Practicing alone means stopping all the time.
You hit for a minute, then stop to shag the balls and set the machine up again.
Those breaks eat into the time you have for hitting.
Our auto-return nets are built to cut the time spent shagging balls, so more of each session goes into your swing.
| Contents |
| What Is Baseball Samurais? |
| Why Choose an Auto-Return Net and Toss Machine? |
| How the Auto-Return System Works |
| What to Know Before You Buy |
| Which Auto-Return Set Is Right for You? |
What Is Baseball Samurais?
We're the North American brand from Field Force, a Japanese baseball equipment maker.
Field Force builds training gear around specific problems players run into, from making consistent contact to getting more out of practice alone.
Our product development and facility teams work together, so what players experience at our training facilities feeds back into the gear.
We also make Glom, a glove brand finished one glove at a time by Japanese craftsmen.
Why Choose an Auto-Return Net and Toss Machine?
Our auto-return net and toss machine sets are among the best sellers in our store.
The idea is simple: more swings, fewer interruptions, even when you're on your own.
What Changes When You Stop Shagging Balls
In solo practice the time between swings adds up. Shagging balls and reloading the machine eat into your hitting time.
Each trip out to the net also breaks your rhythm. When the balls come back on their own, you can stay with the next toss.
A partner can feed you, but a partner isn't always free. A toss machine gives you another way to get the reps in.
The system is built to give you more reps on your own and less time spent shagging balls.
How the Auto-Return System Works
The Hit, Return, Toss Cycle
It's a net and a toss machine working as one set.
A ball hit into the net rolls down the angled catching surface, drops through the opening at the bottom, and feeds straight back into the machine. The machine sends out the next ball.
When a ball is caught and returned, the hit, return, and toss cycle keeps repeating, so you can stay set for the next swing.
Matching toss machines are also sold separately.
Use 1: Continuous Soft Toss Practice
1. Set up the net and its matching toss machine.
On the two perforated-ball models, attach only one of the two ball rails when the machine is used with the net. On the hardball model, remove the machine's ball rail. Follow the setup instructions for your model.
2. Load the balls and switch the machine on.
Each model uses its own designated ball.
3. Hit the toss into the net.
Aim for the center and get set for the next ball.
4. Let the system reload.
Balls that reach the return opening roll back to the machine. Balls that miss the net still have to be collected by hand.
Aim to drive the ball back toward the middle of the net.
That gives you a clear target while you work on consistent contact.
A ball that misses the catching surface won't come back. A missed return doesn't always mean a poor swing, though: a new net can be too taut for the ball to roll back smoothly.
If balls stop returning, check the net and machine setup and follow your model's troubleshooting steps before you start changing your swing.
Use 2: Change the Toss Height
The two perforated-ball models, the Compact Auto-Return Set and the Auto-Return Set, adjust the toss height across four levels.
Changing the height lets you work on contact at different points in the zone. Start somewhere comfortable, then move it to suit what you're training.
On both of these models the listed maximum toss distance is about 6.6 feet (2 meters). Leave room for the setup and for a full swing.
Use 3: It Works for Pitching Too
Can you use it for throwing as well as hitting? On some models, yes.
The Auto-Return Set for Hard Balls and the Softball Auto-Return Net Set both support batting and pitching. The two perforated-ball models are for batting only.
Here's how pitching practice works.
1. Set the net up for pitching.
The toss machine isn't used for this drill. Follow the instructions for your model.
2. Put a basket under the return opening.
Balls caught by the net collect there.
3. Keep a supply of the right balls within reach and throw into the net.
4. When you run out, pick up the whole basket.
No collecting one ball at a time.
The net gathers the balls in one place, which makes collection between rounds quicker. It doesn't throw pitched balls back to you.
Both models are made mainly for outdoor use. Pick a space with room for the drill and clearance around the net.
What to Know Before You Buy
Use the right balls.
The perforated-ball models need their designated practice balls.
The hardball model takes regulation baseballs, and the softball model takes 11-inch or 12-inch softballs.
Allow time for assembly.
The perforated-ball nets need no tools and usually take 15–30 minutes the first time, or about 10 minutes once you know the steps.
The hardball and softball models also take about 15–30 minutes at first and can be assembled in as little as 5 minutes with practice.
Choose AC power or batteries.
Every machine-and-net set includes an AC adapter.
The perforated-ball machines take four D-cell batteries and the hardball and softball machines take eight. Batteries are sold separately.
These details apply to the machine, not to the softball net-only option.
Check the conditions outdoors.
Lightweight perforated balls blow around in wind.
Keep those sets out of the rain, and don't leave them outside permanently.
Weigh down the hardball and softball frames when you need to, and stop using them in strong wind or rain.
Give a new net time to settle.
A net that is too tight can interfere with the ball return.
If balls aren't feeding back smoothly, follow the troubleshooting steps for your model.
Which Auto-Return Set Is Right for You?
The right setup puts more of your practice time into hitting and less of it into shagging balls.
For batting, the net and its matching toss machine keep returned balls cycling back through. For pitching on a supported model, the net gathers balls into a basket.
There are four auto-return sets.
Start with the ball you want to use and the space you have, then pick the model that supports the drills you plan to run.
For Indoor Batting with Perforated Balls
Compact Auto-Return Set for Perforated Balls.
The smallest net in the range, made for batting with the dedicated perforated balls.
The net is about 4.8 feet wide, 2.1 feet deep, and 6.7 feet tall. Check your ceiling height and leave extra room for the machine, the batter, and a full swing.
Indoors, keep everyone else clear of the swing area, and have an adult nearby when a younger player is hitting.
Best for: hitters working with limited indoor space.
For a Larger Perforated-Ball Setup
The larger perforated-ball model, with a net about 7.9 feet wide, 3.4 feet deep, and 9.8 feet tall. The bigger catching surface covers more of what you hit, including ground balls and higher hits. Batting only.
Best for: players with room for a full-size net.
For Batting and Pitching with Regulation Baseballs
Auto-Return Set for Hard Balls.
Built for regulation baseballs, this model supports auto-return batting practice and pitching practice, with a collection basket under the net. It's made mainly for outdoor use.
Best for: older players training with hardballs outdoors.
If You Practice with Softballs
Works with 11-inch and 12-inch softballs and supports both batting and pitching. Choose the machine-and-net set, or the net-and-frame option if you already own the matching Softball Toss Machine. The machine delivers a game-like toss rather than the high arc used in slowpitch.
Best for: softball players who want one setup for hitting and throwing.
Spec Comparison
The specs below are for the machine-and-net sets. The compact set includes four perforated balls; the larger set includes six.
| Model | Ball | Practice | Net size (W × D × H) | Weight (net / machine) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Compact Auto-Return Set |
Perforated balls (4 included) | Batting | 4.8 × 2.1 × 6.7 ft | 8.3 lbs / 8.6 lbs |
|
Auto-Return Set |
Perforated balls (6 included) | Batting | 7.9 × 3.4 × 9.8 ft | 11.9 lbs / 8.6 lbs |
|
Auto-Return Set for Hard Balls |
Regulation baseballs (sold separately) | Batting and pitching | 6.7 × 2.7 × 7.9 ft | 20.9 lbs / 6.4 lbs |
|
Softball Auto-Return Net Set |
11-inch or 12-inch softballs (sold separately) | Batting and pitching | 6.8 × 2.7 × 7.8 ft | 21 lbs / 9.5 lbs |
Start with the ball type, check the space you have, and pick the model that fits the way you want to practice. The sizes above are the net's own dimensions, not the total space a session needs.