Varsity Softball Pitcher's Screen - 7x7 with Pitching Machine Window
The Varsity Softball Pitcher's Screen is a 7 foot by 7 foot softball screen with a window cutout positioned for fastpitch pitching machines and coaches throwing underhand batting practice. Instead of an L-shaped opening, it has a 30 inch tall by 24 inch wide window set 21 inches off the ground, so balls from a machine or an underhand release pass through while the full frame protects the person or machine behind it. For softball programs that run machine BP or front toss, this screen is built around the way softball batting practice is actually thrown.
The frame is 1.5 inch powder-coated steel that bolts together, with a gusset welded onto each leg. A UV-treated #60 braided net slips over the frame pillow-case style for a double layer of protection.
A Cutout Placed for Fastpitch Pitching Machines
Standard baseball L-screens put the throwing opening high and to one side, which does not match an underhand release or a machine sitting on the ground. The window on this softball screen is 21 inches from the ground and 30 inches tall, which lines up with the release point of most fastpitch pitching machines. The machine sits behind the screen, the ball comes through the window, and line drives back up the middle hit the net instead of the machine or its operator.
The same window works for a coach throwing underhand from a short distance. The coach releases through the opening and stays behind a full-height frame on every pitch.
Full 7x7 Coverage Around the Window
Because the opening is a window rather than an L-cutout, the netting surrounds it on all four sides. That leaves the top, sides and lower corners of the 7x7 frame covered, which gives far more protection for the machine feeder or coach than a short screen. The pillow-case net adds a second layer across the entire frame.
Varsity Construction for Steady Use
The 1.5 inch powder-coated steel frame resists rust and holds its shape through a season of hard-hit softballs. The frame bolts together and stays rigid once tightened, and welded gussets on each leg keep the base steady. The braided #60 net is UV treated for outdoor use. The screen ships at about 45 pounds, light enough for two people to carry and position.
Choose No Wheels or a Wheel Kit
The screen is offered with No Wheels, a Standard Wheel Kit or a Pro Wheel Kit. If it will stay in one cage or at one spot on the field, No Wheels keeps the cost down. A wheel kit lets one coach tilt the screen and roll it from the dugout to the circle and back. The Varsity 1.5 inch Field Screen Wheels are also sold separately if you want to add wheels later.
Why a Dedicated Softball Screen Matters
Fastpitch batting practice puts the feeder closer to the hitter than most baseball BP, and machines are often set at short distances to simulate game speed. That means hard line drives arrive back at the screen quickly. A screen sized and shaped for the job keeps the feeder fully covered, keeps expensive machines from taking direct hits, and lets hitters swing freely without the session stopping every few minutes to check on the person feeding balls. It also keeps practice moving, since the feeder can load and release without stepping out to dodge comebackers. For softball programs that rely on machine work, a proper pitcher's screen is one of the most important safety purchases on the field.
Who the Varsity Softball Pitcher's Screen Is For
- Fastpitch softball teams that run pitching machine batting practice
- Coaches throwing underhand front toss or short-distance batting practice
- High school, travel and college softball programs and training facilities
- Parents who use a pitching machine with a softball player at home or at the field
How to Use It
Bolt the frame together, tighten each joint and slide the net over the frame. Place the screen in front of the pitching machine so the machine's release point lines up with the window, then adjust the machine distance for the speed you want. For front toss, set the screen at your preferred distance and throw through the window. Keep balls in a cart or bucket behind the screen so the feeder never steps out from behind it.
Still deciding between a C screen and an L screen? Our screen comparison guide covers both.
Varsity Softball Pitcher's Screen Specifications
- Size: 7 ft tall x 7 ft wide
- Window cutout: 30 in tall x 24 in wide
- Window height: 21 in from the ground
- Frame: 1.5 inch powder-coated steel, bolt-together
- Reinforcement: gusset welded onto each leg
- Net: UV-treated #60 braided net, slips on pillow-case style
- Shipping weight: about 45 lb
- Options: No Wheels, Standard Wheel Kit or Pro Wheel Kit
- Use: fastpitch softball batting practice with a pitching machine or underhand toss
What's Included
The screen ships with the steel frame, assembly hardware and the #60 pillow-case net. Wheels are included only when you choose a wheel kit option. The pitching machine and softballs are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my pitching machine line up with the window?
The window starts 21 inches off the ground and is 30 inches tall, which suits the release height of most fastpitch softball pitching machines. Check your machine's release height to confirm.
Can a coach throw through it instead of using a machine?
Yes. The window works for underhand front toss and short-distance batting practice as well.
Is this screen padded?
No. This is a Varsity screen with a bare powder-coated steel frame.
How heavy is it?
It ships at about 45 pounds. A wheel kit makes moving it a one-person job.
Can I use it for baseball?
It is designed around fastpitch softball machine and underhand batting practice. For overhand baseball BP, an L-screen such as the Varsity 7x7 L Screen is the better fit.
