A timely bunt can be one of the most strategic weapons in baseball. The art of bunting has not been perfected by too many. When a baseball bunt is placed in exactly the right spot, it cannot be defended easily if at all. Although it seems like something easy to perform compared to a full swing at the pitch, baseball bunting requires a lot of hard work to perfect and proves very difficult without the correct mechanics.

There are several different kinds and causes for bunts. A batter can bunt to simply advance a runner over or it can be done to get a base-hit. When someone 'drag' bunts they are usually trying to get on-base, so they will show bunt at the last second to avoid tipping off the infielders of their motive.

When trying to move a runner it is recommended that you square up sooner because you are more likely to get the bunt down and it is necessary to execute the bunt properly, especially if a runner is stealing the next base. Sometimes you can square up well before the pitch to draw an infielder in on a steal play. Very good base-hitters can perform what is sometimes referred to as a 'slap' bunt in which a batter shows bunt early and then draws it back at the last moment to swing away, ideally aiming at the infielder who was drawn in. When a batter squares at the last moment and makes contact all in one motion it is also sometimes referred to as a 'slap' bunt.

The desired direction of the bunt depends on the situation, such as how the infielders are set up, runners on base, and how many outs. Under no circumstances should there be a bunt to the pitcher.

Fundamentally, you want to have the bat square to the pitcher and as the ball approaches, you either push a little bit or pull a little bit with your bottom hand to direct the ball in a desired direction. Your top hand should move up just below the barrel with the bat resting on your fist and your thumb behind it giving support. Under no circumstances do you wrap your hand around the baseball bat or put it on the barrel. The bat head should remain slightly up to avoid 'popping' the ball up. You want to be slightly hunched over and bent at the knees. The only adjustment to get to a higher or lower pitch will be made at the knees.

Joe Rodgers has taught at all competitive levels of baseball.