Types

• On a sacrifice, the batter turns the body, squaring it to the pitcher. She puts the bat out in front of her with her hands spread along the bat handle, about 12 to 15 inches apart. She tries to push the ball up the third base line, or pull it down the first base line if she is a left-handed batter. She is not trying for a base hit, which is why it is called a "sacrifice" bunt. However, some batters are more comfortable trying for the bunt base hit. The coach may take this into consideration and allow it.
  
  

Time Frame

• Bunting should be a part of every practice. Coaches should let their players know how important the sacrifice bunt is and emphasize that everybody must know how to do it. This is not baseball, where the biggest sluggers are never asked to bunt. Each batter should be asked to lay down at least three bunts in batting practice before every game. It should take about a minute for each batter. During a game, a sacrifice bunt is executed in a matter of seconds.
  
  

Considerations

• The game situation and the bunter's ability should be the determining factors when deciding to bunt in softball. If your team is tied in the last inning and a runner is on first base with no outs, a bunt would be in order. However, if you are three runs behind in the last inning, your team cannot afford to sacrifice outs to move one runner up one base. Also, if your team is ahead by a significant amount---say five runs or more in the final three innings---many would consider bunting to be bad form, akin to rubbing in your win. However, the strategy will have its defenders; against some great hitting teams, no lead is safe.
  
  

Function

• Sacrifice bunts move a base runner up a base while the batter gives himself up. On a true sacrifice bunt, the batter keeps his feet planted in the batter's box and does not try to run until contact has been made. He is not trying for a base hit. The only way he reaches base is if the defense makes an error. While many coaches and managers question the idea of giving up an out, it can be a very effective way to create a scoring opportunity.
  
  

Expert Insight

• As long as a manager doesn't take it to extremes, bunting can be an outstanding strategy. Bunting late in the game to move a runner up to tie the game up or break a tie is a great strategy. Additionally, the batter who "sacrifices" her at-bat earns kudos from her teammates and coaches for this selfless play. It also helps build camaraderie and foster a team attitude: "If she can bunt to help the team, so can I." Once that thought process enters the team's locker room, the team usually becomes more of a threat.