How to Build a Softball Batting Cage

Softball is a game that requires a lot of practice time. For a softball player to hone his hitting mechanics, he needs to practice his hitting skills frequently. Batting cages allow for players to take batting practice without a field or an entire team behind them. If you are willing to put in some effort, you can make your own back yard softball batting cage. Having a batting cage at home will allow any softball player to increase his practice time and improve his hitting.

Things You'll Need

  • 4-inch by 4-inch wooden posts, 10-feet long; 6
  • 24 eye hooks
  • Netting material
  • Cement, 10-lb. bags; 6
  • Wire
  • Drill
  • Shovel
  • Level
  • Post hole diggers
  • Tape measure
  • Dirt rake
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Instructions

  1. Setting Up and Building the Batting Cage

    • 1

      Clear the area of any debris. Mow the grass and remove any small trees or bushes in the yard. Rake the area with a dirt rake until it is level.

    • 2

      Measure and mark six spots for the posts. Mark one post position; then mark another 25 feet way and a third spot at 50 feet. Repeat this process 8 feet away, so you have a parallel line, that forms a rectangular shape that is 50 feet long by 8 feet wide. The posts measured at 25 feet are for support.

    • 3

      Mix the six 10-pound bags of cement with the required water in a wheel barrow. Dig the post holes 2 feet deep. Place a post in each hole and hold each upright while a friend pours an equal amount of cement in the holes. Check the posts with a level to ensure they are straight. Pack dirt on top of the holes and allow the cement to dry overnight.

    • 4

      Drill holes on the inner side of each post, 6 inches from both the top and bottom. Screw the eye hooks into each hole. The eye hooks will support the netting material.

    • 5

      Hang the netting material. You will need enough netting to cover an area 50 feet long, 8 feet wide, and about 9 feet deep. Hang the netting material on each eye hook. Make sure the netting is spread out evenly and that it rests on the ground. This will ensure no balls slip underneath it during practice.

    • 6

      Tie the wire to one of the eye hooks at the top of a post. Feed or thread the wire through the top of the netting and through each eye hook, so it forms a supportive rectangle. This will prevent the netting from drooping. Tie the wire back to the starting point eye hook when you have finished, weaving it through the entire top of the netting.