L-Screen vs Pitching Screen vs Sock Net vs Fungo Screen
Four screens, four jobs. Here's a quick side-by-side of what each one protects, who typically uses it, and the pros and cons to weigh before you buy.
L-Screen: Built for the Pitcher's Spot
An L-screen is a padded, freestanding net shaped like the letter L. It's used by pitchers and BP throwers who need to stand close to the plate — the screen shields the arm and upper body while leaving a gap to deliver the ball through.
Compact footprint, purpose-built for close-range protection, and widely available in sizes from 5x7 up to 7.5x7.
Smaller coverage area than a full field screen, so it's less suited to fielding or fungo work farther from the plate.
Pitching Screen / BP Screen: Coverage for the Middle of the Field
"Pitching screen" and "BP screen" usually describe the same category of larger, freestanding field screens (7x7 and up). They're built to stand on their own farther from the plate — often behind second base for a coach throwing BP, or along the baseline to protect players shagging balls.
Bigger coverage area, stands independently without being held, and works for both pitching and general field protection.
Larger footprint takes up more storage and cage space than an L-screen, and heavier frames are harder to move without wheels.
Sock Net: Catch-and-Hold for Close-In Drills
A sock net is a padded, funnel-shaped screen that catches the ball in a mesh pocket instead of letting it deflect back out. It's a fit for front toss, soft toss, and tee work where a coach is standing close to the hitter.
Ball stays in the net instead of rebounding, which is safer for close-range toss drills and keeps balls from scattering.
Not designed for full-speed BP from mound distance — it's built for drills, not live pitching protection.
Fungo Screen: Full Coverage for Fielding Stations
"Fungo screen" describes the larger field screens (8x10, 10x10) set up around the diamond during fielding and fungo-hitting drills, protecting coaches and players standing near home plate or the pitcher's circle as balls are lined out to fielders.
Large enough to comfortably cover a standing adult, and durable enough to stay out for full practice sessions.
Biggest footprint of the four screen types, so portability and storage take more planning.
Which Screen Fits Your Drill?
A quick way to match the drill you're running to the screen that fits it.
An L-screen is the typical choice — sized and shaped for close-range protection.
A pitching/BP field screen gives more coverage for a coach throwing from farther out.
A sock net catches the ball instead of letting it deflect back toward the thrower.
A larger fungo/field screen (8x10 or 10x10) covers a standing adult near home plate.
A compact safety screen fits tighter spaces where a full field screen won't.
A softball pitcher's screen is sized for the shorter pitching distance in softball.
Varsity 7 x 7 Field Screen
A general-purpose field screen sized for mid-field BP or fielding drills near home plate.
L-Screen vs Pitching Screen vs Sock Net vs Fungo Screen FAQ
Is a pitching screen the same as an L-screen?
They're related but not identical. An L-screen is typically smaller and shaped to protect just the thrower at close range, while a pitching/BP screen (field screen) is larger and made to stand on its own farther from the plate.
What's the main difference between a sock net and a fungo screen?
A sock net catches the ball in a mesh pocket for close-in toss drills, while a fungo screen is a larger, standalone screen sized to cover a coach or player during fielding and fungo-hitting drills.
Can one screen do all four jobs?
Not really — each type is shaped and sized for a specific distance and drill. Many programs keep at least an L-screen and one larger field screen on hand to cover both mound-distance BP and fielding work.
Do these screens work for both baseball and softball?
Yes, though softball programs often use a version sized for the shorter pitching distance — check the product details or your league's guidelines before ordering.
What should I check before buying any of these screens?
Confirm the size fits your space, check the net gauge for durability, decide if you need wheels, and check your league's or facility's guidelines for any screen requirements.
Find the Right Screen for Your Program
Whether it's an L-screen for the mound, a sock net for drill work, or a full field screen for fungo, HoopsKing carries protective screens built for daily practice use.
