Batting Cages - Some Information

Batting Cages - Some Information
By Michael C Logan

Baseball, which is widely known as America's pastime, is a sport that is popular in several countries all over the world. Kids start playing or practicing this game at a young age. A baseball hitter may have to put in hours of practice and thousands of swings to get a great swing and what better place to practice than a batting cage.

A Batting cage is an enclosed cage made of netting and is usually rectangular in shape. They are designed for professional and home use. This is where baseball players can practice and improve their batting skills by themselves. There is a pitching machine that is placed at one end which throws the ball at regular timed intervals. The batter stands opposing the pitching machine hitting the baseballs it pitches.

The cage is effective in keeping the balls within close range so they are not lost and also easy pick up. These cages are a great help if you want to play the sport indoors. The cages simulate a real baseball field, complete with the grass covered pitch, which gives you a feel of the game. It is also a safe place for the kids to play. Building a cage is fairly easy, and with a little bit of planning, one can build it from scratch without having to shell out a whole lot of money. You can also purchase a kit to build a cage, though it may cost a bit more. All you need is netting material (nylon is the most common) for the fencing and adjustable aluminum poles to serve as the cage.

Though there are many types of batting cages, there are three which are most popular. The first one is the non-automated cage which requires players to retrieve balls after they have hit them. The second type is a sloped automated cage. This uses a sloped floor, so the balls roll towards the pitching machine after being hit by the player. The third one is a mechanical automated cage, in which a conveyor belt runs down the center of the cage and carries the balls back to the pitching machine and re-feeds the ball into the machine.

A player using these batting cages should make sure never to enter a cage without the protective gear on especially a batter's helmet. Never enter a cage when there is already another player in there batting. The force at which the ball swings can inflict serious harm and injury. A fast moving pitch of a baseball can cause serious head trauma. There are cases where people have died due to a strike of the ball to the head. So it is always better to be extra safe when it comes to the gear you use while playing.

Batting cages range in width and height. They can be anywhere between 10 to 18 feet either way. The depth of the cage can also be varied. And the best thing about these cages is that they can be altered to fit into any space you like. You can even put one up in the garage or your backyard.

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