Bunting the Ball: Baseball and Softball’s Best Strategy

Bunting should never go out of fashion. Bunts are effective plays that are often difficult to defend, and they can catch a defense sleeping. In both baseball and softball, a good bunt can be a major difference-maker in a close game. Sacrifice bunts, squeeze bunts, and bunting for a hit can change the face of the game. As a coach, I’ve been on both sides of it.

But, as a coach, I’ve also seen when a player simply can’t get the bunt down. It’s like giving up an at-bat with no benefit. Players need to get good at bunting the ball, so I put together this breakdown to hopefully help. I’ll explain the types of bunts, proper mechanics, and when to use each play to advance runners and create pressure on the defense.

What Is Bunting?

Bunting is when a batter intentionally taps the ball with the bat, rather than taking a full swing, to gently put the ball into play. It’s often used to move a base runner into scoring position, to catch the infield sleeping, or as part of a sacrifice play. It’s designed to be a more surefire way of putting the ball into play than simply swinging. 

There are two main types:

• Sacrifice bunting: Giving yourself up to move a runner
• Bunting for a hit: Using speed and surprise to reach first base

Bunting is incredibly valuable in both baseball and softball, but if you’re quick, it can be absolutely devastating in softball, thanks to the smaller field dimensions.

The Mechanics of a Good Bunt

You can’t just stick the bat out. Executing a bunt requires more finesse than you might think. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start in your normal batting stance, but move up and in inside the batter’s box. Literally the front corner. This is very important. 
2. As the pitcher starts their delivery, pivot your feet and point your knees toward the pitcher, essentially squaring your shoulders to fair territory.
3. Slide your top hand  (the right hand for righties, the left for lefties) up the barrel—not gripping. Pinch the bat between your thumb and side of your forefinger. I teach it like pinching the bat with a “thumbs up.”
4. Present the bat forward, more or less parallel to the front of the plate. The bat should be in front of the plate. 
5. Keep the bat at the top of the strike zone with the barrel slightly higher than the handle. Don’t change the angle of the barrel regardless of pitch location.
6. Bend your knees for lower pitches.
7. “Catch” the pitched ball softly with the bat, letting it drop to the ground with minimal force.

You want the bunted ball to travel a short distance, ideally down the third or first base lines.

Sacrifice Bunts: The Team-First Approach

A sacrifice bunt is exactly what it sounds like—you give up your chance at a base hit to move a runner forward. It’s most often used with zero or one out and a runner on first base, second base, or both.

The batter bunts the ball toward third base or first base, allowing the runner to advance while the defense makes the play at first base.

In this case, outs are a strategic tool. While you don’t get credit for a base hit, you’ve advanced the runner, setting up a scoring opportunity—especially valuable in tight games.

Bunting for a Hit: Speed + Surprise

If you’ve got wheels, bunting for a hit is your secret weapon. This isn’t about giving yourself up—this is small ball at its finest.

Key techniques:

• Use a drag bunt (especially if you’re a lefty), dragging the bat through the zone as you begin running. This is especially the case in softball, as the defense will struggle with bunt coverage.
• Aim for third base if the third baseman is playing deep—or first base if the first baseman isn’t charging.
• The ideal ball hit will roll slow and stay fair.

Timing is everything. Square around late, push the ball just past the pitcher, and use your speed to beat the throw.

Squeeze Bunts: Risky but Rewarding

The squeeze bunt is used when there’s a runner on third base. The batter bunts the ball, allowing the runner to sprint home as the ball is put in play.

There are two types:

• Safety squeeze: The runner waits until the ball is down before breaking for home plate.
• Suicide squeeze: The runner breaks as the pitch is thrown—regardless of whether the batter makes contact.

The suicide squeeze is thrilling and dangerous. If the batter misses or the ball is a foul ball, the runner is usually out. But when executed correctly, it’s nearly impossible to defend.

Defensive Responsibilities on a Bunt

When a bunt is in play, every position needs to react fast.

• The pitcher must field anything up the middle.
• The third baseman and first baseman often charge toward the plate.
• The second baseman covers first base, while the shortstop rotates to third base if there’s a base runner.
• The catcher must be alert, ready to field the ball, block home plate, or make snap decisions.

Bunting Strategy with Two Strikes

With two strikes, bunting gets risky. A foul ball results in a third strike and you’re out. That’s why coaches typically pull the bunt sign with two strikes, unless it’s a squeeze play or you’re confident in your bunting skills.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the art of bunting the ball makes you a better hitter, a smarter teammate, and a more complete offensive weapon. From laying down a textbook sacrifice bunt to shocking the third baseman with a perfect drag bunt, this skill forces the defense to stay alert and opens the door for aggressive base running and scoring opportunities.

In a game where every inch matters, bunting isn’t just an afterthought—it’s a game-changer.

Want to become a better bunter? Practice angles, bat control, and reading the defense. The more you work on bunting the ball, the more tools you’ll have to help your team win.