel of the bat with your hands. If the barrel of the bat is closer to the ground than the knob, it's probable that you will pop up the bunt.
Bunting for a Hit: When bunting for a hit, you should use the same exact technique as sacrifice bunting except for a couple of things. The first is you want to surprise the opposing team and reveal the bunt as late as possible. Wait until the pitcher is at least releasing the ball to show the bunt. The later the better. The second difference is your stance. As an alternative to squaring your body towards the pitcher, you should stay in your batting stance and pivot both your feet so your toes are pointing at the pitcher. This allows you to be ready to bunt quicker so you're more likely to surprise the opposing team. Basically, everything else is the same as the sacrifice bunt.
Are you interested in improving your game and being the best baseball player you can be? If so, check out http://www.BestBaseballWorkouts.com to find more helpful information as well as baseball workouts and hitting drills that will take your game to the next level!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_E_Wilson
Sunday, February 13, 2011
How To Bunt
By Jim Bain
I won't say a player can make a living or impress the girls without hitting towering home runs, but a good bunter, at the proper time, can be as valuable as gold, and the older you become, the more valuable.
Unfortunately, some coaches don't believe in taking the appropriate amount of time to teach the skills of bunting, and yes, it is a skill. It's understandable up to a point, as there's plenty enough to learn, trying to hit the ball, much alone learn a controlled bunt.
However, the conception bunting is not an important aspect of the game is totally wrong. Not only is bunting an important play at all levels, perhaps more so the older the players become, but it can be a great aid in helping a youngster become a better hitter.
Sometimes it's an easier path to explain and eliminate what not to do before tackling the how to do elements.
When a player squares around to bunt he must be careful to not be standing on home plate, because if he's making contact with the plate when he bunts the ball, he'll be declared out.
When the hitter squares to bunt and slides his hand up the barrel of the bat, he must not wrap his fingers around the bat exposing his fingers to danger, as I shouldn't have to explain the painful consequences of fingers smashed between the ball and the bat.
The hitter should not stab or lunge at the ball with the bat. The ball should hit the bat which is being gently held absorbing the impact resulting in the ball going fair, but a limited distance. Stabbing or lunging at the ball will only result in a missed strike or a ball hit much farther than intended.
Never, unless it's a suicide bunt, try to bunt a high pitch. High pitches are extremely difficult to bunt towards the ground, as the ball has a tendency to pop up into the air which normally results in an easy put out.
The sacrifice bunt is used to give up an out, the hitter, in order to advance a base runner to scoring position, whether it be to second base or third base.
The worse thing a hitter can do when faced with this situation is trying to be cute and disguise his intention to bunt by swinging his bat wildly around, as all this does is throw off the bunter's timing and ruins his mechanics.
As the pitcher comes set in his stretch position the hitter should square his body, directly facing the pitcher. As he does this he should lower his bat from the hitting position, slide his right hand (right handed hitter) up the back of the bat's barrel, stopping @ at the trademark.
The bat should be held and guided with the batter's left hand that's in a slightly choked location. The barrel of the bat should be cradled from behind with the thumb and knuckles of the first two fingers.
The left hand allows the bunter to angle the bat to make the ball go towards the third base side or the first base side. Pull the handle in toward your body, directs the ball down the third base line. Push the handle away from you, the ball will be bunted down the first base line.
The cradle hand helps absorb the impact of the ball striking the bat deadening the bounce off the bat and limiting how far it goes.
This is extremely important. You must have the bat out ahead of the plate in fair territory. Failure to do this will almost always result in bunting a foul ball.
Jim Bain - Former Minor league baseball player, who since retiring has dedicated his life to teaching baseball to youth. Visit his exciting info packed website: http://www.Learn-Youth-Baseball-Coaching.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Bain
I won't say a player can make a living or impress the girls without hitting towering home runs, but a good bunter, at the proper time, can be as valuable as gold, and the older you become, the more valuable.
Unfortunately, some coaches don't believe in taking the appropriate amount of time to teach the skills of bunting, and yes, it is a skill. It's understandable up to a point, as there's plenty enough to learn, trying to hit the ball, much alone learn a controlled bunt.
However, the conception bunting is not an important aspect of the game is totally wrong. Not only is bunting an important play at all levels, perhaps more so the older the players become, but it can be a great aid in helping a youngster become a better hitter.
Sometimes it's an easier path to explain and eliminate what not to do before tackling the how to do elements.
When a player squares around to bunt he must be careful to not be standing on home plate, because if he's making contact with the plate when he bunts the ball, he'll be declared out.
When the hitter squares to bunt and slides his hand up the barrel of the bat, he must not wrap his fingers around the bat exposing his fingers to danger, as I shouldn't have to explain the painful consequences of fingers smashed between the ball and the bat.
