Batting Cages - Some Information

Batting Cages - Some Information
By guest author: 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.

Our entire selection of pitching machines are on sale now. Also enjoy free shipping on your Batting Cages.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_C_Logan



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5726424
=================
Thanks to our sponsors:

===Advertisement from our sponsor:=====

Baseball2u.com and CoachesBest.com is your online super store for baseball batting cages, pitching machines and protective screens and nets. This fully licensed company has a full time staff to help you from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. You may order securely online or by phone, toll free, at 1-877-431-4487.
Check out these categories that are featured at Baseball2u.com.
Jugs Complete Packages
Batting Cages
60' Portable Batting Cage
55' Portable Batting Cage
70' Portable Batting Cage
Extender Batting Cage 30'
Jugs Pitching Machines
Iron Mike Pitching Machines
BATA Pitching Machines
Heater Pitching Machines
Granada Pitching Machines
Phantom Pitching Machines
…and if you are looking for Youth Training Equipment, Advanced Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, and Pitching & Throwing Trainers, or Portable Mounds, they have those too!
Plus, they have one the internet's largest selections of Baseball Training and Coaching DVDs and Books. Make sure to chweck our their CLEARANCE DEPARTMENT for rock bottom prices on top quality equipment.

Finding Quality Batting Cages for Sale

Finding Quality Batting Cages for Sale
By guest author: Jason Gluckman

Batting cages are an essential tool for any softball or baseball organization. They are used both by batting coaches and by recreational athletes to help improve a batter's speed or to improve his or her accuracy in hitting a ball. However, baseball coaches often need assistance in finding the best places to purchase batting cages.

When browsing batting cages for sale, there are a few options. Because batting cages are used for both commercial and recreational activity, vendors offer a variety of styles and prices, including indoor and outdoor batting cages, as well as portable and tunnel style cages.

Batting cage equipment can be purchased through many sporting goods stores and suppliers. In addition, batting cage equipment can be ordered online and, in some cases, delivered as soon as the next business day. The quality, material, and size of the net and frame will largely determine the price of the batting cages. Be sure to inquire about a product's warranty.

New batting cages can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The least expensive option is a simple batting cage kit, which can sometimes cost less than $100. Small, portable batting cages start at approximately $400, and larger, heavy duty cages can cost upwards of $1,600.

Depending on where you shop, the price may be negotiable. For example, a baseball coach may find it advantageous to participate in an auction of city equipment, some of which may come from the parks and recreation department. Such opportunities may provide very good values.

Batting Cages Info provides detailed information about batting cage equipment and indoor, outdoor, portable, and tunnel batting cages for sale. Batting Cages Info is the sister site of Trampolines Web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman

================
Thanks to our sponsors:

===Advertisement from our sponsor:=====
Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.

The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Batting Cage Nets An Important Sport Equipment

Batting Cage Nets An Important Sport Equipment
By guest author: Brad Aimes

Playing your favourite sport has always been a fun activity whether it is individually, with a pair or for a whole bunch of family and friends. Whether it be indoor or outdoor sport, equipments that will be used is really necessary for it to be fun and memorable. Whatever sport you may be into, whether you're a male or a female, we really need equipments that could meet our demands and needs. One of these important things to consider is the battling cage nets that are being widely used by various sports such tennis, baseball and many other sports.

Battling Cage Nets serves a good purpose to keep the ball from getting into farther place or areas when struck by the players. With this, it should be strong enough to keep the ball in place and endure the strength exerted by the players. Considering the need for it, many factors should be considered like the material used in making the net and its width. Color may also vary in choosing your preferred net; because it may affect the manner you are playing, so wisely choosing the color is a need as well. Also, cage nets should be able to support and endure the sunlight, avoid easy shrinkage and avoid rapid absorption of water. These features would be able to ensure you that it would surely resist all of the factors that may affect the feature of this equipment.

