How to Design a Softball Batting Cage

In order to perform at the best of their ability, it is important for softball players to take batting practice regularly. Hitters can work on hitting different types of pitches such as fastballs, rise balls and curve balls, while also honing their strike zone skills. Many recreational, high school and collegiate softball leagues have batting cages so that if a field is not available, hitters can still practice. Having a softball batting cage also spares players from having to field everything that is hit.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the material for the batting cage frame. Many batting cages are constructed out of metal poles. However, other materials such as wood and PVC pipe can be used. The metal poles will probably provide the longest-lasting, sturdiest structure, however, if the softball batting cage will need to be broken down at the end of a season, using PVC pipe might be more desirable.

    • 2

      Decide the size of the softball batting cage. A softball pitching mound is 45 feet from home plate. Designing a cage which is at least 60 to 70 feet in length will give you enough room to have a few extra feet at the back and front of the cage. The cage also needs to be wide enough that a player can comfortably swing a bat from each side of the plate. Softball bats range from about 26 to 36 inches, depending on the age of the player. This gives a swinging radius in the neighborhood of 6 feet. A cage which is at least 15 feet will give ample room for players.

    • 3

      Decide on the type of netting for the softball batting cage. Most batting cage netting is made out of nylon. Nylon will stand up well to the elements such as sun, wind, rain, snow and ice (if left out during the winter.) In general, the more expensive the netting, the stronger and thicker the nylon netting.

    • 4

      Include home plate and an "L" screen in your design plans. Place the home plate on end of the batting cage. If this is a permanent cage, you can dig and cement home plate into the ground. The "L" screen will be placed in front of the pitching machine and will protect it from getting hit by softballs.

    • 5

      Decide if you want to add any flooring to the batting cage. If this is a permanent cage which will be placed on a cement slab, or hard floor, consider adding an astroturf floor. This will keep the cement or floor in good condition. The astroturf can then be replaced every few years as it wears out.