Glossary
Bunt defense
A bunt defense is a play the defense calls before the pitch that sets who charges a bunt, who covers each base and where the throw goes.
When the offense is likely to bunt, the defense picks one of a few set plays so that every fielder knows their job. The first and third basemen and the pitcher decide who fields the ball, and the middle infielders and catcher decide who covers first, second and third. A bunt that is fielded cleanly but thrown to an empty base is still a hit, so the coverage matters as much as the charge.
The most common versions: a standard defense, in which the corners charge, the second baseman covers first and the shortstop covers second; a play to get the lead runner, in which the third baseman stays at third and the pitcher and first baseman field; and a wheel or rotation play, in which the corners charge hard, the shortstop rotates to third and the second baseman covers first, used when the offense has to bunt.
Teams usually number the bunt defenses (Bunt Defense 1, 2 and 3) and the catcher or the coach calls the number. On a defensive wristband or coaches sheet, the number is a cell, so the infield can check it before the pitch.
When to call it
- A runner on first and no outs, late in a close game, with a batter who bunts well.
- Runners on first and second, where the lead runner at third is the out the defense wants.
- A slapper or a fast batter who has shown bunt, so the corners play in from the first pitch.
Put it on a card: Baseball and softball signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the wheel play?
A bunt defense, used with runners on first and second, in which the third baseman charges, the shortstop rotates to cover third and the second baseman covers first, so the defense can get the lead runner.
Who calls the bunt defense?
Usually the coach, by a sign to the catcher, who passes it to the infield. Some teams let the catcher call it from what they see.
More in the glossary
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