The ability to drag bunt can surely add an additional 10 or 15 points on a hitter’s batting average. Proper execution and deception are the key ingredients. Speed, contrary to popular belief, is not the key ingredient.
An average runner will have excellent success if his execution and deception are well learned. Defensive alignments to prevent the drag against the “speedsters” almost always exist. This is not to de-emphasize the good runners from drag bunting, but the point to be made here is that the average runner is the man who will catch the defense back and off guard.

While teaching the drag bunt, three points should be stressed.

1. Showing the defense that a hitter is a potential drag bunter will move the corners in slightly. This of course will increase the opportunity for ground ball hits to go through the infield. This in itself is certainly one of the hidden advantages of being a drag bunting threat.
2. Patience is needed if a hitter is going to be a drag bunter. A hitter with a .300 batting average will not succeed in getting a hit 70% of the time. A good drag bunter will drag at least at a .300 clip. However, unsuccessful drag bunts are very discouraging much more so than not getting a hit while swinging at the ball. The coach must continue to encourage the drag to his good drag bunters. Stress again that poor bunts, particularly drag bunts, should go foul.
3. 90% of drag bunt attempts occur on the first pitch. If no attempt is made, many corner infielders will drop back. Perhaps the best time to drag bunt is after the first pitch.

The following are the fundamentals involved with drag bunting:

Right handed hitters:

1. “Cheat up” in the batter’s box slightly.
2. As the ball is released by the pitcher, move the right foot back slightly (away from home plate).
3. As the left hand pulls the knob down to a position approximately six inches in front of the right hip, slide the right
hand up to the trademark area grasping the bat with the same grip as used in the sacrifice bunt.
4. Approach the ball with a level bat.
5. Be cautious not to transfer the body weight over the left foot too early. This causes the bunter to start running prior to bunting the ball which is a crucial mistake. Sacrifice one step toward first base for accurate placement of the bunted ball.

Left handed hitters

1. “Cheat up” in the batter’s box slightly.
2. As the ball is released by the pitcher, the right foot should be opened slightly.
3. As the right hand pulls the knob down to a position approximately six inches in front of the left hip, slide the left hand up to the trademark area grasping the bat with the same grip as used in the sacrifice bunt.
4. Approach the ball with a level bat.
5. As the ball approaches, the weight is shifted to the right foot and the left foot begins to come forward directly toward the pitcher. This cross-over type step should always be toward the pitcher and should not be completed until after the bat has made contact with the ball.
6. The left handed hitter should be particularly cautious not to move toward first base too early. The location of the bunt is much more important than the additional step that drag bunters try to achieve so often. See the ball down prior to running to first base.

To eliminate confusion for hitters, a drag bunt is always down the 3rd base line and a push bunt is always at the second baseman. A hitter can bunt for a base hit down the first base line when the 1st baseman is playing deep or a left handed pitcher falls off the mound towards third base.

Click for a video demonstration.

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