Portable Catchers Mat

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Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
I'm headed to the farm supply store to pick up some mat for a pitching lane and thought I'd pick up a section for a catcher. I usually luck out at gyms and can pull over entry mats for a catcher, but every once in a while that doesn't work out. Would a piece of 3/8x36x48 mat be good enough? Not sure I could transport anything bigger... Once concern is making sure the catcher sets up far enough forward to avoid the ball catching the front edge while still having enough mat left to for the knees when blocking. Any input is appreciated.
 

Ken Krause

Administrator
Admin
May 7, 2008
3,911
113
Mundelein, IL
I've been using a carpeted runner in some catching clinics. I assume you want to protect the gym floor from shinguards? A 4' wide section should work. And it's quite portable.
 
Sep 29, 2010
1,082
83
Knoxville, TN
We use an old driving range mat. It’s 4x4 and weighs about 15 lbs. with a 3/4” rubberized backing. very portable. May want to check with a local driving range. They may just give you an old one.
 
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
We use an old driving range mat. It’s 4x4 and weighs about 15 lbs. with a 3/4” rubberized backing. very portable. May want to check with a local driving range. They may just give you an old one.

Thanks for the tip! I like it!
 

JohnnyO

Began this habit in 1980
May 13, 2015
270
18
Midwest
Yes we just had our Pauly clinic and I rented thirty 4x6 entry way mats from my uniform supplier at work for the weekend. worked great and they are very flat and low, can roll up 4-5 of them together and still carry comfortably.
 
Nov 18, 2015
1,585
113
Sounds much easier than rolling up a pitching mat with a rubber attached.

(Makes me wonder "Why did I sign-up for winter clinic clean-up...")
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
I'm headed to the farm supply store to pick up some mat for a pitching lane and thought I'd pick up a section for a catcher. I usually luck out at gyms and can pull over entry mats for a catcher, but every once in a while that doesn't work out. Would a piece of 3/8x36x48 mat be good enough? Not sure I could transport anything bigger... Once concern is making sure the catcher sets up far enough forward to avoid the ball catching the front edge while still having enough mat left to for the knees when blocking. Any input is appreciated.

Be very careful with a catching mat if your are catching without gear. The front lip of a catchers mat can create some bad hops that lead to unplanned trips to the emergency room or dentist! I learned the hard way that I do not want anything in front of me that can cause bad bounces during bucket time...
 
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
Be very careful with a catching mat if your are catching without gear. The front lip of a catchers mat can create some bad hops that lead to unplanned trips to the emergency room or dentist! I learned the hard way that I do not want anything in front of me that can cause bad bounces during bucket time...

Gear is required. Definitely something we'll be aware of. The 3/8" is significant and can really alter the path. Plan is to make sure they set up close to the front edge so any balls on the ground will be blocked on the gym floor.
 

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