Rebounder angles explained
A rebounder returns the ball at the angle the net faces. Change the angle and you change the ball: the same throw comes back as a grounder, a line drive or a fly ball. FLYNX locks into three positions, and each one is a different kind of practice.
Angle 1 — low, for grounders
The net leans toward the thrower. A firm throw hits the upper half of the net and comes back down into the grass, and the distance you stand at decides the hop: from 15 ft you get a short hop, from 25 ft a longer one that has time to skip. Throw a foot off-center to get backhands and forehands. This is the angle young players start on, because the ball stays low and slows in the grass.
Angle 2 — upright, for line drives
The net stands square to the thrower and the ball comes back at the height and roughly the speed it went in. From 20 ft that is a line drive; from 15 ft at soft-toss speed it is a hands drill. It is also the angle for throwing accuracy, because a throw at the yellow square comes straight back to the thrower — the net is the catcher. It is the angle to respect: keep to the distances on the practice page, and players under ten stay on angles 1 and 3.
Angle 3 — laid back, for fly balls
The net leans away from the thrower. A firm, slightly upward throw goes up and comes down in front of the net; the harder and higher the throw, the deeper the fly ball. From 30 ft the player gets a drop-step read; from 35 ft an over-the-shoulder catch. It is the angle that gives outfielders the reps a game of catch rarely does.
Switching
Loosen the angle lock, move the frame to the next position, lock it. Check it is tight before the first throw, and it holds through the whole session.