Top 5 Tips To Hit Fly Balls With A Fungo Bat

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of hitting fly balls, let's get one thing straight: fungo bats aren't your typical baseball bat. Crafted for precision and ease, these lighter, longer bats are designed specifically for coaches to use during practice. They're perfect for hitting practice fly balls high into the sky, giving fielders the reps they need to effectively track flyballs in the air. While it may seem like a simple task, hitting quality fielding practice can be tougher than it looks. To help any parents or coaches looking to provide better practices for their team, the Bat Experts at JustBats have broken down the tips on how to hit a fly ball with a fungo below. Let's get started. 

Tips On How To Hit A Fly Ball

Grip It Right: The Foundation of Your Swing

The grip is where your journey begins. Wrap your hands around the bat like you're shaking hands with an old friend — firm but not too tight. Your stance should be comfortable and balanced, feet shoulder-width apart. This isn't about power; it's about finesse and control.

The Wind-Up: Building Momentum

This is where the magic starts. With your fungo bat in hand, load more of your weight onto your back foot. You're coiling up, ready to unleash the potential energy stored in your muscles. Remember, this isn't a full swing; it's a calculated movement designed to give you enough power to hit a proper flyball. You are not swinging for the fences here.

The Swing: Where Precision Meets Power

As you initiate the swing, lead with your hips while keeping your hands back. Let your natural athletic ability take over. Remember to swing “up” on the ball hitting the underside. Make good contact and the ball will fly into the outfield.

Follow Through

Don't stop once you've made contact. The follow-through is just as important as the swing itself. Continue the motion, allowing the bat to finish high. This ensures the ball gets the lift it needs and helps prevent any strain on your muscles.

Practice Makes Perfect

Hitting a fly ball with a Fungo bat is an art form, that requires patience, practice, and a touch of flair. Repetition is key to honing the skill of hitting a flyball. It may not come naturally at first, but after a couple of rounds of practice, you’ll have it down.

Can I use a regular bat instead of a fungo bat for flyball practice?

While you can use a regular baseball bat or softball bat, a fungo bat is designed for this specific purpose. Its lighter weight and longer design make it easier to control and less tiring to use over extended periods.

How do I avoid popping up the ball too much?

Focus on hitting the lower half of the ball with a smooth, level swing. Adjusting your stance, drop your shoulder and, commit to your swing. Once you find the right swing and self-toss combination the rest will take care of itself.

Is there a specific type of fungo bat that's best for hitting fly balls?

The longer the better. While each coach will have different preferences when it comes to their fungo bat, the longer fungos (36” or more) are specifically designed to be used to hit flyballs. 

Now that you know what it takes to effectively hit flyballs with a fungo bat, be sure to swing by JustBats. We offer a full selection of baseball and softball bats along with a variety of different types of fungos. If you ever need help deciding which bat is right for you, give us a call or text 866-321-2287, shoot us an email at experts@justbats.com, or live chat with a Bat Expert. We’re JustBats and we’re with you from click to hit!