We are always fond of playing sports that could help us our burden, ease our stress and develop our physical body but can also bring the bond of our family and friends to greater height. Our favourite hobby and sport should also be taken into consideration. Whether it is baseball or golf or any other sport we love, battling cage net could surely make our time for sports a time to remember by meeting our need as a sport enthusiast, individually, with our family or as a team.

Because of its high availability in the market, you would easily find it and can further look it up in the internet to research more of the features of a battling cage net and the factors to consider purchasing not only affordable equipment but you are also assured by its quality. Many manufacturers are making this that could meet your demands and lifestyle, whether it will be used in a competition or playing a sport is a hobby.

Learn more about batting cage nets

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_Aimes


===============
Thanks to our sponsors:

www.BatAction.com



---BatAction Machine at CoachesBest.com
---BatActionMachine on Ebay.com
---BatAction Machine Video Clips
---BatAction Trainer - 15 Reasons Why You Must Own This Machine
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---If you are looking for BatAction Replacement Balls or Power Bands Click Here

Baseball Coaching Digest: 12 Strange Examples of Baseball Lingo

Baseball Coaching Digest: 12 Strange Examples of Baseball Lingo
By guest author: Nick Dixon

Baseball is a great sport. It truly is America's Game. Baseball coaches and players know and love the game. They even have their own language, lingo or jargon. This article takes a look at 12 strange baseball terms and phases and their meaning. You will enjoy this inside look at the game and the lingo that is spoken.

Baseball Coaches and Players have many "sayings" and jargon that may seem extremely strange to a lay person that is not familiar to the game.

Here Are A Dozen Examples of Strange Baseball Jargon

1. Air Mail - Used to refer a fielder's wild throw that is thrown high over the player to whom he is throwing the ball to. For example, if the shortstop were to throw the ball over the first baseman's head and into the dugout, he is said to have "air mailed" the throw.
2. Aspirin Tablet - Slang for a fastball that is especially hard to hit due to its velocity and/or movement. When a batter is in a slump the ball appears much smaller. Means the opposite of the saying that "I am seeing the ball so well that every pitch looks like a grapefruit or beach ball".
3. Baltimore Chop - A technique of hitting that utilizes a short downward swing. The purpose is to make the ball bounce off home plate or the packed dirt in front of the plate. The goal is to produce a bounce high enough so that, even if the ball can be fielded by an infielder the batter will reach first for a base hit.
4. Banjo Hitter - A batter who lacks power. The name is said to come from the twanging sound of the bat at contact, like that of a banjo. A banjo hitter usually hits blooper singles, often just past the infield dirt, and would have a low slugging percentage.
5. Bread and Butter - Refers to what a player does best or what the players relies on to be successful. A player's greatest or most reliable skill. For example: "The slider is a pitcher's bread and butter pitch."
6. Bush League - Used to describe play, actions or behavior that is considered to be of poor quality or unprofessional quality. The "bush" refers to occurrences in rural small towns and communities.
7. Can of Corn - A fly ball that is easily caught. It is believed that the phrase came from the act of a general store clerk reaching up, tipping and catching cans from a shelf to fill a customer order. The reason a can of corn was considered the easiest "catch" because in those days the can of corn was the most popular vegetable sold in a can so the cans of corn were heavily stocked on the lowest shelves.
8. Cement Mixer - A pitch fails to break and ends up hanging in the strike zone; an unintentional slow fastball with side spin resembling a fixed-axis spinning cement mixer, which does not translate. It is a pitch thrown with the intent of breaking it out of the strike zone but it failed to do so.
9. Climbing the Ladder - A technique or strategy by which a pitcher throws several pitches back-to-back out of the strike zone, each higher than the last, in an attempt to get the batter to "chase" or swing at a pitch "in his eyes."
10. Daisy Cutter - Refers to a hard-hit ground ball that stays just above the grass and close enough to the grass to theoretically be able to cut the tops off daisies that might be growing on the field.
11. Humpback Liner - Used to describe a ball hit deep in the infield that has a trajectory in between that of a fly ball and a line drive. While not the hardest hit, these types of balls can be hard for infielders to get to if they are not in double-play depth. These type balls often fall in for hits, but the extra topspin on the ball makes them take a dive before they can get to the outfield.
12. Went Fishing - The batter reaches across the plate in an attempt to hit an outside pitch. He chased a pitch that was so far outside that he could not reach it. It is often said that batter "went fishing".

