Assessing the Quality of Pitcher Screens and Baseball Protective Screens

Screens to protect your baseball players come in a variety of styles and have numerous uses. Whether you are purchasing a screen for a youth league or a college program, it is important that you understand how to properly assess their quality and know what to look for when making a purchase.

Types of Screens

Before purchasing, you must first decide on the type of baseball protective screen you need. Some of the more common types include:

• L-Screens - These are used for live pitching and batting practices. The panel features an L-shape that allows the player to pitch over the opening, but still stand behind the partition and stay protected from the balls.
• Infield Screens - These allow infielders to throw across the diamond during practice sessions and still protect the first baseman. The screen can also be used for outfielders, allowing them to have their backs to the infield while practicing.
• Front Toss Screens – These are similar to the L-Screens, but do not include the cut-out in the frame.  The screen is not as wide as the standard L-Screens and one of the main reasons it is more popular with softball players is because it allows the pitcher to throw batting practice underhand.

Assessing the Quality and Value

Not all field screens and pitching screens are created equally. Therefore, you want to assess a few things before making your decision to buy:

• Pole Construction - The poles are the framework of the entire netting system and therefore, they are one of the most important components. Poles should be made from a lightweight, yet durable steel tubing frame.
• Portability - They should be lightweight so that they can be quickly moved on and off the field and can be handle properly
• Netting Quality - The netting can quickly wear out and fray if it is made from inferior materials. Look for netting made commercial-grade knotted/twisted nylon.
• Wheel Kit - While not a necessity, it will make it easier to move and adjust the partition on the field.

The size of protective panels you will need depends on the use. You can also find custom screen sizes if needed. What is most important, however, is that you purchase this type of equipment from an established supplier that not only sells the leading brands, but understands what goes into a high-quality protective screen.Search properly to find the exact baseball protective screens that meet your needs.