Sacrifice bunt- where do you bunt the ball and why?

When a batter squares around he has a choice to make. Where do I bunt the ball?

Traditionally, you either bunt the ball down the first base line or the third base line. However, there are instances where bunting the ball back up the middle is actually a preferred spot. Let's investigate.

Here's how it usually works. Man on 2nd- bunt the ball at the 3B. He's got to stay back to guard against a steal. Man on 1st- bunt the ball at the 1B. He's got to hold the runner on. What would make a batter deviate from the normal plan of action?

1) If the danger spot isn't aggressively pursuing the bunted ball. If the 1B or the 3B, depending who can leave, isn't cheating in and trying to take the bunt away then you can bunt the ball anywhere.

2) If you get two strikes on you, you better just get the ball down somewhere rather than trying to be too cute.

3) This is a pretty advanced idea but sometimes the preferred spot is actually right back up the middle. When a play is on that requires the 3B or the 1B to hold their ground, the pitcher is responsible for hustling over to cover that side of the field. If the batter can anticipate when this play is on, the ideal spot would be the vacated middle.

The sacrifice bunt is such a common play with so many angles to defend. Some defensive teams allow you to bunt the ball anywhere simply satisfied that you're giving them an out. Others play the sacrifice aggressively trying to prevent you from advancing runners. The direction the ball is bunted is really predicated upon how the defense is attacking the play.

However, it's extremely important to understand where you expect to bunt the ball.