As you can see from reading the examples above sometimes baseball people speak a different language. I hope that you enjoyed this article and found it to be informative. You can find more articles like it at the Baseball Coaching Digest and the Baseball Coaching Digest Blog. Thanks for reading my article. Have a great day, Nick.

The Baseball2u.com Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. Available now for just $119.95 + S&H.

Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Dixon coaches at Boaz High in Boaz Alabama. Dixon is a member of the American Baseball Coahes Association and Alabama Baseball Coaches Association.

Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and his latest new product, the Batting Cage Door System.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon

===================
Thanks to our sponsors:

===Advertisement from our sponsor:=====
Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.

The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Wiffle Ball Pitching Machines, Get Training and Just Pure Fun

Wiffle Ball Pitching Machines, Get Training and Just Pure Fun
By guest author: James Quick

The balls are safe to use with small children and you can start training them to be a future baseball or softball star with a wiffle ball pitching machine. Using a machine will give anyone great practice on both batting and catching. They are just like regular pitching machines that throw a variety of different balls like curve balls and fast balls. You can be training baseball players of tomorrow without any worry of serious injury.

These machines are safer to use than a softball or baseball machine. The balls are smaller and very lightweight having holes in them. If one of the balls hits a child it will do little damage even if it being pitched by the machine. Other machines can pitch balls at 50 miles per hour or more and can cause some serious damage if it comes in contact with a child's head. The machine pitches fast balls but because the ball is so light it will not cause damage.

With a pitching machine kids can learn how to hit all types of balls that they would encounter in a regular game. It is easy to translate from a wiffle ball to a soft ball. Curve balls can come from the right or the left and you can set the machine lower for the height of a smaller child. Most machines come with a variable speed control too.

One of the best things about the wiffle pitching machine is that you can take it indoors, like a gym and not have to worry if you will break anything. Set the speed for very low and practice catching. A wiffle ball bat is smaller and light weight so you will not have to worry if anyone gets hit with the bat either. All in all with wiffle ball pitching machines you can train the baseball stars of the future in a safe and easy way.

Build Your Batting Skills and have Fun at the Same Time

Get free information about the Wiffle Ball Pitching Machines including product videos and ratings or just visit http://wiffleballpitchingmachine.org/ for tools and tips on other great pitching machines and Batting cages

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Quick

===================
Thanks to our sponsors:






SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Overcoming the Fear of Being Hit by the Baseball

Overcoming the Fear of Being Hit by the Baseball
By guest author: Jim Bain

Seems all young baseball players want to be a pitcher, the man who controls the game and who is involved in every play of the game. No day dreaming in the outfield if you're pitching.

Ever wonder why very few players want to be a catcher, who being the second half of the pitching battery, is every bit as important and involved as the pitcher?

Ever cross your mind that maybe the players are afraid of being hurt if they became a catcher? That's not to say every player should want to be a catcher or are afraid, but what about the strong armed kid who runs like a tortoise, making him an excellent candidate for the tools of ignorance, but who shivers when you suggest he try it.

Fear of the baseball is not an uncommon issue with younger aged players, for example, some players will give a coach heartburn all season long because they bail out of the batters box as soon as the pitcher releases the ball.

Fear is a natural instinct God gave us to protect ourselves from our own ignorance, but fear of the baseball can be overcome. The coach is charged with that responsibility and it's a hefty one, but totally achievable with a little patience and coaching.

