When and where to bunt for a hit?

Bunting for a base hit is something that can be done if the batter knows the best times to do it and where the ball should be bunted. Here are some great times to think about bunting for a base hit.

1) Man on 2nd, 0 outs.
2) If you have trouble with the pitcher.
3) Following a home run.
4) Infield depth is simply too deep.

Now, for the manner in which you bunt the ball. Whether you are a righty hitter or a lefty you want to try and not tip your hand. You want to try and show bunt very late in the process. If you are choosing to bunt to the 3B side, make sure the bunt is perfect or foul. This phrase obviously depends on the depth of the 3B. However, if the 3B isn't in a best range deep position, you don't want to make yourself an easy out by not placing it in a great spot. "Perfect or foul" communicates the idea that if you miss the bunt at least it rolls foul and you get another shot at the pitcher. Thinking "perfect or foul" is often a good idea against a right handed pitcher as his momentum usually pulls him off to the 1B side of the mound.

If you are thinking about bunting the ball to the 1B side you must puch or drag the ball past the pitcher and beat the pitcher to the bag. The play is predicated on making the 2B or 1B range far to field the ball and then racing the pitcher to the bag. This bunt can be very succcessful against a 2B who is simply too deep in the infield. As is the opposite with a righthanded pitcher, a lefty falls to the 3B side. This bunt is usually successful against lefthanded pitchers. The most common fault with this bunt is that it is not bunted hard enough.

Bunting for a base hit is an art form that can be crafted through hard work but also an understanding of when and where to bunt for a hit.