| Squeeze Bunt (Suicide Squeeze)
Originally Published in: High Scoring Softball - Human Kinetics
Figure 1.16 Good placement choices for the slap when (a) the first- and third-base players and (b) the middle infielders fall for the fake bunt. One of our favorite plays is the squeeze bunt, or suicide squeeze. This play is a good option when the team has a fast runner on third base and a good bunter at the plate. Some of our best bunters have also been power hitters, and the defense is usually caught off guard when a power hitter executes a squeeze bunt. Running a squeeze play certainly involves an element of risk, because the runner on third is heading home on the pitch; the batter must get the bunt down or foul it off in order to avoid forcing the runner at third into an easy out. A coach has to be willing to take that risk, and knowing the team and their ability to execute the play will minimize the risk. Technique The suicide squeeze technique is the same as that for a sacrifice bunt. The only difference is that the batter may need to wait a little longer to show bunt in order to deceive the infield defense. However, the batter must not wait so long that she is unable to get the barrel on the ball and get the bunt down. Timing is critical on this play. Batters will need a lot of practice to get the timing perfected to where they have confidence in their ability to successfully execute the squeeze bunt. Remember, the batter does not have the option of bunting or not bunting the ball as she does in a sacrifice situation. She must attempt to bunt the ball no matter where the pitch is located. Even if the pitch is over her head or rolling on the ground, she must at least foul it off. The runner is leaving third without hesitation when the pitch is released and will run into a catcher's tag if the batter doesn't make contact with the ball. Placement and Strategy A suicide squeeze is a great play when a team is facing a good pitcher and is having difficulty scoring via a base hit. Early in the game, the team may want to use this play to seize the offensive momentum and to get on the scoreboard; in this situation, the team is often willing to give up playing for the possible big inning. A successful squeeze play guarantees scoring one run. And who knows, this play may lead to a big inning anyway if the defense gets frustrated by it and loses focus for the rest of the inning.
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Squeeze Bunt (Suicide Squeeze)
