1. Batting cages allow teams and players to practice their hitting even with conditions such as limited space or bad weather, and with the most efficient use of limited time. Hitting nets keep the balls within easy reach, and allow hitters to practice indoors and in small spaces.
2. The cliche tale of the kid who breaks a window playing baseball can be a reality, which is why batting cage nets are such an important element. Nylon keeps balls within close proximity of players, but might not hold up to outdoor weather. Polyethylene does stand up to the elements and is lightweight to boot, meaning your trainer cage frame will be lighter as well.
3. The numbers tell the story when it comes to cage netting. Batting cage netting is generally made up of No. 21, No. 36, or No. 42 twine sizes; the lower the number, the lighter weight the net. Heavier nets generally make better backstops, stop more balls, last longer, and take better to the kind of use teams and players tend to dish out.
4. One of the prominent benefits of batting cages is their ability to be effectively used in small spaces. However, a wider and higher net area is generally better for the batter. Bigger cages allow developing hitters to judge the effectiveness of their swing by seeing the ball off the bat. Also, bigger cages are safer for coaches or teammates throwing batting practice, even with the use of pitching screens.
5. The bigger and longer a batting cage, the more support sections needed. Smaller and lighter weight twine will require less support, but minimizing droop in the hitting net is a must. Generally, there should be solid support on each end and additional support about every 20 feet.
6. Always measure and know the area and amount of space you are working with before you buy a batting cage. Hitting nets can often be placed in surprisingly small spaces, including lengths of 50, 40, or even 35 feet. Depending on the space you have and what you wish to accomplish, you may be able to score valuable practice time with a batting cage.
7. Hitting nets in batting cages are generally constructed of two types of knots - twisted knots and braided knots. Twisted knots have a higher breaking point on an individual rocket hit. The braided knots better endure those countless, everyday beatings over the long term.
8. A batting cage is covered with hitting nets, which also serve as a backstop, but a pitching screen is also a necessity. A "sock" type L screen is a must to protect the batting-practice pitcher, and should be made of heavy-grade twine. Cages using pitching machines should also have special screens to protect the person feeding the machine.
9. Your batting cage should be just as safe and as well-kept as your other playing and practice fields. If outdoors, your batting cage should be level and able to drain. Including a floor in the construction of a batting cage may be ideal.
10. We often think of batting cages as places to face batting-practice pitching from a coach or teammate, or from a pitching machine. But when working on the fine points of hitting with the aid of a batting tee, a batting cage is an ideal training area. Before hitting his famous home run in the 1988 World Series, Kirk Gibson warmed up by hitting off a tee in a Dodger Stadium batting cage.
Find tips on hitting, pitching machine safety and other Pitching Machine 101 information.
