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A timely bunt is one of the best strategic weapons in baseball. The art of bunting has not been mastered by too many. If a baseball bunt is placed in exactly the right spot, it cannot be defended easily if at all. Although it seems like something simple compared to a full hack at the pitch, baseball bunting demands a lot of practice to perfect and proves very difficult without the correct mechanics.

There are several different kinds and reasons for bunts. A player can bunt to simply move a runner over or it can be done to get a base-hit. When someone 'drag' bunts they are usually trying to get on-base, so they will show bunt at the last second to avoid tipping off the infielders of their intent.

When trying to advance a runner it is suggested that you square up sooner because you are more likely to get the bunt down and it is that much more important to execute the bunt properly, especially if a runner is stealing the next base. In some cases you can square up well before the pitch to draw an infielder in on a steal play. Excellent base-hitters can do what is sometimes called a 'slap' bunt in which a batter shows bunt early and then draws it back at the last second to swing away, usually aiming at the infielder who was drawn in. When a batter squares at the last second and makes contact all in one motion it is also sometimes called a 'slap' bunt.

The desired direction of the bunt depends on the situation, such as how the infielders are set up, runners on base, and how many outs. There should never be a bunt back to the mound.

Fundamentally, you want to have the bat square to the pitcher and as the pitch approaches, you either push a little bit or pull a little bit with your bottom hand to steer the ball in a desired direction. Your top hand should slide up just below the barrel with the bat resting on your fist and your thumb behind it giving support. Under no circumstances do you wrap your hand around the baseball bat or put it on the barrel. The bat head should remain slightly up to avoid 'popping' the ball up. You want to be slightly leaning forward over and bent at the knees. The only adjustment to get to a higher or lower pitch will be made at the knees.