What Kind of Batting Cage System Do I Need For My Net?

The type of Batting Cage System you need depends on whether you need your cage to be collapsible, and whether your cage is going to be indoors or outdoors.

Indoor Batting Cage

Our most popular indoor batting cages are collapsible along overhead cable lines. We call them Curtain Cages.

A typical batting cage overhead cable line assembly looks like this:

This diagram shows the basic hardware set up for the Live End of one of the cable line of an indoor net. Standard Size Batting Cage Nets usually require three cable lines per net. This end is called the Live End because it features a turnbuckle. The opposite end is the Dead End, or Terminal End, and terminates into the Anchor Point with no turnbuckle. The turnbuckle is used to adjust the amount of tension on the cable line. The cable clamps keep the cable line secure. snap hooks attach the net to the cable line. We recommend attaching the snap hooks at about 2-3′. Let’s take a quick look at each piece of hardware separately.

Indoor Batting Cage Anchor Points for Cable Line

Your anchor points will vary depending on what type of wall material you’re going to connect the cable lines to. This chart shows some common wall materials and the appropriate anchor points options for each. Wood headers are often needed when the wall material is not strong enough to support the cable line. Remember, you’ll need two anchor points per line, one for the Live End and one on the Dead End.

Batting Cage Turnbuckles and Cable Diameter

The size of your turnbuckle and cable line will depend on the span of your cable. These charts show how cable span determines turnbuckle size and the diameter of the cable line.

Batting Cage Cable Line

The span of the cable determines how much tension will be on the cable line. As a general rule of thumb, there is about 10 lbs. of tension for every foot of cable line. So, for example a 70′ span of cable will have about 700 lbs of tension on it. This tension is distributed over both the Live End, where the turnbuckle is located, and the Dead End of the cable line. This means that each Anchor Point would carry approximately 700 lbs of load.

Batting Cage Cable Crimping Service

We send about 5 ft of extra cable per line, to ensure that you’ve got enough cable to create a loop and secure it with the cable clamps.

If you’re positive about your distance, we do offer a cable crimp service that attaches the cable clamps at our shop. If you’d like to take advantage of that service, you’ll need to be absolutely certain of your span from wall to wall.

Cable Clamps

You’ll need at least four Cable Clamps per line. Two for the Live End and two for the Dead End.

Tip: Only connect Snap Hooks to thick Border Rope on netting, never to the mesh itself. Space your snaps every 12″ – 36″.

Snap Hooks (Carabiners)

There’s no standard way to attach the net to the cable line, but we like to use Snap Hooks because they’re durable and easy to use. We recommend installing Snap Hooks every two to three feet along your net.

Tip: Only connect Snap Hooks to thick Border Rope on netting, never to the mesh itself. Space your snaps every 12″ – 36″.

Types of Indoor Batting Cage Systems

Practice Sports offers five options for Indoor Batting Cage Systems. The CurtainCage, the CurtainCage with LineLift Kit, the ShellCage, and the AirCage.