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Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between a 35-inch and 37-inch fungo bat?

  A 35-inch fungo is designed for hitting infield ground balls. The shorter length allows a quicker, more controlled swing with greater placement precision on left-side and right-side grounders. A 37-inch fungo is used for outfield fly balls. The extra length generates more leverage and lift, making it easier to consistently hit balls to deep left, center, and right without excessive effort.

• Can a coach use a fungo bat for batting practice pitching?

  No. Fungo bats are not built for the impact of being struck by a pitched or thrown ball at velocity. They are for hitting balls already in hand. Using a fungo as a hitting bat against live pitching or in a pitching machine will damage or break the thin barrel quickly.

• How many fungos can a coach hit in a practice session?

  An experienced coach in good physical condition can deliver 200 to 400 accurate fungos in a two-hour practice session with appropriate rest between stations. The lighter weight compared to a game bat is what makes this volume possible. Coaches who use game bats during fielding practice typically tire and lose accuracy after 50 to 75 balls.

• What size L-screen is appropriate for youth baseball batting practice?

  A 6x6-foot L-screen is practical for youth batting practice from 30 to 40 feet. A 7x7-foot screen provides more coverage for closer distances and stronger hitters. For tee-based stations where the ball is not thrown from a distance, a smaller screen or backstop net may be sufficient depending on the drill setup.

• Are throw-down bases legal for sanctioned games?

  Throw-down bases are designed for practice and informal use. They are not anchored to the ground and move when a player slides or steps on them. Most organizations require anchored bases for sanctioned games. For practice station work, throw-down bases are the most practical option because they are portable and require no tools to set up.

• What is the Champro molded double first base and when is it used?

  The molded double first base (B004M) is a professional-grade anchored base with two-color construction. The white portion in fair territory is used by the fielder. The orange portion extending into foul territory is used by the batter-runner. This design allows simultaneous use on close plays and is the standard in most organized softball leagues and a growing number of baseball organizations.

• How accurate are Pocket Radar guns compared to professional radar systems?

  Pocket Radar devices produce readings accurate to within one mile per hour of professional Doppler radar systems in controlled testing. For coaching at the youth through high school level, this accuracy is more than sufficient. The advantage over a full-size radar gun is that it fits in a pocket, requires no tripod, and can be used by a single coach without assistance.

• Can radar guns track softball pitch speed?

  Yes. Pocket Radar and other handheld devices measure ball velocity regardless of sport. Fastpitch pitching velocity, batted ball exit speed, and outfield throw velocity can all be tracked with the same device. When tracking fastpitch pitching, aim the radar from behind the catcher's position for the most accurate reading.

• What is a wrist coach wristband in baseball and softball?

  A wrist coach is a wristband with card-holder pockets for a laminated play-calling card. The Champro triple-pocket wrist coach (AF50) holds three separate cards, allowing different inserts for different game situations. Catchers, pitchers, and base coaches all use wrist coaches at the competitive level to manage signal systems without audible calls.

• Do coaches need an L-screen for every batting practice station?

  At the competitive level, every station where a coach or player is delivering pitches should have an L-screen. For tee and soft-toss stations where no ball is thrown from a distance, an L-screen is less critical but still useful for preventing loose balls from entering active areas.

• What bases does SPC Sports stock?

  We carry throw-down sets, Champro PVC quilted base sets (B011, 14-inch, 3-pack), and the Champro molded double first base (B004M). Contact us for full-diamond base sets for permanent field installations.

• How do I store a fungo bat properly?

  Store fungo bats vertically or horizontally in a bat bag or equipment room at room temperature. Avoid leaving wood fungo bats in a hot vehicle or in direct sunlight for extended periods, as heat dries out the wood and increases cracking risk along the grain. Apply a thin coat of linseed oil once per season to preserve the finish on maple fungo bats.

• Can I use an L-screen as both a pitching screen and a fielding station barrier?

  Yes. During batting practice, the coach stands behind it while delivering pitches. During fielding drills, it can be placed at a station to protect a coach demonstrating technique or to mark a drill boundary. It can also be used as a barrier for outfield soft-toss stations where the tossing coach faces line-drive risk.

• What brands of coach training tools does SPC Sports carry?

  We carry Mizuno, Champro, Champion, Bownet, PowerNet, Pocket Radar, EvoShield, Rawlings, and others. Browse the coach tools section and use the brand filter to narrow by manufacturer.

• Is there a minimum age for using a radar gun effectively in training?

  There is no age restriction on radar guns. However, making velocity a primary focus for very young players can create counterproductive overthrowing mechanics. Most coaches introduce velocity tracking as a useful development tool around age 12 to 14, once consistent mechanics and a well-established arm action are in place.