Fungo
A lightweight practice bat used by coaches to hit ground balls and fly balls during fielding drills. Longer and thinner than a game bat, designed for repetitive, accurate hitting.
Example Usage
“Coach grabbed the fungo bat and started hitting grounders to the infielders.”
Fungo
A fungo (or fungo bat) is a specialized practice bat used by coaches to hit ground balls, fly balls, and line drives during fielding drills. The word can refer to both the bat itself and the act of hitting with it ("hitting fungoes").
What Makes a Fungo Different
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Fungo Bat | Game Bat |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 35-37 inches | 30-34 inches |
| Weight | 17-22 ounces | 27-32 ounces |
| Barrel | Thin, elongated | Thick, standard |
| Handle | Extra long | Standard |
Why the Design Matters
- Lightweight: Coaches can hit hundreds of balls without fatigue
- Long barrel: Easier to make contact when tossing to yourself
- Thin profile: Better control for placing balls precisely
How to Hit Fungoes
The Self-Toss Technique
- Hold bat in dominant hand, ball in the other
- Toss ball 12-18 inches in front of you
- Swing with a controlled, compact motion
- Contact at waist height for grounders, higher for fly balls
Ground Ball Technique
- Aim for the top half of the ball
- Shorter, downward swing
- Control the speed, hard grounders vs. slow rollers
Fly Ball Technique
- Toss slightly higher
- Get under the ball
- Follow through high for distance
Common Fungo Drills
Infield Practice
- Routine grounders to each position
- Backhand and forehand work
- Slow rollers for charging
- Double play feeds
Outfield Practice
- Fly balls for drop steps
- Line drives for reading the ball
- Gap balls for communication
- Do-or-die throws
Choosing a Fungo Bat
Materials
- Wood: Traditional feel, more control
- Aluminum: More durable, easier pop
- Composite: Lightweight, consistent
Size Recommendations
| Coach Role | Recommended Length |
|---|---|
| Infield coach | 35" (more control) |
| Outfield coach | 36-37" (more distance) |
| Youth coach | 35" (versatility) |
Tips for New Coaches
- Start slow: Control matters more than power
- Use a bucket: Set up for rapid-fire reps
- Move around: Hit from different spots for variety
- Practice your toss: Consistent toss = consistent contact
Etymology
The origin of "fungo" is uncertain. Some theories suggest it comes from:
- The Scottish word "fung" meaning to toss
- An old game where players yelled "fun go!" before hitting
- A corruption of "fun" combined with "go"
Regardless of origin, it's been baseball terminology for over 100 years.
Youth Baseball Note
For young teams, hitting accurate fungoes is a key coaching skill. Many youth coaches find it challenging at first, practice your fungo hitting before the season starts!
Related Terms
Batting Practice
Pre-game or practice session where hitters take swings against easy pitches, working on timing, mechanics, and building confidence before games.
Fly Ball
A batted ball hit high into the air, traveling in an arc toward the outfield, can result in outs, home runs, or sacrifice flies depending on depth and context.
Ground Ball
A batted ball that hits the ground in the infield before reaching an outfielder, typically the result of contact on the top half of the ball.
Soft Toss
A batting drill where a partner tosses balls underhand from the side at a 45-degree angle, allowing hitters to focus on mechanics and contact.
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