Front Toss Screen Buying Guide
Front toss and short toss are close range drills, so the screen matters more than it does at full batting practice distance. A hard line drive gets back to the coach in a fraction of a second. These are the styles to choose from.
Safety Screens
A safety screen is a narrow screen, 6 ft tall and 4 ft wide. The coach tosses from beside it and steps back behind the net after the release. It is the simplest front toss setup, light enough for one coach to carry, and small enough to fit in a pickup bed. See the Pro 6x4 Safety Screen and Varsity 6x4 Safety Screen.
Head Protector Screens
When the coach stands up to toss, the head and shoulders are exposed above a low screen. A head protector adds an angled net over the top. See the Varsity 7x4 Head Saver Screen and the Pro 5x7 L Screen with Head Protector.
C Screens and Short Toss Screens
A C screen is a tall screen with a rounded opening for the tossing arm. The coach stays behind full height netting through the whole motion. See the Pro 5x7 C Screen and the JUGS Protector Blue Series Short-Toss Screen.
2-in-1 and Portable Screens
The Varsity 5x7 Z Screen handles overhand batting practice on one side and front toss on the other. For teams on the road, the JUGS Complete Practice Travel Screen sets up and packs down quickly.
Setting Up Front Toss Safely
- Toss from behind the screen, not beside it, and keep the tossing hand moving back behind the net.
- Kneel or sit so more of the body is below the top of the screen, or use a head protector screen.
- Keep a bucket of balls behind the screen so you are not reaching out past the frame.
For overhand batting practice, shop L screens. For softball, shop softball pitching screens.
To see how front toss screens compare with L screens, C screens and field screens, read our protective screen buying guide.
Front Toss Screen FAQ
What is the difference between front toss and soft toss?
In front toss, the coach tosses underhand from in front of the hitter, behind a screen. In soft toss, the coach tosses from the side and the hitter drives the ball into a net, so no front screen is needed.
How far away should I front toss?
Many coaches toss from about 15 to 30 feet. Move closer for younger hitters and timing drills, and farther back as hitters get stronger.
Can I use an L screen for front toss?
Yes, but an L screen leaves the corner open. A C screen, safety screen or head protector screen keeps more of the coach covered at close range.
