Softball is a game that stems from baseball. However, instead of the usual ball and field, it utilizes a larger ball and smaller field area. Also, it has seven innings, unlike baseball with nine, and the technique is underarm pitching.
Softball can either be slow pitch or fastpitch. Both types have nine players with similar accessories and fields, but the rules are a bit different. Softball began in the late 80s, precisely 1887, in Chicago. The first name was indoor baseball because it looks like a baseball game, and it’s played indoor. 1996 saw the bright side of softball; the game lovers started playing professionally because it became part of the Olympic games. However, in 2008 the game was removed due to some internal issues. Softball and baseball were reintroduced into Olympics in 2020 and regulated by the international softball Federation.
The game aims to get players to the home plate, usually by hitting the softball. Softball is not soft. Most people get confused when they hear this. It is even harder than baseball, and yes, it didn’t get its name from the ball’s texture. The ball weighs 6.25-7.0oz for fastpitch, while a slowpitch has 5.87-12oz.
To be a pro in the softball game, you require enough practice. And you cannot practice softball without owing a personal bat, gloves, helmet, and other accessories. Most importantly, it is essential to owe your hitting net. It saves you the stress of having to go out every time, even in bad weather. It also avails you a more extended practice time because the people take turns in the general practice hiring net.
In addition to the above, there have been incidences of players destroying valuables like Glas windows and car wheel screens during practices. Owing a practice net would help avoid such inconveniences and expenses.
As with other softball products hitting nets are made by different brands. And knowing the best that will suit your needs is a positive step in the right direction. Below are some factors you should consider before purchasing a practice hitting net.
Factors to consider when purchasing a new softball hitting net
Below are tips to consider before deciding on the best softball hitting net to purchase
COST
The price tag on an item has a lot to say about its quality and durability. That doesn’t necessarily mean that both terms are directly proportional. It does mean that the price gives you an insight into the cost of production, which translates to the kind of materials utilized. Cost is a vital part of any shopping, and the cost range for a softball hitting net is $75 to $150. Any price lower will mean inferior or low-quality hitting net. At the same time, a higher price might be that you are being cheated or paying too much for an item because even Bownet does not go outside this range.
Popularity
This has to do with previous reviews and comments on the net by previous users. Check for reviews online to have an idea of how people rate the quality. When purchasing softball hitting net, consensus opinions are important because it is proof that the product works.
Ease of setup
A good softball ball hitting net should not be difficult to set up. It should be manufactured in such a way that it has a 5 minutes setup time. In the first place, that’s why you are purchasing an already Branded net and not making one in your garage. So, if you are paying for ease and convenience, I think you should get it.
Hitting nets that are difficult to assemble waste precious practice time and lead to frustration if not properly handled. So watch out for reviews that state easy setup time or check the manufacturer features.
Lastly, a net that is difficult to set up can discourage practicing.
Size
This is where players are being cheated. Most players that aren’t familiar with the different sizes might pay more for a smaller size of the same version. Some hitting net has a size of 7 by 7-foot frame others are smaller. Don’t be tempted to go for smaller as it might not suit your need and waste your money.
There are bigger sizes as well, but this would make it more expensive and might even make it difficult to set up. Also, it becomes bulkier. A hitting net should be portable and easy to assemble and disassemble. If possible, it should have a carrier bag included.
Additional accessories
Most hitting nets comes with accessories required to set them up. But a few expects you to have them or purchase them. When purchasing a net for the first time, ensure it has its custom accessories because it is often difficult to get accessories to fit exactly. It shouldn’t just come with a bag; an additional pitching target isn’t a bad idea.
Durability
Repeated buys are one of the most frustrating experiences for players. So, you must check for the durability of your hitting net. This information is often available in the review section and also by asking other players in person, so you won’t make the same mistakes they made. A durable softball hitting net will stand the test of time without wearing out easily.
Finally, I would say all hitting nets are great in their own aspect. But if you want a tried and tested hitting net with the best quality, opt for bownet hitting net. However, if you are trying to consider your budget try Rukket hitting net because it has excellent reviews online, whichever the case ensures to get a practice net. After all, that is the only means of improvement.
Also, try to note down the important point above so that no matter the brand you want to choose, at least it should have 80 percent of the above quality.
A softball-hitting net will save you the stress of hitting on any spot with your practice ball. It will save you additional costs you would have incurred from damaging windows and doors with your hits. So, get one today.
