What is a batting cage?
A batting cage is an enclosed area that is used by softball or baseball players to practice their batting skills. These cages are made of nets and they are rectangular.
Batting cages are suitable for professionals as well as little leaguers who want to improve on their hitting. However, these cages should be spacious enough to provide space for practice as well as for important baseball equipment. How wide should a batting cage be? Check out this guide to know the best measurements a good batting should have.
How do batting cages work?
Batting cages are supposed to be used by two people at a time. A batter stands on one side of the cage and a pitcher (or a pitching machine operator) on the other side. The pitching machine or the pitcher pitches balls to the batter who responds by hitting them.
What is a good size for a batting cage?
The average batting cage side should be 12 to 14 feet wide and 30-75 feet long. However, a perfect batting cage should be 70 feet long. Such dimensions of a batting cage provide ample space for storing equipment like portable mounds, ball carts, machines, etc. It also creates enough space between the batter and the pitcher.
Height – Batting cages should be at least 12 feet high. This will provide enough space for sagging the netting on the ground to enclose balls. The taller the batting cage the better.
How wide is a batting cage?
In case the players are less than 6 feet tall, a cage with a width of 12 feet will be ideal. However, a 14 feet wide cage will be the best since it can be used by players of different sizes. A wide cage provides enough space for the batter to swing. It also makes it easy for batters to run around.
Is 10 feet wide enough for a batting cage?
A 10 feet batting cage might not be comfortable for some players. The most appropriate width should be 12-14 feet wide.
What kind of balls do batting cages use?
In batting cages, dimple rubber balls are the most preferred. This is because they are usually harder, heavier and more compressed than real baseballs. The added weight and density create more stress on the bat, especially the barrel part.
Do batting cages use real baseballs?
Batting cages balls are usually made for pitching machines. As a result, they have a rugged construction to enhance durability. Their materials vary according to the manufacturer but most of them are made using high-grade polyurethane foam. They are yellow to boost visibility. Some manufacturers put a full-grain leather cover at the rubber center to make them appear like real baseballs.
Do batting cages balls ruin bats?
Even if the balls used in batting cages are usually heavier, harder and more rugged than the ordinary baseballs, they do not damage the bats. Instead, they leave dimpled scuffs or marks on the barrel.
Do you need a helmet for batting cages?
Every batter should wear a batting helmet when playing or entering the cage. The cage should have only two people at a time. These two people are the batter and the pitching machine operator.
How long should a backyard batting cage be?
The average batting cage length should be 70 feet long. Such a cage will provide enough space between the batter and the pitcher or pitching machine.
How do you install a backyard batting cage?
Before you get ready to install a batting cage in your backyard, you must ensure that you have enough space for the structure. You need to take the measurements of your preferred area where you are planning to install the unit. Compare that with the size of the batting cage you want to set up to see if you have the required space. Once you are set, you can now start the process.
Make sure you have the necessary items you will require during installation. They include;
- 4 to 6 strong posts (3 to 4 inches in width and 13’ to 15’ long).
- Heavy-duty netting– Choose according to the dimensions of the cage.
- Clips and eye bolts for netting
- Post connectors such as anchor bolts, screws, etc.
- Shovel for digging holes
- Wheelbarrow for mixing the cement
- 4 bags of cement
- Pitching machine ( optional)
- Home plate ( optional)
Steps to follow
- Connect 2 eyebolts to the top of every post. Makes sure that each eye bolt is facing across from the corresponding post. One should be put across the width while the other one across the length of your cage)
- Dig 4 holes for the posts and ensure that they are at least 2 feet deep.
- Mix the cement and put it around each post. Allow the cement to harden before you drape the net starting from the top of the posts.
How do you install a batting cage net?
- Extend the netting down uniformly across the 4 walls of your cage. Make sure that you are using heavy-duty batting cage hangers such as the Select Batting Cage Net Hangers- Pack of 25.
- Allow about 1-3 feet of the extra netting to sag around the perimeter of your batting cage.
- Connect the netting to each eye bolt. You should do this carefully not to overstretch the netting because this might cause hard-hit baseballs to bounce back which is dangerous.
- You can now add the extra items on the cage such as pitching machine, L-screen, home plate, etc.
How do you put a batting cage in a basement?
Installing a batting cage in a basement is easy since you just need to drill a few hook screws on the exposed rafters. After this, you can hang the net and start using the cage. Such a setup is easy to install and remove when you don’t need it.
If there are no exposed rafters, you can install some overhead cable lines. When doing this, you need to ensure that these cable lines are at least 1 foot away from the ceiling and at least 3 ½ feet from the lighting.
How much is an outdoor batting cage?
The price of an outdoor batting cage varies according to the size. You can still find affordable batting cages for below $300. Most of them are available in different sizes meaning that you can choose the most suitable for your requirements. Gagalileo Baseball Batting Cage and ANYTHING SPORTS Full 40 and 60-Foot Batting Cages are among the best.
What age is good for batting cages?
Batting cages are suitable for all players from 6 years old to those at Major League Level. These cages are available in different sizes. A 25 mph cage will be suitable for 6 to 8-year-old players while a 38mph cage will be a great choice for 9 to 11 years old. Players who are 10 to 12 years old should use a 45 mph cage while a 55 mph cage is the best for 12 to 14 years old. A 65mph cage is the best for adult players or those in colleges.
Conclusion: How wide is a Batting Cage?
In case you would like to improve your hitting skills, installing a batting cage in your backyard will be very helpful. These cages allow batters to practice how to hit the balls that are normally pitched by a machine or a human pitcher. However, they are some specific measurements you need to consider to ensure that you can enjoy practicing. A good batting cage should be 14 feet wide, 12 feet high and 70 feet long. We have outlined a step-by-step guide that you should follow during installation. You also need to ensure that you have enough space where the cage will fit.
