How to Drag Bunt
The bunt is a good tool for sacrificing an out in order to advance a runner. This might be the most common application of the bunt, but if properly executed, a batter can also bunt for a hit, or "drag bunt." Speed will help a drag bunter succeed, but it is not the most important aspect. More important is the element of surprise and the location the ball is bunted.
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Instructions
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Access the situation on the field to see if a drag bunt is appropriate. Look at how deep the third baseman is playing. If he is playing deep, your chances of a successful drag bunt go up dramatically. Also, watch the third baseman during practice and during the game to see the quality of his fielding and throwing abilities. To get a good drag bunter out, a third baseman needs good fielding ability and a strong arm.
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2
Move up toward the front of the batter's box when you get up to the plate. This will increase your chance of bunting the ball into fair territory. However, try not to be obvious about what you are up to. Move up in the batter's box subtly.
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Assume your normal batting stance as if you were not trying to bunt until the pitch is thrown.
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Drop your back foot backward and take a step forward with your front foot after the ball has been pitched if you are right handed. If you are left handed, take a step toward the plate with your front foot, but leave your back foot planted. This will put you in position to begin running once the ball hits your bat.
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Slide your top hand to the middle of the bat, angle the bat toward third base and let the ball hit the bat. Your goal is to hit the ball softly down the third base line so that only the third baseman can field the ball. It is not bad to bunt the ball foul because that will only cost you a strike, but if you bunt the ball too far away from the line in fair territory, the pitcher may field the ball and throw you out.
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Tips & Warnings
A left-handed batter may find it easier to bunt the ball toward the first baseman. This can work, however, because the first baseman's throw will be much shorter, the chance of success is less.
Do not start running until after you have hit the ball.