The hitter should not stab or lunge at the ball with the bat. The ball should hit the bat which is being gently held absorbing the impact resulting in the ball going fair, but a limited distance. Stabbing or lunging at the ball will only result in a missed strike or a ball hit much farther than intended.
Never, unless it's a suicide bunt, try to bunt a high pitch. High pitches are extremely difficult to bunt towards the ground, as the ball has a tendency to pop up into the air which normally results in an easy put out.
The sacrifice bunt is used to give up an out, the hitter, in order to advance a base runner to scoring position, whether it be to second base or third base.
The worse thing a hitter can do when faced with this situation is trying to be cute and disguise his intention to bunt by swinging his bat wildly around, as all this does is throw off the bunter's timing and ruins his mechanics.
As the pitcher comes set in his stretch position the hitter should square his body, directly facing the pitcher. As he does this he should lower his bat from the hitting position, slide his right hand (right handed hitter) up the back of the bat's barrel, stopping @ at the trademark.
The bat should be held and guided with the batter's left hand that's in a slightly choked location. The barrel of the bat should be cradled from behind with the thumb and knuckles of the first two fingers.
The left hand allows the bunter to angle the bat to make the ball go towards the third base side or the first base side. Pull the handle in toward your body, directs the ball down the third base line. Push the handle away from you, the ball will be bunted down the first base line.
The cradle hand helps absorb the impact of the ball striking the bat deadening the bounce off the bat and limiting how far it goes.
This is extremely important. You must have the bat out ahead of the plate in fair territory. Failure to do this will almost always result in bunting a foul ball.
Jim Bain - Former Minor league baseball player, who since retiring has dedicated his life to teaching baseball to youth. Visit his exciting info packed website: http://www.Learn-Youth-Baseball-Coaching.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Bain
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Top 5 Tips for Bunting a Baseball
By Dustin Peek
Bunting is an absolutely critical part of the game of baseball. It can be used in a number of different situations such as moving runners by sacrificing the hitter, bunting for a hit, or using squeeze plays to score a run. Proper technique is necessary for bunting in baseball, and every player should learn this skill at a young age. The below tips are the top five things that every player should know about bunting.
1. Know the Situation
Every situation calls for a different bunting approach, so you need to make note of the defense and what you are trying to accomplish. When evaluating the defense, you want to make note of the first and third basemen positions, the quickness and arm strength of the catcher, pitcher, and third and first basemen, and whether the pitcher is left or right handed. You also want to consider the goal of the current situation. For a bunt-for-a-hit, you want to delay showing bunt as long a possible to catch the defense off guard. For a suicide squeeze, you want to make sure that you absolutely make contact with the ball at all costs. Every situation has a slightly different approach.
2. Hold the Bat Correctly
The bat should be held with the lower hand at the bottom of the bat near the knob. You should slide the top hand just over half way down the bat and grip it between your thumb and curled index finger. The fingers of the top hand should always be behind the bat to prevent them from being hit by the ball. The bat should be kept as level as possible as a tilted bat can often result in a pop-up.
3. Use Your Legs
After you have squared around to bunt, you want to use your legs to move your body and the bat vertically up or down to make contact with the ball. If you use your arms instead, the tendency is to tilt the barrel of the bat up or down which can easily result in a pop up.
4. Only Bunt Strikes
For many players, bunting is something that is rarely attempted during games. When players finally do get the bunt sign, they often get so involved in the process of bunting that they can forget that they still have the option to pull the bat back if the pitch is not a strike. This can result in poorly bunted balls or complete misses. With regard to evaluating balls and strikes, bunting should be no different than other at-bats, and hitters should keep this in mind.
5. Use Your Hands as a Cushion
When contact is made with the ball, you want the ball to roll slowly down one of the baselines. If the ball is bunted with too much force, it can give the defense a chance to make a play. To prevent bunting a ball with too much force, you want to "give" a little with your hands upon contact. Some people call this "catching the ball with the bat." It can take some of the speed off the ball and prevent the defense from making a play.
Use these tips in any bunting situation to increase your chances of success. If they are understood and practiced, it can drastically improve your game.
Dustin Peek is a former player with a life-long love for the game of baseball. He enjoys helping players of all ages learn the skills necessary to be succesful on the diamond. Do you want to learn more about bunting in baseball? Find this and much, much more at: http://www.baseballskillscenter.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dustin_Peek
Bunting is an absolutely critical part of the game of baseball. It can be used in a number of different situations such as moving runners by sacrificing the hitter, bunting for a hit, or using squeeze plays to score a run. Proper technique is necessary for bunting in baseball, and every player should learn this skill at a young age. The below tips are the top five things that every player should know about bunting.
