JUGS Protector Blue Series 8-Foot Fungo Screen
The JUGS Protector Blue Series 8-Foot Fungo Screen is the big screen of the Blue Series: a solid 8 foot by 8 foot padded protective screen for baseball field drills and batting practice. It has no cutout, so the whole face is netting, and its extra foot of height and width over the 7 foot screens gives more coverage for a coach, a feeder or a fielder standing behind it. Double-thick 60-ply Dacron polyester netting, a padded 1.5 inch steel frame and bolted joints are the same construction used across the Blue Series.
What a Fungo Screen Does
During infield and outfield practice, a coach stands near home plate hitting fungoes while fielders throw balls back in. A fungo screen gives that coach, and the player catching the return throws, something to stand behind when a throw sails or a ball comes back on a hop. Because there is no cutout, the screen covers the full 8 by 8 area instead of leaving an opening for a pitcher's arm.
The same full-face coverage makes the screen useful anywhere on a baseball field where a person needs to stand in the line of batted or thrown balls: guarding a base coach or a second station during batting practice, screening a feeder in short-toss work, or protecting a fielder working a bucket during drills.
Why Size Matters on the Field
Most protective screens are 7 feet tall. The extra height of an 8 foot screen covers a taller adult standing upright and catches balls that would clear a 7 foot frame. The extra width gives a coach room to move a step or two behind the screen without stepping out from cover. For a coach who spends practice standing in one spot while balls come at it from the field, that margin is the reason to choose this screen over a square 7 foot model.
Construction
- Netting: black, double-thick 60-ply Dacron polyester designed to absorb impact from hard-hit and thrown baseballs.
- Padding: blue vinyl-covered pearl foam on the frame, protecting players and equipment and extending screen life.
- Frame: 1.5 inch diameter, 1.2 mm thick, 1020 cold-rolled steel tubing for strength and stability.
- Joints: bolted together with no welding or lacing, so the screen assembles with basic tools and the net can later be replaced with the Fungo option of the Protector Blue Series replacement netting.
Positioning the Fungo Screen
- Bolt the frame together and fit the netting over it.
- For fungo work, set the screen a few steps to the side of the coach so the coach hits from beside it and steps behind it as throws come in.
- For a catcher or player receiving return throws, place the screen between that player and the throwing fielders, leaving a gap to receive the ball.
- During batting practice, stand it in front of anyone working in the field of play, such as a player collecting balls behind second base.
- Check the net and padding before each practice and replace the net when holes appear.
An 8 by 8 screen catches more wind than a smaller one when used outdoors, so set it on level ground and keep it where it will not be knocked over by gusts.
Where the Fungo Screen Fits in the JUGS Lineup
Each Blue Series screen covers one job. If you need a pitcher's throwing lane, the Protector Blue Series L-Shaped Pitchers Screen has a 3 by 3 cutout for overhand batting practice. For tee and soft toss stations, the Protector Blue Series Square Screen with Sock-Net collects balls in a sock. The Protector Blue Series Short-Toss Screen is a compact 7 by 4 screen for close front toss. Choose the 8-Foot Fungo Screen when coverage is the priority and nobody needs to throw through the screen.
Programs that want a 7 by 7 square screen that rolls on wheels can look at the black JUGS Protector Series Square Baseman Screen, which includes the Protector Series Wheel Kit.
Who This Fungo Screen Is For
- Baseball coaches who hit fungoes and want cover from return throws.
- Youth leagues, high schools and colleges that need a large screen for field drills and batting practice.
- Backyard players and families who want a big padded screen to stand behind while feeding balls.
JUGS Protector Blue Series 8-Foot Fungo Screen Specifications
- Sport: baseball
- Style: square fungo and field protective screen, no cutout
- Size: 8 feet high by 8 feet wide
- Netting: black, double-thick 60-ply Dacron polyester
- Frame: 1.5 inch diameter, 1.2 mm thick, 1020 cold-rolled steel tubing
- Padding: blue vinyl-covered pearl foam
- Joints: bolted, no welding or lacing
- Use: fungo work, field drills, batting and short-toss practice
- Skill level: backyard players, youth leagues, high schools, colleges
- Replacement net: available separately (Fungo option)
- Warranty: 1-year on netting, 2-year on frame
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Fungo Screen different from the Blue Series L-screen?
The L-screen is 7 by 7 with a 3 by 3 cutout so a pitcher can throw through it. The Fungo Screen is 8 by 8 with no cutout, so its whole face is netting for standing behind during drills.
Can I throw batting practice from behind it?
It has no throwing cutout, so it is not set up for a pitcher. Use the L-shaped screen for overhand batting practice or the Short-Toss Screen for front toss.
Does it come with wheels?
No. The Protector Series Wheel Kit fits only the black Protector Series screens and does not work with the Blue Series.
Can the netting be replaced?
Yes. Choose the Fungo option of the Protector Blue Series replacement netting; the frame stays in service.
What warranty comes with the Fungo Screen?
The JUGS Protector Blue Series 8-Foot Fungo Screen carries a 1-year warranty on the netting and a 2-year warranty on the frame.
