By Abigail Gannaban · Last updated October 27, 2026
The 14U game before yours is in the fifth inning, and your infield is stuck on the grass behind the dugout. An assistant coach rolls The Varsity Multi Sport Ball Rebounder out of the van, tips the top of the net toward the players, and the shortstop starts fielding her own throws as ground balls while the second baseman waits her turn. That's what a ball rebounder solves at a tournament: real infield reps in the space and time you actually get.
Why do travel softball teams warm up off the field?
Travel teams warm up off the field because the field usually isn't theirs yet. Softball coach Cindy Bristow, writing for Softball Excellence, notes that youth teams often can't get on the field until the game before theirs ends, and that space and time shape every pregame plan. When there's no room to hit grounders, she suggests players pair up and roll them to each other. A ball rebounder takes the place of that partner, so both players get reps instead of one.
How do infielders use a ball rebounder before a game?
An infielder throws into the net and fields the return as a ground ball. Tipping the top of the net toward the player sends the ball back low. She works her feet, glove and transfer, then throws again with no coach hitting and no one shagging. Throwing from an angle sends the return off at the opposite angle, so a third baseman can move her feet sideways the way she will on a ball in the hole. Rotate positions every few minutes so the whole infield cycles through.
How does a ball rebounder move between fields?
The Varsity folds down, rolls on 10" spoked wheels and weighs 102 lbs. All Ball Pro designed it to fit in vans and large SUVs. The frame is galvanized, powder-coated steel, so a rainy Saturday morning isn't a problem. All Ball Pro builds ball rebounders for travel teams that train wherever the schedule sends them.
Which model fits a travel softball team?
The Varsity fits a team that travels with a van or large SUV, because its bigger net gives a whole infield a forgiving target. The Stinger X Multi Sport Ball Rebounder fits a team whose gear rides in a parent's car, since All Ball Pro designed the Stinger X to fit in most cars.
| The Stinger X | The Varsity | |
|---|---|---|
| Net frame | 3.5' x 3.5' | 5' x 5' |
| Weight | 76 lbs | 102 lbs |
| Screen positions | 3, plus tilt | 4, plus tilt |
| Fits in | Most cars | Vans and large SUVs |
Source: product pages, checked October 27, 2026.
How much target does the bigger model add for warm-up throws?
The Varsity's 5' x 5' net gives 25 sq ft of target, a little over twice the Stinger X's 12.25 sq ft (3.5' x 3.5'), for 26 more pounds. Pregame throws from 12- and 13-year-olds spray, and every throw that misses the net is a ball someone has to chase. With one unit for a whole infield, that extra target keeps the line moving.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use softballs on an All Ball Pro ball rebounder?
Yes. Softball is one of the five sports All Ball Pro builds its ball rebounders for, along with lacrosse, soccer, baseball and basketball.
Will a tournament let us set up a ball rebounder?
Ask the tournament director. Venues set their own warm-up rules, and many keep teams off the game field until the previous game ends.
Does a travel team need the biggest model?
No. The Stinger X and the Varsity both handle infield warm-ups. Pick by the vehicle that carries it and how big a target your players need.
Can the rebounder handle wet tournament mornings?
Yes. The galvanized, powder-coated steel frame is built for outdoor use. Dry it before it goes back in the van for the drive home.
A ball rebounder turns dead time on the grass into infield reps your players can run themselves. See the Varsity's full specs here.