A bunt is a move that batters use in order to let the base runners advance one base. In order play a bunt, the batter has to hit the ball in such a way that it would enter the fair territory but would land away from the fielders. Bunting first requires adopting a good bunting stance. The batter has to hold the bat with the left hand tilting sideways and hold the middle of the bat with the right hand. By holding the bat this way, the batter is able to control his strength when hitting the ball. There are many bunting stances and bunting types that can be used by baseball players. However, we will be concentrating on how to defend a bunt as this is very crucial in a game.
Bunts are used a lot because they can open up an opportunity to gain a base easily which could result in a short game and a very easy win. It is because of this that teams have to learn how to defend bunts just in case the opposing teams would use the move against them. So as a coach, how can you prepare your team to defend against a bunt?
First of all, you have to make sure that the team members know where to position themselves and what to do when preparing for a bunt. It is important that all of them would practice certain bunt defense drills so that they will automatically know what to do when the actual event happens. For this drill, you have to get all the necessary equipment ready for your team. You will need of course the bases, good baseballs, a sturdy helmet, and the best softball bats you can find. The reason as to why you will be needing good and sturdy equipment for this drill is because your team will need to repeat it many times in order for them to perfect it. Since you will be making your team do a lot of these drills, then you will need durable equipment that can withstand heavy usage. So remember, you need to have the best balls, the best helmet, and the best softball bats that money can buy.
In order to do this drill, everyone has to first get into position. The pitchers, the infielders, and the catchers have to be on their defensive state during this time. The secondary defenders are not in the field but they also have to be ready in case they are called to play. After every three plays, the catchers and the pitchers will switch so that each of them are given a chance to participate. The outfielders are divided equally among all the bases.
Via bleacherreport.com
After everyone is positioned on the field, you have to call out all situations and the respective players have to move based on the your calls. Once you call out all the situations already, then the play is finished. From there, you just have to keep on repeating the drill until the timing of your players are like clockwork.
Aside from practicing what to do when a bunt happens, there are other things that you and your team have to think about as well. First, you should know or at least have an idea as to how fast the base runners are. In the event of a bunt, it is best if the primary defenders know how fast the runners are so they can prepare for their play. Second, you should also know how fast the batter is as well. This will give the players positioned at the corner a heads up on how they should act when the batter bunts.
Bunting is one of the most widely used techniques by softball teams everywhere. It is usually used by a team that wants to win right away. Since it is being used excessively, then other teams, at the very least, have to know how to defend themselves against it. They can do this by simulating the actual event and study how their opponents move. If they do this, then they can definitely defend a bunt successfully.