A Complete Guide To The Drag Bunt In Baseball

Introduction

The drag bunt is a unique skill used by baseball players to go against tough pitchers. It is a very effective weapon every player should have a good knowledge of if they want to make good hits. In this article, I have compiled techniques and tips to help you master drag bunting easily. Read on!. Let us know ‘A Complete Guide To The Drag Bunt In Baseball’.

A Complete Guide To The Drag Bunt In Baseball

The drag bunt in baseball is a type of bunt performed by a batter who holds the bat backward far from the plate and runs at the same time. It is not an act of sacrifice but completely to make a hit. 

It is usually performed by left-handed batters who are closer to the first baseline. Right-handed batters also practice this skill when they are close to the third baseline.

As a beginner, you may experience difficulty practicing Drag bunt but if you spend more time to practice, it becomes very easy. The mode of performance of drag bunt is different for both right-handed hitters and left-handed hitters. However, some tips are common to both. I will explain the tips first and then go in-depth to explain the techniques.

Tips for Drag Bunting

One quality a player must possess before he can perform drag bunting is speed. With this quality and these tips, he can easily make hits.

Tip #1: Time the Drag-Bunt. When drag bunting, you aim at surprising the defense. You cannot show the bunt too early or too late so your opponents do not catch on.  

If you are new to drag bunting, it is best you show drag bunt when the winder is in the middle of their windup and without the ball in their glove.

Tip #2: Change location to the front of the batter’s box. Place the head/barrel of the bat in front of the home plate. You would a fair ball and a hard game to defend if the ball goes down straight. Also, ensure you pivot your body. The best way is to carefully open out the two feel while ensuring your shoulders face the pitcher. 

Tip #3: Hold the bat properly. Ensure, the head/barrel faces upwards and outwards in front of the home plate when you are drag bunting. When holding it, ensure the handle is a little lower than the head/barrel. This helps you maintain your position above the ball and drive it down. To gain more control, keep your hands apart. Do not use your whole hand to wrap the barrel. Wrap your bottom hand tightly around the knob of the bat and your top hand below the head/barrel of the bat.

Tip #4: Before you bunt the ball, first start your run. Left-handed batters and right-handed batters begin their runs differently from the batter’s box, one rule which works for both left-handed and right-handed hitters is ensure your back leg moves forward in the box and makes contact with the ground while your bat makes contact with the ball. 

Tip #5: Do not Bunt on bad pitches. Pull out the bat from the strike zone when you notice bad pitches to avoid popping up, fouling the ball, or getting called a strike when you miss.

Tip #6: Use your bat to catch the ball. Do not try pushing the bat into the ball. Use it to direct where the bat goes.

Techniques of Drag Bunting

The drag bunting technique for right-handed hitters is different from that of left-handed hitters.

Right Handed Hitters

1st Technique

This is also called a drop-step technique. The hitter first drops his back foot backward slightly and brings out the bat in front, with his shoulders aligned with his direction and eyes over the top of the bat. The bat is beyond the plate when they touch the pitch.

2nd Technique

This technique is also called a shuffle technique. The hitter shuffles his feet and heel-clicks toward the pitcher when they are in the middle of the pitch.  

This technique allows hitters to run easily.  

Left Handed Hitter

Three techniques are involved here.

1st Technique

This technique is a drop step, the hitter simply opens his front toe slightly so that he is in a position to turn and run toward the first base line.

For this technique, lefties can bring their back foot slightly closer to the home plate so they get a better angle to run toward the first base line.

2nd Technique

This technique is a also called crossover technique. The hitter moves his back foot further back in the batter’s box,  crosses his left foot over the front of his right foot, and drops the ball.

This technique keeps the hitter’s feet moving.

3rd Technique

This technique is a shuffle technique. It is similar to that used by right-handed hitters, the hitter shuffles his feet and clicks his heels together when the ball is been pitched toward the strike zone.

This technique makes it possible for the hitter to keep his feet moving, making it easy to run toward the first base line.

Conclusion

The aim of every player is to score goals. Drag bunting is one skill that efficiently does this. It is a difficult skill if you do not have a sound knowledge of it and an easy skill when you place your hands on the right material and practice.

In this article, I have given a complete guide to help you master drag bunt in baseball in no time.

FAQs

Can a Right-Handed Batter Drag-Bunt?

Yes, a Right Handed Batter can practice Drag Bunting but they have to make sure they do not step on the plate while trying to touch the ball as this can cause the batter to be ended.

What Types of Bunts are used By Hitters?

Five types of bunts are commonly used by hitters, they are sacrifice, squeeze, drag, push, and slug bunts. Each is used differently and governed by different rules.

Why do Hitters Drag bunt?

The aim of every hitter is to make hits and drag bunting does this with ease.