Rip It Defense Fastpitch Softball Fielder's Face Mask  

FAQs

• What is the best solo fielding drill for a baseball infielder?

  Pitch-back screen work is the most efficient solo fielding drill for infielders. Throw the ball into the screen at three-quarter speed, field the return with proper footwork, and simulate the throw to first in sequence. Varying the target zone on the screen produces different return angles that simulate grounders to the backhand, short hops, and routine grounders to the glove side.

• Are fielder face masks required in youth baseball?

  Most youth baseball organizations do not require fielder face masks. Some youth softball organizations require masks for all infield positions at certain age levels. Pitchers in fastpitch softball at youth and high school levels are the most common position where masks are strongly recommended and increasingly required by state associations. Check your specific league's rules.
  
  

• What is a training glove and who should use one?

  A training glove is a smaller-than-regulation glove that creates a tighter pocket, forcing the player to field the ball precisely in the center. They are most effective for infielders who want to develop better glove control and reduce the habit of catching the ball in the palm or heel of a standard glove. The Rawlings 28-inch Heart of the Hide training glove is the most popular option in our catalog.

• Does a pitch-back screen work on grass?

  Yes. Most pitch-back screens include ground stakes or weighted feet for stability on both grass and dirt surfaces. On soft ground, use the included stakes. On harder surfaces, rubber foot pads or sandbags prevent sliding without damaging the playing surface.

• What age is appropriate to start using fielder training equipment?

  Pitch-back screens are appropriate starting around age 8 to 10, when players have enough arm strength and coordination to benefit from the rebound. Fielder masks can be used at any age where a player wears a batting helmet. Training gloves are most effective for players age 12 and older with developed fielding mechanics.

• Can a pitcher use a pitch-back screen for throwing practice?

  Yes. Pitchers use pitch-back screens to practice delivery mechanics, work on follow-through position, and take fielding reps off the mound. The screen also serves as a catcher substitute for tracking pitch location when a zone target is printed on the net.

• What is the difference between a pitch-back screen and a fielding rebounder?

  The terms are often used interchangeably. A pitch-back screen typically refers to a flat or angled net on a freestanding frame that returns thrown balls. A fielding rebounder may have an adjustable rebounding angle that produces returns at different heights. Both serve the same fundamental purpose.

• How do I maintain a pitch-back screen?

  Inspect the net for fraying or holes after each heavy use session. Tighten loose bungee cords or net lacing. Store the screen folded flat in a dry location when not in use. Leaving a screen outside through a full winter season shortens the life of both the net material and plastic frame components. Steel frames should be wiped down to prevent rust at pivot points.

• Can a parent with no coaching experience run fielding practice with a pitch-back screen?

  Yes. The screen creates the reps without requiring the parent to deliver the ball with precision. The player throws the ball in and fields the return, which is self-directed. A parent can add value by observing footwork and glove position, but no coaching expertise is required for the screen itself to produce useful fielding reps.

• What brands of fielder training equipment does SPC Sports carry?

  We carry Champro, Bownet, Rawlings, RIP-IT, EvoShield, PowerNet, and others. Browse the fielder training section and use the brand filter to narrow by manufacturer.

• Do fielder masks fit all helmet brands?

  Most fielder masks use a standard clip-on attachment compatible with most batting helmet front rails. Champro and RIP-IT masks in our catalog are designed for most major helmet brands. Check the product listing for compatibility notes if you have an unusual or older helmet model.

• How many reps should an infielder take on a pitch-back screen per session?

  A productive session is typically 100 to 200 quality fielding reps in 20 to 30 minutes. Quality means completing the footwork, glove work, and transfer sequence on every rep. Rest between sets of 20 to 30 reps, particularly for younger players developing arm strength.

• Are pitch-back screens portable enough to bring to the field?

  Most steel-frame pitch-back screens fold flat and weigh 15 to 25 pounds. They fit in a full-size vehicle without folding the seats down and set up in under five minutes. They are portable enough for players who want to set up a fielding station at a local park or school field before or after team practice.

• What is a fielder mask made of?

  Fielder masks use coated steel wire in a grid pattern, similar to catcher face masks but lighter and designed for attachment to a batting helmet. Padding around the edges and a foam forehead pad add comfort at the helmet rail attachment points.

• Can outfielders benefit from pitch-back screen training?

  Yes, primarily for developing throwing mechanics, footwork on charge drills, and reaction time. Outfielders can set the screen at a longer distance and practice fielding low-hop returns that simulate balls hit in the gap. For fly-ball tracking, a partner or coach with a fungo delivers more realistic reps than a screen can replicate.