Bunting Wins Games in Softball
Bunting is a huge piece to a team’s offensive success in softball. As important as bunting is, it is one of the most overlooked elements of the game. There are many different types of bunts that are taught in softball. There is the most commonly used sacrifice bunt, push bunt, suicide bunt, and fake bunt. Each type of bunt serves a unique purpose to the offensive success of a team. It’s important that players, coaches, and spectators learn and understand the different types of bunts and the situations in which they should be executed.
Sacrifice Bunt: The purpose of most sacrifice bunts is to move a base runner. It is called a sacrifice bunt because the hitter is sacrificing their own at-bat to advance the base runner to their next base. The expectation of the hitter is to square around early, letting the defense know they are bunting, and doing everything in their power to get it down. Sometimes it’s harder to lay down a sacrifice bunt because when pitchers know the batter it bunting, they will put more movement on their pitch, making it harder for the batter to lay down the bunt. Sacrifice bunts do not count towards a hitters batting average in the books.
Push Bunt: A push bunt is similar to the sacrifice bunt. The hitter will square around early, drawing the defensive players in, typically when there is a runner on base. This time, instead of simply trying to lay the bunt down, the hitter will attempt to push the bunt past the fielders who are closing in on them. Often times push bunts are an attempt to bunt for a base hit. Push bunts can also be risky especially if a pitcher delivers a pitch up in the zone. It may be challenging for the bunter to get their bat head on top of the ball, resulting in a line drive or even a pop-up. Push bunt at your own risk.
Suicide Bunt: This bunt is meant to be sneaky and occurs most frequently when there is a runner on third base. Unlike the first two bunts, the hitter will square around to bunt at the last possible second in the pitcher’s motion. When a suicide bunt is called by the third base coach, the role of the hitter is to make contact with the ball no matter where the pitch is delivered. This is because the runner at third base will be breaking for home. If the batter fails to make contact or lay the bunt down, the runner may be left out to dry and this count result in an easy out for the catcher and third baseman to make.
Fake Bunt: The fake bunt is typically used in a steal situation. A coach may call for a fake bunt if he or she is trying to steal a base runner. The batter will move up in the box to make the fielders think she may be bunting. When the pitcher begins her pitch, the batter will square around as if she is going to bunt the ball. This will cause the defensive players to shift and at times, a miscommunication may occur and the base the player is attempting to steal will be left open. If the batter pulls her bat away at the right time, she may distract the catcher, who will be unable to catch the pitch coming in or won’t be able to come up with the throw.
Bunting is a huge piece to the offensive success of softball teams. Executing a bunt may not be as easy as it looks. Bunting should be practiced as much as hitting, if coaches expect players to be able to lay down a bunt every time they are asked. Sometimes the simplest tasks in softball are often times the ones that need the most practice. Find a way to incorporate offensive and defensive bunt coverage into practice. This will keep both sides of the game prepared when a bunt occurs. The teams who have the ability to execute bunts on offense are the ones who will move runners into scoring position and as a result, put more runs across the plate on game day.
