Practice Batting Cages

Since practice makes perfect, the only way to get good time saving batting practice is with a cage.  To find affordable backyard batting cages, here are some ideas that will help.

Backyards come in all different sizes and so do batting cages.  The size that works best for you depends on who will be using it, how much space you have, and if it will be permanent or just temporary.

Before you start, measure the area and draw a simple scale plan that shows the house and yard.  It will help greatly if you have a survey or plat prepared by a surveyor when you bought the house.  Plats are to scale and may be needed for approvals, as we will discuss later.

First, you must study your yard and decide how much space you can use that will not interfere with other requirements for the area.  Remember, constant hitting from the same spot will cause the grass to be worn down, maybe a low spot to develop, and a mud hole when it rains or you water the lawn.  Consider some options to protect the ground in the batters box area and you will get more use of your batting cage.

Once you have determined the available space, you can now consider the clearances needed to setting up and anchoring the sections along with where the stiffening cables will be set.  This is a very important area for you to analyze since mowing and obstructing other activities will come into play.  If you family uses the area for other play activities, the cables tied to stakes like a tent being tied back can cause tripping hazards and you may want to consider other type frame post that can be set in sleeves for temporary, or concrete for permanent batting cages.

The last consideration needed in studying your yard is your local building codes and homeowners association approvals.  Note that some codes and bylaws require approval and may restrict where you can place a batting cage due to it being visible to neighbors.  Take your time and do your homework will help you have the right questions to ask when shopping and it will give you the confidence to know your investment will serve you well.

After your yard assessment, the next step is finding good old shopping to determine what style cage will fit your area.  Cages come in sections for ease of shipping and installations and it is important to determine what sizes and sections area available including anchoring cable length that will fit your area.

Now the affordable part comes into play.  Just how much do you want to spend?  Basic kits start around $130 for a 12ft L x 12ft W x 10ft H unit with fiberglass frame, 1 ¼ in dura-poly netting, ground stakes, support ropes, which are easy to erect.  For $1,500 to $1,800 you can get a kit that is around 65ft L x 11ft W x 11ft H.  If you really want to save money, order the net from one of the specialty companies and shop locally for the frame material and anchoring cables.  Be sure to double check the size of netting and how it is supported before buying the frame material.  Many companies have drawings that will help you plan your do-it-yourself project.

With a little time and study, you will be able to get that batting cage for the investment you want to make and have a good dependable place to practice with family and friends.  Adding a pitching machine is the logical next step if you do not have plenty of dependable pitchers around your house.  An affordable backyard batting cage is possible that will make you, your son or daughter, or team a big hit at the next big game.

Batting cage frames come in all shapes and sizes.  With so many options on the market, you might be thinking where do I begin? The goal of this article is to help you determine the types of frames available and what to consider when deciding the type of frame to use.

When choosing the type of frame for building backyard batting cages there are several factors that you will need to consider.

1. How much space do you have available?
Try not to let space limit you in your decision to build a cage. A 70 foot length cage would be nice but if you do not have that kind of space don’t sweat it. Even in the tightest of spaces, a cage can be constructed and effectively used with proper equipment and practice drills.

2. Do you want a permanent structure or a cage that can be disassembled?
Permanent structures are one way to go but you may want to break down the cage in the off season or maybe you would like to consider a portable cage in order to carry it to tournaments for your team to use.

3. What is your budget?
Ultimately, it all comes down to how much you have available to spend.

Your options are endless, however, your answers above will best determine the type of frame that you have available to choose from with 3 types of frames being at the top of the list.

Types of batting cage frames

Galvanized steel
There are many types of frames that are commonly used with the most common being galvanized steel tubing which is typically the most expensive option. Galvanized steel will provide the most stability and be able to bear the most weight. Several galvanized steel systems available suggest putting PVC tubing in the ground as sleeves to hold the steel tubing up-right thus providing a breakdown or portable option.

PVC Tubing
A cheaper option is using a PVC type material. Only use this type of frame if your budget is very restricted as it tends to sag with the weight of the net.

Wood
Another viable option is 4 x 4 treated posts. In reality, this is probably the most cost effective approach while providing the stability to handle the weight of a net. This option also is more permanent as you’ll want to put the posts in concrete.

No matter what type of frame you choose for building your batting cage, the net that you ultimately go with will weigh between 200 to 400 lbs and sometimes more depending on the gauge of the net so the frame needs to be able to support the weight.

One last thing, don’t forget the hardware:

• concrete (for use on permanent structures)
• cabling in order to hang or suspend the net
• hooks and clips to attach the net to the frame