How to Build a Batting Cage

Baseball has for a long time been a favorite pastime in America. Since it is largely a game about hitting it is no surprise that batting cages are very useful for practicing your swing. Building a batting cage, whether for fun or for a business, is fairly easy to do.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Netting material (nylon is the most common)
• Adjustable aluminum tubes

1. Draw up some rough plans for the size and location of your batting cage. You also need to decide if you are going to be using a pitching machine or just a shield for the pitcher.

2. Decide on the type of flooring you want to use. For an outdoor batting cage, hard packed dirt works, but for an indoor or sturdier outdoor cage anything from concrete to stretched polypropylene works. If you are using concrete, you need to let it settle before finishing the rest of the cage. If you use polypropylene, lay it on the ground and wait for the frame.

3. Secure the aluminum poles that serve as the cage and insert them into or onto your flooring surface. Adjust them to your desired height and attach them to each other to form the frame.

4. Attach the netting that serves as the ceiling and walls to the erected frame. If you wish to make the entrance to the cage very simple, overlap the netting where the door will be. If you want a more complex door use some extra aluminum poles to fashion one.

5. Install either a pitching machine or pitcher's screen. Complete the finishing touches, such as attaching the floor if it is polypropylene. Double check the walls to ensure they are attached properly and then place a bat and helmet inside.