A pitcher fields a bunt in three quick steps: get off the mound under control (a balanced finish lets him react fast without stumbling), field the ball cleanly (two hands when he can, barehand only on a ball that's stopped or barely rolling), and set his feet for a sure throw (know where the play is before the ball gets there, plant, and make an accurate throw to the base he's sure to get). Most bunt plays aren't lost fielding the ball, they're lost on a rushed, off-balance throw. The habit to build: get there quick, then slow down to make the throw. Getting the sure out beats forcing a risky one every time.
When a hitter squares to bunt, the pitcher is almost always the closest fielder to the ball, and he's got very little time to get to it, field it, and make a throw. It's one of the plays where a young pitcher can look either really polished or really rattled, and the difference usually isn't arm talent. It's a few simple habits. Here's how a pitcher should handle a bunt, in plain English.
“Most bunt plays aren't lost fielding the ball. They're lost on the throw, by a pitcher who never set his feet.”
Get there quick, then slow down to make the throw.The three steps of fielding a bunt
Get off the mound under control
It starts with the finish. A pitcher who lands balanced and athletic (not falling off to the side) can push off and get to the ball fast without stumbling. Fielding readiness begins with the delivery, our fielding your position guide covers that connection.
Field the ball cleanly
Get to the ball, break down under control, and field it with two hands whenever possible. Barehand it only when it's stopped or barely rolling and a two-hand pickup would be too slow. Circle slightly so he's moving toward his target as he fields.
Set your feet, then throw
This is where plays are won or lost. Plant the feet, get the body under control, and make an accurate throw. A half-second to set beats a rushed throw sailing into the outfield. Know the play before the ball arrives so there's no hesitation.
Know where you're going before the ball gets there
The biggest mental key: decide where the out is before the ball is bunted, based on the situation. No runners on, bunt in front of the plate? He's going to first. Runner on first, sacrifice bunt? The force at second may be there, but only if it's clean and sure. When in doubt, take the out you're certain of, usually first base (the same base he covers on a grounder to the right side, see covering first base). A young pitcher who's already decided where he's throwing fields the ball calmly; one who's still thinking about it after he picks it up is the one who rushes and throws it away. And listen to the catcher, he can see the whole field and will often call the base ("one, one!" or "two!").
The habit that makes the throw accurate
Almost every bad bunt play at the youth level comes from the same thing: throwing before the feet are set. The ball feels urgent, so the kid flings it off his back foot or while still moving sideways, and it ends up in right field. The fix is a rhythm you can practice: field, plant, throw. The fielding part has to be fast, but the throw has to be under control. Getting the sure out at first beats airmailing a hero throw to second every single time. This is the same "quick without rushing" idea that shows up all over pitching, the body has to be organized before it delivers the ball, whether that's a pitch or a throw. For the other side of pitcher defense, when the ball comes screaming back at him instead of dying in front of the plate, see our guide on comebackers and line drives.
| Fields it right | Loses the out |
|---|---|
| Balanced finish, off the mound fast | Falls off the mound, slow to react |
| Breaks down and fields under control | Charges wild and kicks the ball |
| Knows the play before fielding | Decides where to throw mid-play |
| Sets the feet, then throws | Throws off balance, airmails it |
The bottom line
Fielding a bunt comes down to three habits: get off the mound under control, field the ball cleanly with two hands when you can, and set your feet before you throw. Add one mental habit, know where the out is before the ball is down, and most of the panic disappears. The pitcher who gets there quick and then slows down to make a sure throw turns bunts into easy outs. The one who rushes the throw gives away bases. Take the out you're sure of, and let the footwork make the throw for you. The play isn't over when you field it. It's over when you've set your feet and made the throw.
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How does a pitcher field a bunt?
In three steps: get off the mound under control (a balanced finish lets him react fast), field the ball cleanly with two hands when possible, and set his feet before throwing to the base. The most important habit is knowing where the out is before the ball is bunted, so there's no hesitation after he picks it up. Fielding has to be quick, but the throw has to be under control, rushing the throw off-balance is what turns bunts into errors.
When should a pitcher barehand a bunt?
Only when the ball is stopped or barely rolling and a two-hand pickup would be too slow to get the out. The rest of the time, two hands is safer and more reliable, especially for young players. Barehanding a moving ball looks flashy but leads to bobbles and missed grips. A good rule: two hands by default, barehand only on a dead or dying ball when speed truly matters.
Where should a pitcher throw after fielding a bunt?
To the base where he can get a sure out, which he should decide before the ball is even bunted based on the situation. With no one on, that's first base. On a sacrifice with a runner on first, the force at second is an option, but only if the play is clean and certain, otherwise take the sure out at first. When in doubt, get the out you're confident in rather than forcing a risky throw. The catcher can also help by calling the base.
Why does my son throw the ball away on bunt plays?
Almost always because he's throwing before his feet are set. A bunt feels urgent, so a young pitcher flings it while still moving or off his back foot, and the throw sails. The fix is a simple rhythm: field, plant, throw. The fielding part is fast, but the throw has to be under control, and taking a half-second to set the feet makes it accurate. Getting the sure out at first beats a rushed, wild throw to second every time.
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