Push Bunt (Baseball)
Also known as: push bunt in baseball, baseball push bunt, pushing a bunt past the pitcher, push bunt for a hit
In baseball, a push bunt is a bunt you send firmly past the pitcher instead of deadening it. Show the bat late, then firm your arms and steer the ball toward the hole on the right side of the mound. It works best when the corner infielders charge hard or the defense plays deep.
A sacrifice catches the pitch softly so it dies in front of the plate. This play does the opposite. The hitter firms up the arms and sends the ball out with some pace.
Right-handed hitters usually aim for the right side, past the mound. The goal is to get the ball by the pitcher and the charging corner before anyone at second can reach it.
Because it needs pace and aim, it is harder to control than a sacrifice. Keep the bat angle steady and move both hands together. Only offer at strikes.
Tips by skill level
Practice rolling balls at a target between the mound and first base. Hold the bat firm but not stiff.
Read the corners before the pitch. This play is most useful when first base charges and second base plays deep.
Example
The first baseman charges every time the hitter shows the bat. On the next pitch, the hitter sends a firm one past the mound. It rolls into the hole for a hit.
Why it matters
It punishes a defense that crashes every time the hitter squares. It gives a hitter a way to reach base without a full swing.
Common mistakes
- Hitting it so hard the ball goes right to a fielder
- Showing the bat too early so the defense adjusts
- Chasing a pitch out of the zone just to put it in play
Frequently asked questions
What is a push bunt?
It is a firm tap sent past the pitcher instead of a deadened one. The goal is to get it through the gap before a fielder can reach it.
When should you push bunt?
Try it when the corner infielders charge hard or when the infield plays deep. It is a way to reach base for a hit.
How is a push bunt different from a drag bunt?
A drag is usually a soft roller down a line, often while starting to run. This one has more pace and goes past the pitcher.
Related terms
- Bunt TechniqueBunt technique is deadening the ball by absorbing its speed instead of swinging. It uses soft hands, a squared or angled stance, and the bat as a cushion.
- Drag BuntA drag bunt is a bunt started while already moving toward first base, usually by a lefty. It aims to beat out a hit, not sacrifice an out.
- Sacrifice BuntA sacrifice bunt trades the batter's own out to advance a runner into scoring position. It is a situational strategy, not an attempt to reach base safely.
- Squeeze Play (Bunt)A squeeze play is a called bunt to score a runner from third. The runner goes on the pitch in a suicide squeeze, or once the bunt is down in a safety squeeze.
- Slash Bunt (Fake Bunt and Swing)A slash, or fake bunt and swing, is when a hitter shows bunt to pull the infield in, then pulls the bat back and takes a short, chopping swing. The goal is to hit the ball hard on the ground past the charging corner infielders. It works best when the defense is sure a sacrifice bunt is coming.
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