Although there are many different variations in bunting, the two main ways to bunt are the sacrifice and the drag. The difference between these two methods can be substantial. In a sacrifice bunt situation, the main objective is to sacrifice your at bat to move the runner forward a base. The objective with a drag bunt is to test the defense with a goal of getting a base hit. At all levels with both a sacrifice and a drag bunt, the main purpose is to get the ball down.

At the more advanced level, however, the objectives of both a sacrifice and a drag become more similar. Once a hitter has confidence that they are a good bunter (successfully bunting the ball 80-100 percent of the time), they may not have to fully sacrifice their at-bat in a sacrifice situation. What they can do, is now make the defense work, similar to a drag bunt situation. For example, instead of the batter fully squaring around and letting the defense know early they are bunting, either square around later or (if the batter is confident in their drag as well) use the drag bunt as their sacrifice. In this case, their first priority is still to advance the runner, but now they are making the defense work to get both the runner advancing, and themselves, out.

No matter how fast or slow you are, the skill of bunting is essential in the game of softball; so take pride in your bunting skills and practice it everyday -- it will make a difference!!!