If you have a son or daughter who loves to play baseball or softball as it were, then being able to practice hitting is an important aspect of becoming a better player. You can either run down to the field to take a little batting practice or you can step out your backdoor and use you own batting cage. As prices and technology continue to come down, consider the following aspects before actually making a purchase.
When looking at a frame and net combination, you have two things to think about. You can buy a kit that comes with everything from the net to the hardware or you can go to a place like Lowe’s or Home Depot and build you own. Both have its advantages and disadvantages so ultimately it comes down to your available space and budget.
The net is the one thing that will wear down with age and use. As the weather changes and does its part, the practical use of the cage will also age the net. Whether nylon or polyethylene, be sure to get the best net that you can afford.
Another option to consider is the type of structure that is needed for your situation. One one hand a portable cage provides the ultimate flexibility when you can put up or take down at a moments notice and on the other hand a permanent structure tends to be more sturdy and able to withstand the practice time better.
A rectangular structure is the more prevalent shape found in outdoor batting cages and will be easier to replace different pieces as they wear down. A tunnel shape is a little less common but will also work and costs a little less than their rectangular cousin.
One of the most highly impacted areas of the cage is the are behind home plate. Whether the batter is hitting live pitching or a machine, not every ball will be hit. So, this is the one place where the net can break down the fastest. Look into added a net that affixes to the net which will help reduce wear and tear.
Finally, where the batter stands will start to wear down. Think about adding a mat around the plat so that proper footing can be maintained and hopefully help reduce the possibility of injury.
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