Sacrifice bunting is a tough skill that takes persistence and patience to master in softball. It seems like such an easy skill that anyone should be able to do because it looks simple and does not require a lot of movement because it is a sacrifice, and all you are doing is catching the ball. It is actually not quite as easy as that, softball bunting analysis is a useful tool to break it down.
Softball Bunting Analysis Considerations
The best way to analyze softball skills is with video analysis. The ability to slow the motion down and see specific movements by the player will allow you to not only take not of the refinements but also allows the player to see it as well. This will be useful in the development of kinesthetic awareness. With sacrifice bunting, view it from all angles because there is no rotational movement until after contact.
Technical / Tactical Skill Factors
There are different philosophies on bunting ready position. Do you have the bat on an angle? How low to the ground do you set up in your ready position? Depending on how the set up is, the analysis is the same. The foundations of the bunting position are about preparation and execution.
Some Technical Errors for Sacrifice Bunting
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Technical Errors |
Improvement Strategies |
|
poor ready position |
practice in front of a mirror |
|
leaves strikes |
good positioning |
|
eyes not on the ball |
use different colored balls |
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shoulders not square |
practice catching the ball |
|
drops the bat |
practice using knees to move |
Some Tactical Errors for Sacrifice Bunting
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Tactical Factors |
Improvement Strategies |
|
don’t understand importance |
go over with the athletes |
|
don’t understand sacrifice |
discuss scenarios at practice |
|
inexperience |
observe game situations |
|
runs outside of the bunt line |
use cones in practice |
Psychological Requirements
I would think that the most important aspect of the sacrifice bunt is patience. Waiting for the ball can be hard in a game that consists of speed in almost every other aspect. Being able to wait and then make minor adjustments depending on the flight of the ball takes practice and patience while focusing on bunting rather than getting to hit if you miss the ball
- Narrow Focus – catching the ball with the bat
- Confidence – able to contact almost any pitch
- Concentration – focusing on the ball and contact point
- Emotional Control – focusing task at hand without distractions
- Relaxation – not too stiff on contact to avoid popping up the ball
Some Psychological Challenges for sacrifice bunting
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Technical Factors |
Improvement Strategies |
|
afraid to pop the ball up |
ensure proper mechanics |
|
can’t comprehend sacrifice |
coach takes responsibility |
|
don’t want to bunt |
importance of team work |
|
have not had success |
look for small successes |
Physical Requirements
Balance and coordination are important in sacrifice bunting. There is no strength and power are not required in the execution except for when leaving the batter’s box. Speed is essential for running out the bunt because you never know how the defense is going to field or play the ball.
- Coordination – movement to bunt position
- Speed – possibly obtaining a base hit from the bunt
- Balance – able to maintain position until bunt is executed
- Reaction Time – ability to instinctively know where to go on the bunt
Some Physical Challenges for sacrifice bunting
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Technical Factors |
Improvement Strategies |
|
coordination |
practice |
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reaction time |
agility drills |
|
balance |
use boards / benches |
Performance Outcome Factors
Every softball skill is executed with a desired outcome. That outcome however can be broken down just as the skill itself is. Here are some expected outcomes that you might have for bunting.
|
Expected Outcome |
Mechanics / Biomechanics |
|
ball lands in fair territory |
upper body is square to pitcher |
|
ball lands in the desired area |
bottom of bat hits top of ball |
|
runner advances |
ball is absorbed using arms |
|
batter gets on base |
bat is on top of the strike zone |
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no double play |
appropriate timing |
Interventions
As coaches, error detection and correction is what we do. There is a time and a place however for that activity to occur. During competition is generally not the time. Following is a few recommended paths you can take to help your players improve their skills.
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Intervention |
Timing |
|
Break down the skill |
During practice |
|
Kinesthetic feedback |
During practice |
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Skill instruction |
During practice |
|
Provide a mentor |
During practice |