~ Bunting / Sacrifice ~

The ability for all players to be proficient "small ball" contributors, is essential to consistent offensive success. All team members should know how to "lay one down", and in certain situations even the team power hitters may need to do so .

To be successful, a player needs to see bunting, sacrifice, as a weapon, no matter which type is called for. Knowledge of the situation and what is required of the upcoming bunt will allow the hitter to place the ball in the best location, for the maximum effect.

When hitters view each situation with a goal to locate the ball in the best possible place, base hits will occur, taking away the stigma of the term "sacrifice". There is certainly nothing wrong with consciously directing the baseball in a spot which creates the most difficulty for the defense. Just laying one down, for the sake of doing so, is quite often unproductive.

If a player has the ability to put the ball on the ground, straight back to the pitcher, then that same ability allows him to push the ball past the pitcher, towards the second baseman, or anywhere else he desires. It is a state of mind, not a physical strength or shortcoming.

Advancing A Runner ~ Tips From the Dugout

With a runner, or runners on base, the batter shows bunt.

That initial movement creates a great deal of motion on the part of the defense, as well as a need to field the bunt cleanly, make a good throw to whichever base is called, and someone must catch that throw.

Should any of the backup players not hustle to their assignments and the throw is errant, that simple bunt becomes the proverbial merry-go-round for the base runners.

Every defensive player has an assignment he must move to. Quite often, those furthest from the immediate action tend to not become engaged to the degree they need to, and offensive opportunities increase.

~ Tips For Success ~

Move up a little in the box, it will provide you with a better chance the ball will go in fair territory.

From your base batting stance, pivot on both feet so that you get a heel/toe alignment with your feet.

Extend hands and arms in front of home plate to assure ball goes fair. Slide your top hand up to just below the trademark, gripping the bat between your thumb and index finger. Bat should be level, or with the barrel slightly higher than the knob(never lower than the knob).

Keep your knees bent and the bat held at the top of the strike zone. Look over the top of the bat to track the ball. Pitches thrown above your bat are balls, pull the bat back and take those pitches. For pitches below your bat, your knees take your bat to the ball. If you lower the bat with your arms you will lose track of the ball. Using your knees allows you to continue looking over the top of the bat to track the ball.

Direct the bat with your bottom hand. Push out or pull back with your bottom hand to put the ball up the first base or third base side.

Success is all about placement. A baseball bunted directly back at the pitcher will most always be ineffective. Direct the ball up the lines, in the spot which makes the pitcher and the infielder move the greatest distance. You are on your way to success.

As you develop your baseball instruction, consider the "short game" as an offensive weapon and an important component to a productive offense. You will love the versitility it provides to your team.

Additional Short Game Topics

bunting

Because you want to, not because you have to.

base hit

One additional hit, in every 10 at bats, the difference between a .200 or .300 avg.

fake bunt and steal

A great wrinkle to enhance the straight steal, providing your base runner with a little protection.

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