About the Catch Bat Hitting and Bunting Trainer
The Catch Bat turns eye-hand coordination work into a game. Instead of a barrel it has a net, and the hitter has to catch the pitched or tossed ball in that net with a full, committed swing. A half swing or a swing that rises or chops down on the ball misses the catch, so the trainer rewards a flat bat path through the zone, which is the same path that squares up the ball with a regular bat.
It is just as useful for bunting. When a player catches the ball in the net while squared or pivoted, the ball is landing exactly where it would meet the barrel of a real bat, so the Catch Bat teaches bat angle and soft hands without balls rolling all over the cage.
Baseball or Softball
The Catch Bat comes in a baseball version and a softball version. Choose the one that matches the ball your player hits. Both work with soft toss, front toss, short machine work and tee drills.
Why Coaches Use It
- Builds eye-hand coordination and tracking all the way to contact
- Rewards a full, committed swing rather than a slap at the ball
- Discourages swinging up or chopping down, which flattens the bat path
- Teaches bunt placement and bat angle for sacrifice and drag bunts
- Keeps young players engaged because every rep is a catch or a miss
- Very little ball chasing, so indoor and backyard sessions stay quick
Drills to Try
- Soft toss from the side: the hitter catches each toss with a full swing, then dumps the ball in a bucket.
- Front toss from behind a screen: vary location so the hitter has to adjust the bat path to catch inside and outside pitches.
- Bunting ladder: call out first base line, third base line or back to the pitcher before each pitch and have the hitter catch the ball at that angle.
- Two-strike approach: shorten up and catch the ball deep in the zone to build a contact-first mindset.
Pairs Well With
Use soft training balls such as the Power Ball Foam Hitting Trainer or TruFlight AceBallz foam training baseballs for close-range indoor work. Many coaches rotate the Catch Bat with the Mad Bat by Muhl and an Advanced Skills Tee in a hitting station circuit.
Catch Bat Specifications
- Type: net-barrel hitting and bunting trainer
- Versions: baseball, softball
- Use: soft toss, front toss, machine, bunting drills
- Players: youth through adult
- Setting: indoor or outdoor
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular baseballs or softballs?
Yes, with toss and front toss at a safe distance. For close-range indoor work, soft training balls are easier on the net and the room.
What is the difference between the baseball and softball versions?
Each is sized for its ball. Pick the version that matches the ball your player uses in games.
What age is it for?
It works for young players learning to track the ball and for older hitters and bunters who want a quick feedback tool.
