How to Become a Better Bunter in Baseball
Bunting is one of the most underrated yet valuable skills in baseball. While power and hitting for average get most of the attention, a well-executed bunt can change the course of a game—advancing runners, breaking up a shift, or catching the defense off guard. Mastering bunting requires focus, repetition, and an understanding of both mechanics and game situations. Here’s how to take your bunting game to the next level.
1. Get Into the Right Stance
A proper stance sets the foundation for a successful bunt.
Start with your usual batting stance, but move slightly closer to the front of the batter’s box.
Pivot your feet rather than squaring all the way around—this allows you to pull back if needed and keeps you athletic.
Keep your knees bent and weight balanced, ready to react.
2. Grip the Bat Correctly
The way you hold the bat can make or break your bunt.
Slide your top hand up the barrel (but behind the trademark to avoid injury) while keeping your bottom hand near the knob.
Pinch the bat lightly with your fingers, not your palm—this gives you better control and reduces the sting.
Angle the bat slightly upward to create a “deadening” effect on contact.
3. Watch the Ball All the Way In
Unlike swinging, where timing and power matter most, bunting is all about precision.
Track the pitch closely out of the pitcher’s hand.
Focus on meeting the ball out in front of the plate rather than letting it get too deep.
Let the ball hit the bat, not the other way around. Think of it as “catching” the ball with the bat.
4. Use Your Legs, Not Your Arms
The best bunters control the bat with their body, not their hands.
Bend at the knees to adjust to the pitch’s height rather than moving your arms up and down. This keeps the bat steady and increases accuracy.
Always try to angle the ball toward the ground—pop-ups are rally killers.
5. Place the Bunt With Purpose
Not all bunts are the same. Learn the difference:
Sacrifice bunt: Deadening the ball down the first- or third-base line to move runners over.
Drag bunt: A surprise bunt where you’re trying to bunt for a hit, often down the line or past the pitcher.
Safety squeeze / suicide squeeze: Runners scoring from third, requiring precise timing and placement.
Work on directing bunts to both sides of the field so you can adjust based on the defense.
6. Practice Under Pressure
It’s one thing to bunt in practice, another to do it in the bottom of the ninth.
Simulate game situations during practice—runner on first, runner on third, two strikes.
Ask pitchers or coaches to vary speeds and locations so you’re forced to react.
Repetition under different scenarios builds confidence for game time.
7. Understand Game Strategy
A bunt isn’t just a skill—it’s a tactical weapon.
Know when your coach is likely to call for one.
Recognize defensive positioning—if the third baseman is playing deep, a drag bunt can be a hit.
Be ready to adjust mid-game; sometimes the bunt sign is off, but a good hitter knows when to use it as a surprise tool.
Final Thoughts
Bunting may not make the highlight reel, but it’s a skill that wins games. By refining your stance, grip, and placement, while practicing with intent, you’ll become the kind of player who can spark rallies, frustrate defenses, and give your team a crucial edge.
Remember: home runs bring excitement, but bunts can bring championships. Let’s talk baseball! Contact me today to set up a session! ~Lucas