10 Important Things to Consider About a Backyard Batting Cage
Installing a backyard batting cage might be one of the best decisions you make for yourself or your young athletes. Having the ability to step out your door and start practicing your swing right away, any time you want, almost ensures that you’re ready on game day. But, a home batting cage might not be a great fit for everyone, so we put together the following 10 things to consider before installing a batting cage in your backyard.
Yard Size and Cage Size
Yard size is one of the most important factors. If you have a small yard, you might not be able to install a cage that’s more than 30 or 40 feet long. While any cage is better than no cage, these smaller cages can be cramped and uncomfortable to work in. And, once your child starts getting stronger and swinging drop 5 and drop 3 baseball bats or just about any composite softball bat, these smaller cages can actually get somewhat dangerous if you’re not on your toes.
In our opinion, get the longest cage you can afford and fit in your yard, with at least 5 feet on all four sides. So, for a yard that’s about 60 feet wide, a 50-foot cage would be our recommendation. If your yard is larger, go as big as you want. No one’s ever said they wish they got a smaller cage.
Mowing and Maintenance
Where you place your cage is a big deal. For one, make sure you place it in an area that you can easily mow around. If you push right up against a fence, you won’t be able to mow or trim easily, leading to unsightly weeds. Those weeds can also become tangled in the net and pull down, potentially shortening your net’s lifespan.
Leave around 5 feet on all sides of your batting cage. This is typically enough room to get a push mower and string trimmer through easily without tangling up in the net. Also, these five feet allow any balls hit into the net to push the net out and absorb the impact without hitting a fence or house.
Electricity Availability
If you plan on installing lights or running a pitching machine, you might want to give some thought to the availability of electricity. Being close to the home or garage where you can run an extension cord is a big help. But, if you plan on installing permanent lights, staying close to the house also cuts down on the amount of wire and conduit required for an electrician to run power to the cage.
Ground Slope
Ground slope is a major factor. A yard doesn’t have to be perfectly flat for some types of batting cages, but excessive slopes or dips will cause issues. For example, a batting cage installed on a slope will begin to lean toward the lower end, which will eventually stress footings, brackets, and other parts until they break prematurely.
Also, avoid any areas with significant dips. These areas can make it impossible for the net to reach the ground and keep balls in the net. Dips can also create unpredictable ricochets, making it unsafe for anyone in the cage.
Local Permits and Regulations
Give some thought to your local laws and regulations. While not a typical structure, some local building departments require a permit for anything anchored into the ground. Also, your local HOA might have something to say about your batting cage, even if it is nestled nicely in your backyard. You might need to pay a monthly fee in order to have one in your backyard, and that might be a deal breaker.
Safety Considerations
It’s important to keep safety in mind, as well. Your batting cage net needs to be in good shape and free of holes to prevent hard-struck balls from escaping and hitting neighboring structures. Also, ensuring that there is enough space between the net and anything alongside the cage will allow the net to billow out on impact and prevent the ball from ricocheting off of anything.
We also suggest adding an L-screen to your batting cage, whether you’re throwing or feeding a machine. The L-screen will prevent the “pitcher” from getting hit with the ball, as long as they pay attention and stay behind it.
Noise and Neighbors
Some bats (we’re looking at you, metal BBCORs!) are extremely loud, producing a high-pitched “ting” when they strike the ball. Your neighbors might not love this. If you think your neighbors will have an issue with 50 to 100 tings a day, make sure to speak to them before installing your net. The goal is to get better at baseball and softball, not to make your neighbors angry.
Regarding noise, there are a few options that might help. Installing a thick hedge of privacy trees like arborvitae could cut down on the sharp ting. A privacy wall and fence can help, as well, just be sure to be considerate with whatever you install.
Type of Cage
The type of batting cage you install is a consideration. DIY cages can be customized to any yard, but they’re often labor-intensive and don’t always work as well as hoped. Freestanding trapezoid batting cages are easy to install but don’t adapt well to sloped ground. In-ground cages are excellent in most cases, but they’re not easy to remove during winter months. Suspension batting cages are the best, but on sloped ground, they may start to sag or lean.
Net Material and Durability
Make sure to choose the right type of net for both your budget and your intended durability (really, your athlete’s strength and amount of use). Poly is a great budget choice, but it’s not as strong as nylon. However, poly does survive better in colder, wetter climates, which might make it a better option despite its relatively short lifespan compared to nylon.
Budget
Your entire reason for installing a backyard batting cage is to have more training opportunities and to decrease inconvenience. For that reason, don’t overspend on your batting cage or you’ll likely grow to resent it. Determine how much you can spend, taking into account any equipment you’ll need to rent or buy to install it, any prep work and materials you’ll need to get the area ready, and any permits or HOA fees you’ll need to pay.
It’s not impossible to install a backyard batting cage for around $500 to $600, but better cages typically cost around $1,000 to start. Factor in those extra costs and you’ll have a better idea of how much your cage will cost.
Also, budget for some cans in the cooler to hand out to anyone who wants to help set it up.
Backyard Batting Cage FAQs
Can you put a batting cage in your backyard?
Yes, you can install a batting cage in your backyard. There are lots of types of batting cages to consider, and some might be more suitable for your yard than others.
How much does it cost to build a batting cage at home?
You can DIY a batting cage for the cost of the net (around $400 to start) plus the posts and cables, so the $600 range might be reasonable. However, it’s best to budget between $1,500 and $6,500, depending on your needs.
Is a 35-foot batting cage big enough?
A 35-foot cage is okay for smaller baseball and softball players. In most cases, coaches at this level stand in front of the 42, 46, or 35-foot mounds when they throw batting practice, anyway. However, older children will likely outgrow a 35-foot cage around 9 to 10 years old.
What is the best floor for an outdoor batting cage?
The best floor for a batting cage is turf over a concrete or pavement surface. However, crushed down covered in indoor/outdoor carpet is more than suitable, as is simple, humble grass.
How far from a wall should a batting cage be?
Most batting cage manufacturers suggest keeping the cage at least two feet away from walls. However, we suggest 5 feet because it can be very easy to damage a net with a string trimmer or lawn mower in tighter clearances.
