No shame on the bucket people, but count me in for a short stool or the like. It allows for the feet to be protected by the shin guards and I can get to anything I want to. I agree with the people who say the bucket target is too high. Yes you can lower it, but I feel my target on the short stool is a better start.Once my daughter (10U) is taller, I'm not sure I'd care as much, but sitting on a bucket puts me quite high relative to her height and to batters strike zones at that age. I just think a small stool makes more sense.