How to Slap Bunt

In Fastpitch Softball, slapping has become more and more dominant. Speed is key and puts a lot of pressure on the defense. A fast slapper has a lot of options when up to bat. After reading the defense she can lay down a sneaky bunt, slap, or hit away. This article will teach a slapper how to lay down a perfect "sneaky bunt."

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bat
• Helmet
• Batting Cage
• Pitching Machine
• Someone to Feed Balls Into Machine (perhaps your dad or another slapper)

1. Bat like left-hander.
   All slappers bat from the first-base side of the plate as if they are left-handed. A lot of slappers are right-handed, but because of their speed have learned to bat from the right side (as seen from catching position looking out at the field) of the plate. This puts them closer to first base.

2. Read the defense.
   Aside from advancing base runners there are several instances when a fast slapper would want to bunt the ball. If the 3rd or 1st baseman is playing back, or if you've noticed that one is particularly slow getting to the ball, you would want to bunt the ball to the weaker corner. If the pitcher is not good at fielding or throwing to first base, you might want to try to put a bunt down in front of her. You can also try to push a hard bunt to the 2nd base position. Since 2nd base has to cover 1st when corners rush for the bunt no one will be there to field the ball! This last option takes a lot of practice and bat control to consistently get it right.

3. Start in slapping position.
   Have left foot in line with the back edge of the batter's box--though be sure your foot remains inside the box! Start with bat head raised high above your left shoulder so that (whatever you decide to do: slap-hit, bunt or hit away) you will always come down on the top half of the ball. This way the ball will either be hit on the ground or be a line drive, and it will reduce your chances of hitting the bottom half of the ball which leads to a pop-up.

4. Footwork.
   Remember to start in back of box! When pitcher's arm is about to raise into windmill position, first bring front right foot backwards about 1 ft and immediately following bring back left foot in front of right foot so that left leg crosses in front of right leg. Throughout this movement remain tall and with both shoulders parallel to right edge of the plate. Slappers have a tendency to open shoulders to pitcher when they start to move but this causes them to take their eyes off the ball and to pop up the bunt. They also are less able to lay down the outside pitch.

5. Read the pitch.
   Once feet are in proper position, the pitcher should have released the ball from her hip. If you are looking to bunt to a particular side of the field, look for a particular pitch. (If you want to bunt to 3rd base, look for an outside pitch; 1st base--inside pitch.) It is possible to bunt an inside pitch to 3rd, and an outside to 1st but it is MUCH more difficult and risky and will take a lot of practice.

6. Hand-Eye coordination.
   Slide left hand up to middle of bat (where handle grip ends and barrel begins). Slide right hand next to left hand and grip strong so that both hands can control and direct the barrel position. Bring bat head down from starting position over plate so that the barrel crosses the entire plate. Keep eyes on ball and watch contact. Make sure to hold the bat head up at an angle at the top of the strike zone to avoid popping up the bunt. When making contact with pitch, absorb ball with bat so that it is a softer bunt (if not trying to push bunt). You don't want it to reach the fielder, you want the fielder to work to reach it!

7. Run to 1st.
   After making contact next step should be with your right leg. Now you're moving in the right direction with extra momentum and can quickly accelerate to 1st. Sprint fast!

Tips & Warnings

• This whole process happens in about 2 seconds so once you are familiar with all of the steps, the footwork and hand-eye coordination steps can overlap a little. Start with the feet though!
• You always want the barrel face pointing to where you are trying to get the bunt to go.
• Remember to always bring the barrel of the bat down on top of the ball to avoid it popping up!
• Make sure your hands aren't too close to the barrel contact spot so they won't be hit by the pitch.

[grouch]

on 1/21/2008 Thanks for the information. My son loves this move and a poker face is a must.