Slash Bunt (Fake Bunt and Swing)
Also known as: slash bunt, slash play, fake bunt and swing, bunt and slash, butcher boy play, fake bunt slash
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.
In a bunt situation, the first and third basemen often charge in. That leaves big holes behind them. The slash uses those holes.
The hitter squares to bunt early. As the pitcher delivers, he brings the bat back to a short launch position and swings. The swing is compact. The aim is a hard ground ball or low line drive through the infield.
Many coaches call this a butcher boy. It is a legal play. The risk is a weak pop-up or a ground ball right at a fielder, so it needs practice and a pitch to hit.
Tips by skill level
Practice squaring early, then pulling the bat back to your shoulder in one smooth move. Keep the swing short.
Watch the corner infielders on the first bunt look. If both crash hard, the slash has the best chance.
Example
With a runner on first, the defense charges hard on the bunt. The hitter slashes instead. The ball rockets past the charging third baseman into left field.
Why it matters
A slash keeps the defense honest. If they know you might swing, they cannot charge as hard on every bunt.
Common mistakes
- Pulling the bat back too late to swing well
- Taking a full, long swing instead of a short chop
- Slashing at a pitch out of the zone
Frequently asked questions
What is a slash bunt?
It is a fake bunt followed by a short swing. The hitter shows bunt to pull the infielders in, then hits the ball past them.
When should you use the slash?
Use it when the defense charges hard because it expects a sacrifice bunt. The holes behind the corner infielders are the target.
Is a slash the same as a butcher boy?
Yes. Many coaches use both names for the fake bunt and swing.
Related terms
- 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.
- 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.
- Push Bunt (Baseball)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.
- Hit-and-RunA hit-and-run is a called play where the runner breaks with the pitch and the hitter must swing and make contact. Ideally a ground ball protects the runner.
- Situational HittingSituational hitting is matching a hitter's approach to the count, outs, and runners. Swing decisions, target, and aggressiveness change rather than staying fixed.
Related guides & benchmarks
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