The bunt is one of the most important plays in softball. Without a bunting game the team cannot put pressure on the defense; keep the defense honest; avoid a double play; aid the running game or add variety to the offensive strategy.

There are five basic bunts that should be mastered if you're going to have a good bunting team. To be a complete ballplayer, the player should master each. The bunts to be discussed are sacrifice, push, drag (right and left) and slap.

The following are some fundamental principles that are the same for most bunts:

1. Square stance - bring back foot up even with front foot, face square at pitcher
2. Pivot in place - pivot feet and turn upper body to face pitcher
3. Bend the knees, weight on balls of feet. Bring bat out in front of plate; hold bat at top of strike zone with arms slightly bent
4. Bunt only strikes (exception: squeeze, bunt and run)
5. Let ball come to you, bunt top half of ball. Never move bat upward, only move body and bat downward to meet the ball
6. Bat acts as cushion: you actually "catch" the ball with the bat
7. See the ball on the ground, don't move too quickly or run into the ball
8. Be relaxed, be patient

Sacrifice Bunt
To advance baserunner
Come around early enough to get in position: no need to disguise
Distribute weight slightly inside to cover the plate better
Stay in front of box to keep balls from bouncing on plate
Catch the ball before it breaks
Bunt ball down into the ground
Keep elbows pointing down
Use one hand near handle of bat, slide top hand up near trademark
Top hand held with thumb on top, fingers curled underneath
Bottom hand directs location of bunt
Point shoulders in direction you want ball to go

Push Bunt
Used for base hit when first and third are close
Don't commit until pitcher releases the ball
Push ball between pitcher, and first and third baseman
Stiffen elbows to bunt ball harder
Use pivot in place

Drag Bunt - RH Surprise bunt for base hit
Sometimes called "sneaky bunt"
Don't commit until pitcher releases the ball
Pivot quickly into bunt stance
Contact made with weight on front foot, back foot moving toward first

Drag Bunt - LH
Surprise bunt for base hit
Called California Slap
Position deep in batters box
Don't commit until pitcher releases the ball
Crossover step with back foot
Keep the bat head BACK
Maintain chin to shoulder contact
If front shoulder turns toward first base, ball will be hit foul
Extend arms to V on contact
"Chop" ball down
Keep the head down

Slap Bunt
Fake bunt, followed by quick hit into open area
Pivot around before pitcher releases ball
Show normal bunt FIRST
Bring bottom hand up to top hand
Bring bat back to rear shoulder (touch and hold) NO FURTHER
Snap the bat out - short compact swing - arm extension
Point shoulders downward where you want the ball to go