This lesson series is for both sides of the play - offense and defense. We're going to look and what it takes physically and emotionally to be a confident, consistent bunter - and what it takes to keep bunts from demoralizing your defense.

Few, if any, batters — unless experienced veterans — ever go up to bat with the intention of bunting to get on base. It is a lost art because it is often a reluctant art. By that we mean that there are many coaches reluctant to call for a bunt when they should, because many of their batters have simply never learned how to bunt reliably.

It's just as hard on the defense. Nothing shows whether an infield unit has their act together more than a good bunt defense. First because this scenario involves everyone in the infield, plus it can seriously affect the outcome of the game.

We would like to see every player charge bunts with all-out commitment - and be able to handle the scoop and throw physically. But we would also like to see is every player on every team have the willingness and ability to bunt at any time the situation calls for it.

With both the batters and fielders having these skills, suddenly the coach has a real opportunity to make small-ball strategy a crucial part of your team's success.

In the next several pages we break down the act of bunting and defending against it. This lesson series provides insights previously available only in our printed WebBall Field Manuals. It also references the fielding skill sets covered for positional players in both the books and on the website.