Bunt Defense Strategy
The most important part about bunt defense is securing an out. The defense is going to try and give away an out and it is important we don’t get in the way. Where most teams make their mistake is trying to be too fancy. This comes from an elaborate play to get the lead out or a poor decision that leads to the bunter reaching base without an out being made. It is our goal to get the bunter out unless it is a sure out with the lead runner. Remember, during most games throughout the season a 1 run inning will not be a very big deal, multiple run innings destroy your chances of winning, so take the out.
These are all basic bunt coverages and the philosophy behind them. There are not special plays that we run at WSU. These are basic bunt defenses that allow us to cover both base lines and prevent mistakes from miscommunication.
Man on 1st
Goal: Get the bunter out unless if we have a definite opportunity to throw out the lead runner.
1st base line: pitcher (unless first baseman calls him off the bunt, then he will cover 1st)
3rd base line: third baseman
- Catcher covers what he can.
Cover 1st base: first baseman (unless the bunt is harder to him, forcing him to field)
- Backup 1st base: second base (unless nobody is covering first, then he will fill in)
Cover 2nd base: shortstop
- Backup 2nd base: Center field/Left field
Cover 3B: open until the bunt is thrown then the 3B, pitcher or even the catcher in an emergency.
Sac bunt, second baseman is forced to cover 1st:
Man on 2nd
Goal: Get the bunter out unless a poor bunt gives the opportunity to easily get the lead out at third.
1st base line: first baseman
3rd base line: Pitcher
- Catcher covers what he can
Cover 1st: second baseman
- Backup 1st: Right field
Cover 2nd: shortstop
- Backup 2nd: Center field
Cover 3B: third baseman (unless a hard bunt comes at him, he then must go get it and get the bunter out at 1st).
- Backup 3B: Left field
Man on 2B, third baseman forced to field
*Special note: The above play takes a bit of practice for the 3B to read. Confusion here is where most mistakes happen.
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