How to Field a Sacrifice Bunt

In certain situations, many baseball teams will choose to sacrifice an out to get a runner one base closer to home. If you're on defense and that offense is going to sacrifice bunt, your number one objective is to get an out. Many teams fail to get outs in sacrifice bunt situations by making risky plays. But if everyone knows their role in the sacrifice bunt situation, you can get through the play with minimal damage.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Runner on First Base

1. Be the leader on the field if you are the catcher. If the ball is not yours to field, you should watch the runners and call which base the fielder should throw to. If you're ever in doubt, tell your fielder to throw to first base, as it is the sure out.

2. Break toward home plate as the pitcher throws the pitch if you are the third baseman. If the ball isn't yours to field, go back to cover third base.

3. Hold the runner on first if you are the first baseman. Then, break for home as soon as the pitcher throws the pitch.

4. Cover third base if you're the pitcher and the third baseman is fielding the ball. The second baseman should cover first base and the shortstop should cover second base.

5. Back up the bases if you're in the outfield. The right fielder should back up first base and the center fielder should back up second base. If you're the left fielder, break toward second base if the ball is bunted to the first base side, as you'll need to back it up in case of a bad throw. Once you know the ball is going to first, however, back up third base.

Runner on Second Base

6. Survey the situation if you are the catcher. Make the play if you can get to the ball, but if not, you need to tell the fielder where to throw the ball. Look to third base first, but if you're in doubt about the ability to get an out there, tell the fielder to throw to first base.

7. Charge toward home plate as the pitchers is going into his windup if you're the third basemen. Back up toward third base as the pitcher releases the ball, as you'll want to be there to cover third base if there is a play at third. Field the ball if it's hit to you.

8. Make the play on the third base side if you are the pitcher. The third baseman will be heading back to third to receive the throw if you can make it.

9. Field the ball on the first base side if you are the first baseman. The second baseman should cover first base, while the shortstop covers second base.

10. Back up the bases if you are in the outfield, as you'll need to be there to field the ball if it's overthrown. Back up third base if you're the left fielder, second base if you're the center fielder, and first base if you're the right fielder.

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