All About Batting Cages - Things to Consider

Backyard batting cages generally measure about 55 feet long by 14 feet wide by 12 feet high, but are also available in sizes 25 feet long by 12 feet wide by 11 feet high; and 35 feet long by 12feet wide and 10 feet high. Some portable type units are also easy to relocate and remove for the winter. Professional dimensions 70 feet long 25 feet wide by 14 feet high. Some frames utilize steel tubing, while others use conduit or PVC. Most popular appears to be galvanized steel tubing sometimes coated with an anti-corrosive material in black or dark green which also adds to the attractiveness of the cage. There is yet even a third of material that is often used for batting cage frames and that is treated 4 x 4 posts. This is your most cost effective material but also your most permanent from a structure standpoint due to the fact that you will want to put the posts in concrete. However, if you do choose to go the steel tubing route, some manufacturers allow for in ground or free standing frame solutions. So, if digging holes and pouring concrete is not part of your plan, you have some options.

The two kinds of material normally used in cage netting are nylon and polyethylene. Nylon is the strongest material used because its elasticity extends the life of the fiber. On the downside, nylon retains moisture and weakens when exposed to the sun. Also, consider the gauge of the net as it can help prolong the life - the thicker the better. Also, you'll see two types of mesh - square and diamond. Typically, the rule of thumb is that square mesh is a better quality and hangs better while the diamond pattern is cheaper but does not hang as nicely.

A pitching machine is a valuable training aid and comes in many various sizes, features and of course, price. One pitching machine made for the young players goes for under a hundred dollars but will pitch at about 25mph and even shoot out ground balls for infield practice. At the other end of the scale is a pro pitching machine that weighs in at around 600lbs., stores over 400 balls and throws at three different speeds, 45, 65, and in excess of 80mph. The price tag is in the neighborhood of three thousand dollars. Pitching machines are not an absolute necessity if your budget does not allow for this type of expense. You can still get maximum use from batting cages without one by putting into place effective hitting drills.

The L screen is actually just what its name says. It's a training tool used for safety more than anything else. They're used in Little League, all the way up to the majors. The screen is usually seen on the pitcher's mound in front of the pitcher, and it can be switched to accommodate a right hander or left hander. It's shaped just like an L so that the high end provides protection against those dangerous line drives and the low end of the L allows the pitcher to deliver his pitches while safeguarding against any injuries. This is an invaluable tool to have and really needs to be apart of your batting cage practice time. Another tool to use in home batting cages is the batting tee. A tee is a great way to work on the finer points of a swing and encourage repetition. Don't get trapped in the mindset that tees are only for beginners. Many professional hitters use it to improve their swing.