When you speak of bunting techniques in softball, you are talking about fast-pitch softball. Bunting is banned in slow-pitch. If you bunt, or make a motion construed as bunting by chopping down on the ball, you will be called out. In fast-pitch, however, bunting is one of the main offensive weapons. Because pitchers tend to dominate fast-pitch games, scoring one or two runs often is enough for victory.
Sacrifice Bunts
The technique for sacrifice bunts can vary, but the favored technique is the same one used in baseball. As the pitcher begins to wind up, the batter slides her top hand up to the barrel of the bat, steps and turns her body to square her hips and shoulders to the pitcher. The bat is held level and just below the eyes. Adjust to the pitch by bending the knees or standing up taller. Keep your head still. The technique for contacting the ball is best envisioned as "catching" the ball with the bat rather than striking it. This method allows for the most control.
Drills
Use live pitching for bunting drills, not pitching machines, to simulate game conditions. Place some circles in the dirt in front of home plate. Have players attempt to bunt into the circles. This is an effective way to teach control. In a game, pitchers and infielders will try to foil obvious sacrifice bunt situations. Batters should be patient and refrain from trying to bunt pitches that are high, which are the most likely to be popped up. They should be aware of the infield configuration as well, and learn to bunt up both baselines and in between charging infielders and pitchers.
Drag Bunts
Bunting for a base hit is more dependent on the element of surprise than sacrifice bunting. Drag bunts by left-handed batters are a potent weapon, because you're already headed toward first base by the time you lay down the bunt. Stand in the back of the batter's box and use the pitcher's motion as a timing device. Step back slightly with your front foot and then step forward and over with your back leg while bringing your hands into bunting position. Point your toes toward the plate, not the pitcher. After making contact, stride through with your back leg and sprint to first base. Variations on the drag bunt include the push bunt, when you try to push the ball past charging infielders and slap hits, when you use a normal batting stance and grip and chop down on the ball.
Bunting Strategy
My Softball Coach.com, written by a veteran coach at every level of competitive softball, offers a sophisticated bunting strategy for high school and college teams. It stresses putting constant and considered pressure on the defensive team. For example, it advises sizing up the third baseman for any fielding weaknesses. "If she appears to have any weaknesses, I'm going to challenge her with one of my first two hitters [by bunting]." Another pressure move is to make the second baseman cover first base on a bunt. The second baseman is usually small, and she's on the move to cover first, so she is a smaller target for the person who is fielding the bunt and must make a quick throw. "This play is full of peril for the defense." In addition, some pitchers get rattled when the opposition is able to bunt successfully.
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