Team Northwest Playbook
BUNT DEFENSE
Bunting is very important in baseball
because it is very often a determining
factor in close games. Teams that bunt
well set themselves up to win those
close games. Someone still has to drive
in the runs, but the good teams get the
winning run in scoring position more
often than the bad team. By
understanding bunt defense and
executing it properly you can put a lot of
pressure on the bunting team.
It is vitally important to know that if an offensive player lays down a good
bunt that he is going to get the runner or runners into scoring position. If
a player lays down a good bunt then it is imperative that you get an out .
If you get an out , you are a double play or one pitch from getting out of an
inning. Many games are lost because the defense got nobody out on a
bunt by throwing to the wrong base or too late to a base because of
indecision.
The bunt defenses that are diagrammed on the following pages are
designed to try and get out the lead runner, but remember, if it is a good
bunt , GET AN OUT at first base.
Team Northwest Playbook
Standard Bunt Defense MAN ON FIRST
8
9
7
6
4
1
5
3
H
PITCHER - Throw a strike, then break for the
plate.
CATCHER - Has front of plate responsibility.
Calls the play for whomever fields the bunt.
Must cover third if third baseman fields
bunt.
FIRST BASEMAN - Break for the plate when
pitcher delivers the pitch. Cover the right side
of infield.
2
SECOND BASEMAN - Cheat toward first.
Break hard when he sees bunt. Take priority
over first baseman at the bag.
SHORTSTOP - From double play depth will
break to second base when ball is bunted.
THIRD BASEMAN - Play 15 feet inside the
line. Charge when hitter shows bunt. Retreat
to third base if another fielder fields bunt.
Cover home if catcher goes to third.
Bunt Defense • Page 1
Team Northwest Playbook
Standard Bunt Defense MEN ON FIRST & SECOND
8
9
7
6
4
1
5
3
H
PITCHER - Come set. Throw a strike. Come
forward and have left side responsibility.
CATCHER - Has front of the plate responsibility.
Tells fielders where to throw the ball. Must cover
third if third baseman fields bunt.
FIRST BASEMAN - Start about 20 feet in front of
base. Charge when hitter shows bunt.
SECOND BASEMAN - Cheat toward first base and
break hard when hitter shows bunt.
2
THIRD BASEMAN - Play 10 feet inside base.
Watch runner at second for possible early break. If
ball is bunted hard past the pitcher then field it and
get out at first. Cover home if catcher covers
third. If another fielder gets to the bunt quickly then
get back to third for possible force out.
SHORTSTOP - Start just behind runner. Break
hard to second base after pitcher comes set.
Bunt Defense • Page 2
Team Northwest Playbook
Special Sign Bunt Defense - MEN ON FIRST & SECOND
WHEEL PLAY
8
9
7
6
4
1
5
3
H
PITCHER - After coming set, he will deliver the ball
when he sees “daylight” between runner and
shortstop.
2
SECOND BASEMAN - Cheat toward first and
break to first on pitcher’s move.
CATCHER - Has same responsibility as standard bunt
play.
SHORTSTOP - After pitcher comes set, take one
jab step toward second base, then break hard to
third base.
FIRST BASEMAN - Key on pitcher. Charge home
when pitcher picks up front leg.
THIRD BASEMAN - Start 10 feet in front of third
base. Break toward home as pitcher lifts front leg.
Bunt Defense • Page 3