Purpose:
Players practice getting in a good bunting stance.
Setup:
Players line up horizontally with the coach standing in front of them. Each player should have a bat.
Instructions:
- Coach says, “stance,” and players get into their batting stance.
- Coach says, “bunt,” and players get into their bunting stance.
- The coach will critique each stance and help each player improve their stances as necessary.
Coaching Tips:
- Batters should be balanced, with their weight centered and knees bent.
- Batter should pinch the bat with the top hand, and place the bottom hand up on the bat handle.
Tips for Younger Athletes:
- Emphasize keeping their eyes on the ball and tracking its path, which helps with timing and hand-eye coordination.
- Instruct them to angle the bat correctly, tilting it slightly up to ensure bunts go down rather than popping up.
- Encourage them to soften their grip on the bat, helping absorb the ball’s impact and gently guiding it into the playing field.
Tips for Older Athletes:
- Teach them to focus on adjusting their body position quickly in response to different pitch locations, ensuring the bunt is directed where they want.
- Reinforce the importance of controlling the bat’s angle to place bunts strategically based on the defensive setup.
- Emphasize incorporating a square or pivot stance depending on the game situation, which allows for versatility in bunting styles.