batting cage advice?

Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch

Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web.

Feb 20, 2018
1
0
Indiana
A little background. I coach 10U at the rec and assist at the travel ball level. Recently talked the DW in to allowing me to build a batting cage on the back of our lot, parallel to the field for DD1 (age 9 aspiring pitcher), DD2 (age 4 1st yr rec ball), and DS1 (age 3 t-ball). I have about 60' of flat ground to build, however 12' wide is a stretch. Probably need to go 10' or cut down a beloved ornamental tree.

I'm seeking advice from anyone else who has done something like this. I'm thinking a 55' long net is plenty for our purposes. 10' high and 10' wide. I've seen 2 piece nets that are 55x10x10 about 40-50 dollars cheaper than a one piece net of the same dimensions and grade of material. This would be from networld.

I intend to use a total of 8 4x4 treated posts. From there, I have of course perused google and read about a large variety of different ways I can theoretically do this. My main objectives are to have a structure that will remain standing and useful (with regular mainentance) for up to 20 years (my youngest son is 3). My next objective is to remain in budget. $800 total for everything, including a sling style pitching machine.

Please respond with any helpful information, and/or sources for materials etc. Thanks!

Coach Moose.
 
Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
I have a full cage in my back yard 55'L x 12'T x 14'W
I wouldn't recommend 4x4 as your uprights... 6x6 would be way better. However, If you check with a local fencing company, 2-1/2'' fence posts are a better option for your uprights (buried 3' deep with 1 bag of quick crete on the corners and a half bag on the middle uprights), then use 1-5/8'' top rails as bracing. Just simply attach them half way up the up rights at a 45 degree angle back into the ground. This will prevent any bowing inward of the 4 end posts. No way $800 will cover you... Will be more like $1500... Skip the machine for now, buy a front toss screen instead. My basement cage is only 10' wide and it's impossible to switch sides without moving the plate over... Not a big deal on turf. If you're outside you'll want a permanent home plate buried. Get a 12' wide cage minimum
 
Last edited:
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
10 x 10 is the minimum I would recommend for height and width.

Good luck with your budget. I spent a little over $1000 on our small backyard cage. It's 10 x 10 x 30, and didn't include a pitching machine.
 
Oct 13, 2017
90
18
I just put up a 12 x 12 x 70. Came in a kit from netsandmore.com. Cost was approx. 1900 (including a pitching L). Working well so far.




Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Question...

DD has a pitching thing at home, she can pitch without anyone if she wants.

Should the same be said for batting cage?
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
I just put up a 12 x 12 x 70. Came in a kit from netsandmore.com. Cost was approx. 1900 (including a pitching L). Working well so far.




Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

That's a big cage! Can we come play at your house? :D
 
Dec 11, 2010
4,713
113
https://www.battingcagesinc.com/shop/batting-cages/batting-cage-nets/kvx200-42/

I just bought this one in 12x12x55 in the fall. I had a light duty one before, this one is heavy duty. Because the net is heavy I can get it closer to my ceiling and a wall. I shopped pretty hard, this seemed like a good deal and has a door. Keep in mind if you buy a 10’ High cage, you won’t get a full 10’ of height. It will sag. The saggy spots will prevent throwbacks to pitcher and playing catch if you ever want to do that. Also, you want spare length on side panels to sit on the floor/ground or balls will get out under it and if it’s outside a breeze will lift it off the ground. Mine is indoors, my ceiling is only 10’ but I still bought a 12’ tall cage for that reason. It works well.

Coach James is right: 10’ wide will mean that you can’t have right handlers and left handlers practice without moving the plate back and forth. It is ok at first but it gets old fast. Sorry about the tree, you’ll have to find a way to make that up to her, lol

A batting cage is easily the best money I ever spent on softball. Have fun with it!

Also, search batting cage, baseball and softball on Craigslist. There is some really nice equipment for sale pretty cheap.
 
Last edited:
Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
I'm pretty sure quality time with your 3 kids outweigh a tree... Kids are beloved...not trees. Get a chainsaw. Lol
The net company I've used a few time is netsofamerica.com they have a decent selection of prefab tunnels, or they'll custom make one to your specs
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
42,830
Messages
679,481
Members
21,445
Latest member
Bmac81802
Top