The Backyard Batting Cage

Batting cages are the answer to improving your hitting. So, what is the optimal length for an installed cage in your backyard? Typically, they come in a variety of lengths from 24 feet to 72 feet. The height and width are both 12 feet. The frame is constructed of steel and fiberglass to withstand strong winds and the weight of the net. On top of this is foam padding for extra protection. Over the cage frame hangs either the nylon or polyethylene netting.

Depending upon what size you think is appropriate for your needs the cost can be from around $200-$800. These cages can be used with any pitching machine but it is not a requirement. With a couple of people working this can be set up in less than an hour, no need to have it up at all times. In fact, taking the cage down during the off months could extend the life of the batting cage.

Benefits and Uses of Indoor Batting Cages

There are many uses and benefits of indoor batting cages. No matter where you live, you will have days when the weather makes it virtually impossible to practice hitting for your upcoming softball or baseball game. This is where the indoor batting cages come in and can give you the opportunity to work on your hitting skills.

The indoor batting cages can be helpful for all skill levels, as the speed of the ball can be adjusted to accommodate the skill level needed, if an automatic pitching machine is used. They can also be used for softball and baseball, again depending on the needs of the player. Indoor batting cages are usually made of net material that contain the balls batted in the area, making for easy retrieval of balls.

Facilities with indoor batting cages are available, and the automatic pitching machine should be available for those who desire to use it. Indoor batting cages can be bought for home use, if you prefer the convenience of practicing at home.

Used Batting Cages Are More Affordable

Young boys and girls spend much of their time outdoors practicing their baseball skills. That part is very enjoyable. The only annoying part is trying to find and collect all of the balls that have wandered around the yard. Batting cages are a great solution to this little dilemma. You get all of the fun with none of the work! You can find many new cages on the market. A lot of the time, however, they can be very pricey. When looking for used batting cages the bargains are aplenty. You will be able to find both netted and chain-link cages for a reasonable price and still get good usage.

A Cost Effective Batting Cage Frame

4 x 4 treated posts or heavy duty steel poles are excellent to use as batting cage frames. You want to make sure that they are at least 12 feet in height and that is why 4 x 4 posts are excellent. A lot of homemade cages use this type of frame. When placing the posts in the ground, you want to make sure you dig at least four or five feet in order to get below the frost line and cement them in place. You have to take in account the proper amount of space that the hitter is going to have to have when they are actually in the cage hitting and these posts will give you the strength needed to hold the net.

Take a look at this video. It has general pointers on batting cage construction:

Space Challenged - Take A Look At Portable Batting Cages

Batting cages are one of the best hitting tools for aspiring and established baseball players alike, but not everyone has the budget to make frequent trips to a commercial batting cage or the space to erect one of their own. However, for those who lack the space to construct a permanent batting cage in particular, a portable batting cage is the perfect alternative. A main feature to keep in mind is whether or not a batting cage is collapsible; many cages, although space-consuming while erected, can be collapsed to only take up a small amount of space when not in use. If it's not entirely collapsible, a key feature to look for is a back wheel that makes the batting cage easy to steer and move out of the way - this is especially important for batting cages used on-field for pre-game routines.

Take a look at the portable cage being constructed in this video: