Protective Screens

Baseball and Softball Protective Screens — Buyer's Guide

L-Screens

The L-screen is the standard protective screen for batting practice, positioning the coach or pitcher behind the vertical panel while leaving an open throwing lane on one side. The L-shape geometry provides full torso protection on the delivery side while keeping the throwing arm clear through the release. Screen size and frame construction vary by model — the Mini Pro L-Screen is suited for facilities with compact cage dimensions or limited storage space, while the Pro L-Screen Steel 8'x8' and collegiate models provide larger protection panels for full-distance batting practice setups.

The Collegiate L-Screen with Hood adds an overhead panel to the standard L-Screen configuration, providing additional protection for elevated ball trajectories from pitching machines set at steeper angles. The Richochet Cushion Kit is available for both Mini and Pro L-Screen models, adding a padded cushion to the front frame bar to absorb hard line drive impacts that would otherwise rattle the frame and create rebound hazards for the person behind the screen.

C-Screens for Softball

C-shaped pitcher protector screens are the standard configuration for softball pitching situations where the shorter mound-to-plate distance — 43 feet for high school fastpitch versus 60 feet 6 inches for baseball — gives the pitcher significantly less reaction time after release. The wrap-around C configuration provides protection on both sides of the throwing lane, addressing the wider deflection angle that results from the closer pitching distance. The collegiate C-shaped screen is built to the specifications required for varsity softball practice where coach safety during pitching drills is a liability and compliance consideration.

Base and Fungo Screens

First base and fungo screens protect coaches hitting ground balls and fly balls during infield and outfield practice. A fungo hitter is fully exposed during the swing and follow-through — the screen provides frontal protection during the instant between contact and ball departure when a sharply deflected ball could travel back toward the hitter. Pro Base Fungo screens are available in 8'x8' and 10'x10' configurations for different practice setups. Collegiate first base and 7'x7' first base screens are sized for the specific positioning requirements of first base and right-side infield drill work.

Sock Net Screens

Sock net protector screens differ from standard L-screens in how they handle ball impact — rather than deflecting the ball away from the screen, the sock net design absorbs ball energy through a deep net pocket that catches the ball and drops it to the ground near the screen. This eliminates the rebound and deflection hazard that standard flat nets present when a hard-thrown ball hits near the edge of the panel. The collegiate sock net and frame is appropriate for programs running high-velocity pitching drills where ball deflection from a flat screen surface creates a safety concern for players in adjacent positions.

Tri-Fold Screen

The Tri-Fold Screen provides a three-panel protection setup that can be configured in multiple orientations for different drill applications. At 8'x16' fully extended, it covers a wider protection area than a single L-screen and can be repositioned between infield and outfield drill stations without disassembly. Programs running multi-station practice setups where screen placement changes between drill phases benefit from the tri-fold's flexibility over fixed-geometry screens.

Replacement Nets

Replacement nets are stocked for all major screen frame models on this page, including Pro L, Mini L, sock net slip-on, side wings, base/fungo in both size configurations, and softball-specific 7'x7' nets. Replacing the net rather than the full screen when netting wears through is significantly more cost-effective than purchasing a complete new unit, and the frame on a well-maintained screen can outlast several net replacements. Confirm the specific frame model and net attachment style before ordering a replacement to ensure compatibility.