What Is a Fungo Bat? The Coach’s Secret Weapon for Better Fielding Practice

I’ll be honest. Until I started coaching at the higher levels, I never really paid much attention to the bat I used for defensive work. I’d grab the first bat off the rack, toss the ball into the air, and hit it where it needed to go. By the end of the season, I felt like I could hit a ball into a shirt pocket. 

But, as I moved up, the level of effort started to change (especially as the field go bigger), and as a result, my accuracy decreased. So, reluctantly, I moved to a fungo bat, and it honestly changed the way I coach. But what is a fungo bat? And why do I (and so many other coaches) swear by it? Let me explain. 

What is a Fungo Bat?

At the very basic level, a fungo bat is a specially designed bat used by coaches during fielding practice. Unlike the best game bats, fungo bats are longer, thinner, and significantly more light weight, making them easier to swing repeatedly without fatigue. They also have a bit more flex in the handle, which plays a role into their strength. 

Instead of hitting pitched balls, coaches toss the ball into the air and swing to hit ground balls, fly balls, or line drives to infielders and outfielders. Thanks to their lighter construction and slim barrel, fungo bats are designed to offer more control, better accuracy, and more reps—exactly what you need to sharpen your team’s defense.

But these bats are also longer, which gives the coach more leverage. And, with the flex in the handle, they can hit the ball further and faster with less effort. It’s a huge advantage over a traditional bat.

But, keep in mind that you CANNOT use a fungo bat in a game. One moderately hard-pitched ball would probably snap an average fungo in half. They’re just not built for actual hitting. 

Why Is It Called a Fungo?

I’ll be honest, I have no clue. Neither to most people. I did a bit of research and four that the term “fungo” has a mysterious origin, but some believe it stems from the Scottish verb fung, meaning “to fling.” Others think it’s old baseball slang handed down from the old game days. Wherever the word came from, it’s been a staple of practice routines for decades.

And it’s not just the bat we refer to with the term. When a coach hits “infield/outfield,” or “I/O,” we often refer to it as hitting “fungos.”

Why Coaches Use Fungo Bats

Fungo bats are used by coaches to streamline fielding drills during baseball and softball practice. And I promise they’re not just hype. They actually work. Here’s why they’re so essential:

• ✅ Control: Hitting pop flies or grounders to specific players is much easier with a fungo.
• ✅ Light weight: Less fatigue during long sessions of hitting balls across the field.
• ✅ More reps: Efficient fungo hitting means fielders get the reps they need to improve their skills and play (a huge part of why I switched to a fungo). 

Coaches can hit grounders to the infield, launch fly balls to the outfield, or fire baseballs to challenge players without the strain of swinging a game bat for hours. It makes a major difference. 

Types of Fungo Bats

From my experience, there are two main types of fungo bats:

• Wood Fungo Bat: Classic feel, often preferred by purists. Wood options vary in length, barrel size, and durability. A wood fungo bat is great for control and traditional feel. Wood is the most common fungo used for baseball. However, durability can be an issue, as wood fungos do split and crack over time like even the best wood bats (you’ll see most coaches tape theirs around the barrel to prevent it).
  • They’re typically made from ash or maple. Ash is more affordable and typically fine for fungos, but maple is more durable and adds a bit more pop. 
• Metal Bats: Lightweight and strong. While some prefer metal bats for their bounce and longevity, others stick with wood for better form and feedback. I’ve never used a metal or alloy fungo, but I could see why some coaches might prefer it. 

Most coaches instructing baseball and softball players at the higher levels use wood fungo bats during infield practice and outfield workouts, typically when working on glove work and footwork. Fungo bats are the perfect option for drills in both sports.

Fungo vs Traditional Bats

So how do fungo bats differ from traditional bats?

The goal of a fungo isn’t distance or power—it’s accuracy, control, and repetition.

Three Great Fungo Bat Options

When to Use a Fungo Bat

Honestly, I use a fungo EVERY time I hit to my players. Including:

• Running fielding drills with ground balls or fly balls
• Preparing infield or outfield units for game situations
• Trying to avoid fatigue from swinging metal bats during practice

Even softball coaches rely on fungos for controlled batting practice and fielding work despite the smaller field dimensions in softball. 

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, whether you’re coaching a youth league or leading a varsity squad, the fungo bat is one of the most underrated tools in your training kit. Useful in baseball and softball, the fungo helps coaches hit grounders and pop flies with precision, keeps arms fresh, and gets players more valuable reps during practice. Plus, it offers a handy kickstand for post-game breakdowns.