Choosing the right catching mitt can make fielding practice safer, faster and more productive—whether you're coaching juniors, training club players, or building a kit for weekend nets. These recommendations are based on extensive research, hands-on testing of fit and durability, and review of expert and consumer feedback.
How we tested and selected
- Real-world drills: We used each product in standard catching drills (fierce bowling, high catches, and quick-transfer drills) to assess protection, ball control, and comfort.
- Durability checks: We inspected materials, stitching and wrist fastening under repeated catches and throws.
- Comfort & fit: We evaluated wrist straps, padding distribution and hand mobility for different hand sizes.
- Expert and user feedback: We cross-referenced coach recommendations and verified common consumer issues (break-in time, sizing problems, and wear patterns). These steps prioritized safety, usability in coaching environments, and long-term value.
Side-Arm Ball Thrower
A shoulder-friendly, handheld throwing tool designed to speed up repetition during practice. Lightweight and affordable, it's a smart budget choice for coaches and parents wanting to deliver consistent, high-velocity feeding without tiring the arm—ideal when mitts are paired for catching drills.
Why this works as a budget training tool
Although not a traditional catching mitt, this side-arm ball thrower is a very affordable way to increase repetition and speed in fielding practice. Key points:
- Lightweight, shoulder-friendly design reduces coach fatigue during long sessions.
- Works with leather, softball and tennis balls for varied net work.
- Fast to operate—helps players face consistent pace in catching drills.
Who it's for: coaches and parents on a tight budget who need a reliable, low-cost ball feeding solution to pair with catching mitts during practice.
FORTRESS Catching Mitt
A baseball-style catching mitt built for heavy-duty fielding practice. Constructed from synthetic leather with an adjustable wrist strap, it minimizes hand injury risk while providing secure catches—suitable for senior players and coaches who demand durability and protection.
Premium protection for serious practice
This premium-style mitt is designed to absorb high-impact catches while keeping the hand secure. Standout features include:
- High-quality synthetic leather for improved longevity and easier maintenance than untreated leather.
- Robust padding and a baseball-style pocket that lets you catch fiercely struck balls with confidence.
- Adjustable wrist strap for a snug fit and reduced wrist movement on impact.
Technical notes: The senior size provides broad coverage; synthetic materials make it less temperamental in wet conditions. Ideal for coaches and senior players who want a durable, protective mitt for high-velocity work.
Side-Arm Ball Thrower
An economical training aid that accelerates practice throughput without heavy wear on the coach. Its simple, shoulder-friendly lever is great for feeding tennis, softball and leather balls—an excellent complement to catching mitts for skill repetition and reaction work.
Exceptional practice value
For the price, this throwing tool delivers outsized benefits to team and individual training: it multiplies repetitions, is low maintenance and compatible with multiple ball types. Pros:
- Very budget-friendly compared to electronic feeders or multiple throwers.
- Reduces coach fatigue, enabling longer, consistent drills.
- Simple construction means fewer failure points.
Limitations: Not a substitute for a catching mitt—its role is to improve feeding consistency. Best used alongside a proper glove or mitt for catch practice.
FORTRESS Catching Mitt
A reliable, coach-grade catching mitt that balances protection, fit and durability. The adjustable strap and synthetic leather construction reduce wrist strain and resist wear—making it a strong editor-recommended choice for sustained training cycles.
Editor's pick for rounded performance
This mitt earned the editor's nod for delivering consistent protection and durability with few compromises. Highlights:
- Ergonomic pocket geometry and padding absorb impact and guide the ball into the glove.
- Adjustable wrist strap increases retention and comfort across users.
- Synthetic leather offers predictable break-in and lower long-term upkeep.
Potential drawbacks: As a synthetic mitt, it lacks the traditional feel of premium leather gloves and may require some time to form to the user's hand. Still, its ease of care and protective design make it a reliable everyday training mitt.
Comparison overview — quick take
- Best overall protection & durability: FORTRESS Catching Mitt — robust padding, wrist strap, and synthetic leather. Best for coaches and senior players.
- Best budget training tool: Side-Arm Ball Thrower — not a mitt, but an affordable way to increase practice repetitions and reduce coach fatigue.
- Best value: Side-Arm Ball Thrower — very low cost for big training returns.
- Editor-favorite: FORTRESS Catching Mitt — balances protection, fit and maintenance.
At-a-glance differences:
- FORTRESS Mitt (28.99): protective, glove-style design, adjustable strap — focused on catching and impact mitigation.
- Side-Arm Thrower (17.99): feeding tool for practice throughput — complements, does not replace, a mitt.
Final recommendation
If your primary goal is safer, high-velocity catching practice, the FORTRESS Catching Mitt is the clear recommendation: it offers dependable protection, an adjustable fit, and durable synthetic construction suited to regular coaching use. If you're building practice volume on a tight budget, the Side-Arm Ball Thrower is a useful, low-cost supplement to accelerate repetitions and reduce coach fatigue—but remember it’s a feeder, not a glove.
Our conclusions are based on hands-on drill testing, material and fit assessments, and a synthesis of expert and consumer feedback. Choose the mitt if you need protection and long-term training durability; choose the thrower if your priority is high-volume, affordable practice feeding.