How to Practice in a Batting Cage

A batting cage is an excellent tool to help you in batting practice. It offers convenience in that you will not have to chase balls all over the field. A batting cage also allows you to practice without fear of hitting a car or breaking a window. Here are some ideas that will help your practice before you step into a batting cage.

Instructions

1. Check the cage. It is important to make sure that your batting cage is safe and sturdy before you step in to start practice. Make sure that all of the joints and bars are secure enough that they won't fail if hit by a speeding line drive. Also be sure the net is intact and flexible. If your batting cage does not have UV protection, the net can become brittle and start falling apart.

2. Adjust the pitching machine. If you are using a pitching machine, be sure that it is set on a speed that is safe while being worthy for the drill you are doing. Also make sure that the pitching machine is the correct distance away and let it fire a few pitches before you step in to practice.

3. Get a live pitcher to throw you some pitches. You may think that a live pitcher in a batting cage won't work, but you can actually pull it off pretty easily. This is helpful because you can practice pitch reorganization and picking out balls and strikes, which is more realistic from a human pitcher. Make sure you have the necessary precautions, like an "L" screen, so that the pitcher will be safe in the cage.

4. Hit off a tee. According to MLB Hall of Fame player Tony Gwynn, hitting off a tee is one of the most effective ways to practice hitting. Set up a tee in the batting cage and work on your contact. If you want to try Gwynn's method, hit waffle balls off the tee. If you hit the ball correctly, it will act like a knuckleball with little to no spin and you can hear the air going through it. If you have lots of spin on the ball, make adjustments to correct your swing.

5. Practice with your normal drills. You probably won't be able to practice all of your drills but there are many you can do more efficiently in the batting cage.

6. Have a coach or trainer present to give you tips and make sure that everything is safe. While generally a batting cage is safe, there are still things that can go wrong so make sure you have someone on hand to supervise and help out if anything goes wrong.

7. Take a break and pick up balls. You will eventually run out of balls so you will have to pick them up and reset. This is a good time to take a break, get a drink or let someone else in the cage for a bit.