1. Know the Situation
Every situation calls for a different bunting approach, so you need to make note of the defense and what you are trying to accomplish. When evaluating the defense, you want to make note of the first and third basemen positions, the quickness and arm strength of the catcher, pitcher, and third and first basemen, and whether the pitcher is left or right handed. You also want to consider the goal of the current situation. For a bunt-for-a-hit, you want to delay showing bunt as long a possible to catch the defense off guard. For a suicide squeeze, you want to make sure that you absolutely make contact with the ball at all costs. Every situation has a slightly different approach.
2. Hold the Bat Correctly
The bat should be held with the lower hand at the bottom of the bat near the knob. You should slide the top hand just over half way down the bat and grip it between your thumb and curled index finger. The fingers of the top hand should always be behind the bat to prevent them from being hit by the ball. The bat should be kept as level as possible as a tilted bat can often result in a pop-up.
3. Use Your Legs
After you have squared around to bunt, you want to use your legs to move your body and the bat vertically up or down to make contact with the ball. If you use your arms instead, the tendency is to tilt the barrel of the bat up or down which can easily result in a pop up.
4. Only Bunt Strikes
For many players, bunting is something that is rarely attempted during games. When players finally do get the bunt sign, they often get so involved in the process of bunting that they can forget that they still have the option to pull the bat back if the pitch is not a strike. This can result in poorly bunted balls or complete misses. With regard to evaluating balls and strikes, bunting should be no different than other at-bats, and hitters should keep this in mind.
5. Use Your Hands as a Cushion
When contact is made with the ball, you want the ball to roll slowly down one of the baselines. If the ball is bunted with too much force, it can give the defense a chance to make a play. To prevent bunting a ball with too much force, you want to "give" a little with your hands upon contact. Some people call this "catching the ball with the bat." It can take some of the speed off the ball and prevent the defense from making a play.
Use these tips in any bunting situation to increase your chances of success. If they are understood and practiced, it can drastically improve your game.
Dustin Peek is a former player with a life-long love for the game of baseball. He enjoys helping players of all ages learn the skills necessary to be succesful on the diamond. Do you want to learn more about bunting in baseball? Find this and much, much more at: http://www.baseballskillscenter.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dustin_Peek
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Bunting Tips
By Eugene Rischall
Bunting is a very effective weapon in close games. This article will explain different bunts and how to use them.
A sacrifice bunt is when a batter is willing to go out in order to advance a base runner. When trying to advance a runner from 1st to 2nd try to bunt to the 1st base side. When sacrificing a runner from 2nd to 3rd try to bunt to the 3rd base side. Make every effort not to show the bunt early. The fake bunt-slash objective is to show the bunt early enough to draw the corner infielders in. Basic rules for the fake bunt-slash are the hitter fakes a commitment to the bunt just before the pitchers movement from the stretch. Heel-toe pivot is the method of squaring around. Top hand slides upward on the bat. Just before pitchers release bring the bat to the top of the strike zone. The hitter tries to hit the ball on the ground through a hole he has created. A push bunt is used to reach base safely or move a runner. right handed hitters should push bunt to the second baseman, left handed hitters to the shortstop. The drag bunt is used for getting base hits. Three rules for drag bunts are, bunt only at strikes, proper ball placement, and do not give up. A suicide bunt is all or nothing. Runner on 3rd breaks for home and the batter must make contact or the runner is going to be out.
I hope this article gives you an idea of different bunts and how to use them.
Author-Eugene Rischall, Owner, Baseball Training Emporium http://www.baseballtrainingemporium.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eugene_Rischall
Bunting is a very effective weapon in close games. This article will explain different bunts and how to use them.
A sacrifice bunt is when a batter is willing to go out in order to advance a base runner. When trying to advance a runner from 1st to 2nd try to bunt to the 1st base side. When sacrificing a runner from 2nd to 3rd try to bunt to the 3rd base side. Make every effort not to show the bunt early. The fake bunt-slash objective is to show the bunt early enough to draw the corner infielders in. Basic rules for the fake bunt-slash are the hitter fakes a commitment to the bunt just before the pitchers movement from the stretch. Heel-toe pivot is the method of squaring around. Top hand slides upward on the bat. Just before pitchers release bring the bat to the top of the strike zone. The hitter tries to hit the ball on the ground through a hole he has created. A push bunt is used to reach base safely or move a runner. right handed hitters should push bunt to the second baseman, left handed hitters to the shortstop. The drag bunt is used for getting base hits. Three rules for drag bunts are, bunt only at strikes, proper ball placement, and do not give up. A suicide bunt is all or nothing. Runner on 3rd breaks for home and the batter must make contact or the runner is going to be out.
I hope this article gives you an idea of different bunts and how to use them.
Author-Eugene Rischall, Owner, Baseball Training Emporium http://www.baseballtrainingemporium.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eugene_Rischall
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
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