Let's briefly, without getting into a bunch of physiological mumble jumble, look at why a player is afraid of the baseball. Simply put, he's afraid it will hurt if he gets hit. Pretty basic human stuff, no different than you not wanting to hit your thumb with a hammer; it'll hurt.

Obviously our job is to eliminate that fear by showing the player, if properly equipped, getting hit by the baseball will not hurt.

Let's look at a drill specifically designed to eliminate fear of being hit by the baseball for a prospective candidate for the catching position.

A coach, with an accurate throwing arm, is essential for this drill or don't even try it. The drill is intended to eliminate fear, not intensify it, and a badly placed throw could do just that.

Help the player put on his full complement of protective catching gear. Assist even if the player knows how to don the equipment because you want to establish a "I'm with you every step of the way" and there's nothing to fear attitude.

Joking and kidding around with the player is a crucial part of the mental game, as humor replaces fear. A human can not properly experience two conflicting emotions at the same time.

Have the catcher go to the catcher's position behind home plate, but have him stand instead of squatting and instruct him he is not to catch the balls, but rather let them hit him. The coach will stand 20' to 30' in front of him as the pitcher, with a bucket of rubber balls. Do not use tennis balls if possible, they are not as effective for this drill as harder rubber balls are.

This is where accuracy is essential on the coach's part. Begin throwing the rubber balls, at medium speed, at the player hitting him in different parts of his equipment.

After 20 to 30 throws have the catcher assume the squatting position and throw another 20 to 30 pitches hitting him in every piece of equipment, including the mask, as possible.

Most players will overcome their fear of being hurt after one drill session, some require two and others never will adapt. And that's OK. If just one kid overcomes his fear, you have been successful and if nobody overcomes the fear, you've still helped them overcome the fear of being hit by a pitch while batting.

Two requirements to never forget are, an accurate throwing arm is a must and always be sure the player protects his hands during the drill.

Jim (Coach) Bain is a former Minor League Baseball Player and successful Coach of Youth Baseball for over a decade and a half. He has drawn from fellow successful coaches' experiences and combined them with his own extensive experience to create a Baseball Teaching Website. The site is packed with 100s of tips, drills, history and instruction on how to play and coach the game of baseball.
http://www.Learn-Youth-Baseball-Coaching.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Bain

===================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Sponsor Links:
Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine Demo Video

Batting Cages: The Secret to Batting Success

Batting Cages: The Secret to Batting Success
By guest author: Jack M Patterson

While practicing as a team is the best way to go, athletes also need to work on their individual skills in a more focused environment. Batting cages are perfect for players who want to enhance their skills, in order to be able to bring more to the game.

This specialized cage is an enclosed area where baseball players can practice their batting skills. It is usually rectangular in shape and made of netting. A batter stands at one end of the enclosure. For safety and practicality, a pitching machine instead of a real pitcher is placed at the other end. The nets keep the balls within close range while allowing batters to hit at full strength. The cage can be placed outdoors or inside of a long room so that batters can practice in all weather conditions. Indoor cages are popular during winter months, when days are shorter and it takes more electricity to light up the field for a longer period of time.

A pitching machine automatically pitches balls at varying speeds and styles. It usually pitches out softballs or synthetic baseballs in place of the official leather baseball. Special mechanisms installed allow the machine to compensate for the true weight of an official ball. It simulates pitching scenarios that batters usually encounter.

Batting cages are important in improving every batter's skills. They are used by both amateur and professional baseball organizations as a necessary part of their training routine. A batter can improve his or her positioning, timing, and focus when practicing with this type of training tool. All baseball teams or serious baseball players should invest on high quality practice cages that will suit their needs.

Resource Box:

SPI Nets is a leader in providing high quality batting cages. The company also provides high-quality golf netting and other sports equipment. Log on to SPINets.net or call 866-243-6387 for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_M_Patterson

==================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog