Advance a runner, score a run, or catch the defense napping

by Richard Todd, Head Coach, WebBall Baseball, as published on WePlay.com

Although some youth coaches hate bunting, a good bunt can be a great hitter's skill.

But you've got to know what you're doing, and build up your confidence. That takes practice.

Review the steps and try stop-action (Tai Chi) and slow-motion techniques - for the learning process only.

Start in normal batting stance.

• Balanced on inside balls of feet.
  
• Bat up.
  
• Hands shoulder height, arms relaxed.
  
• Same position to plate.(Don't crowd in; don't move up - you'll give it away.)
  

Rotate

• Turn back foot in, bring back knee forward.
  
• This opens hips, brings belly button to pitcher.
  
• Open front shoulder early.
  

Hands Moving

• Bottom hand pulls bat forward.
  
• Hold top hand back so it slides up the barrel as you rotate.
  
• Angle of the bat should remain upwards.
  
• Keep the bat head above the pitch.
  

Body Down

• Crouch down, on a soft front knee.(Do not kneel down, just be low and flexible)
  
• Get your eyes level and even with the bat head.

Catch the Pitch

• Extend your top hand forward.
  
• Keep your fingertips behind the barrel.
  
• Catch the pitch with the barrel of the bat - cushion the contact to deaden the ball.
  

Take Control

• Control direction of the bunt with the bottom hand (on the knob of the bat.
  
• Bring bottom hand toward body to go to third.
  
• Away from body to go towards first.

Bust out of the box hard

• Even on a sacrifice, run hard.
  
• The more pressure you put on them, the more likely they'll rush the play and make an error.
  

More advance instruction by Richard Todd and other instructors is available at WebBall.com.