To read more about softball and other necessary required accessories, read
The Best Softball Hitting Nets Are Reviewed Below
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Softball is a game for everyone. However, you need enough practice to master the art and improve your skills. For a professional player, practicing regularly is the key to your career growth. To achieve this, you need to purchase your kits. Softball nets are designed so that you can own one and practice at home; they come in varieties.
The best softball nets are designed to be tough and durable; however, some models don’t meet this criterion. Below are reviews of selected baseball nets that can guide your decision.
1
PowerNet softball and baseball Practice net
Starting the list is power net softball and baseball net. This net is very affordable and a good option for players who are seriously considering their budget. Although these nets are not expensive, it offers some of the best features you can think off.
Professionals use these nets, and top players highly recommend them. These brands bring the A-game into softball netting by offering a lifetime warranty that works. If the nets go bad at any point in time, they are dutiful to replace it.
Powernet softball is very durable, the poles are well constructed, and the setup time is less than 5 minutes.
Another advantage of these nets is that it hardly falls off like other framed nets, but it has wind resistance and can handle many hits.
Key Features:
- Easy, quick setup
- Ultra-portable
- Durable frame
- Weighted base
- Square base tubing for added strength
- Robust square tubing
- Sturdy seams
Specification:
- Color: Red and black
- Size: 7 by 7
- Frame Type: iron
- Brand: PowerNet Sports
- Material: synthetic leather and net
Pros
- Easy to set up and has a carry bag
- Durable due to its Tough build
- It can be used in both outdoor and indoor practices
- Perfect for any garage, backyard, and field
Cons
- It has a low weight making it unstable
2
AmazonBasics Baseball Practice Net
Amazon basics net is right for you irrespective of where you are hitting. Whether you are shooting from a tee, these nets will catch your ball. It can be used for softball and baseball; it is easy to set up. It has all the necessary setup accessories.
It is highly durable and long-lasting; it comes with a carry bag, so you don’t have to buy one.
Key Features:
- Exceptional balance
- Lightweight
- Easy, quick setup
- Ultra-portable
- Durable frame
Specification:
- Color: Red and black
- Size: 96*42*86 inches (LxWxH);
- Frame Type: Iron
- Brand: Amazon Basics
- Material: polyester and fiberglass
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Fast and easy setup
- Catches hit from tee balls and tossed-in pitches
- Carry Bag Included
Cons
- The carry bag is of low quality
3
Summates Softball & Baseball Practice Net
Summat softball nets were designed to handle softball and baseball, and it will undoubtedly satisfy your training needs because it was intended to do so.
Summat net comes with a solid casing with a perfect striking zone. Unlike most nets, it has an interminable bounce-back angle. Also, this net can be used by all age groups. Be rest assured to get a master complete package when you order these nets.
Key Features:
- glass fiber frame
- polyester net
- PP plastic units
- metal connectors
Specification:
- Color: Navy blue and orange
- Size: 7 x 7ft
- Frame Type: glass fiber
- Brand: Summates
- Material: Polyester net, metal connectors, and PP plastic units
Pros
- It can be used for outdoor practice
- Perfect for any garage, backyard, and field
- Available in various colors
- Easy assemble and very portable
- Made with high quality and durable material
Cons
- It comes with weak strings
4
SKLZ PitchBack softball and baseball Trainer
These nets are known for their portability; if you are planning to owe a type of mobile net that you would most likely always move around, the SKLZ baseball and softball net is your best bet. It is suitable for diamond teams and very easy to assemble and disassemble.
Another unique feature is its sturdy rebound; this feature has greatly improved its fielding and throwing. The nets are durable and also have a beautiful design.
Key Features:
- Durable
- Angled frame
- Sturdy rebound net
- Fold-up design
- include Ground stakes
Specification:
- Color: Black/Red
- Size: 2′ 9″ wide by 4′ 8″ tall
- Frame Type: metal
- Brand: SKLZ
- Material: Polyester net
Pros
- It can be assembled quickly and easily
- It has an improved throwing and fielding
- It is easy to carry around
- Suitable for any weather condition
Cons
- Unreliable quality of assembly accessories
5
PowerNet 7 x 7 softball baseball hitting Net
This brand of Powernet is exceptional and suitable for teams and solo players. This net has a sturdy construction giving all the practice confidence you require. Another great feature is its collapsible design, which allows you to carry it about with ease. When you seek portability and convenience, opt for Powernet softball nets.
In addition, this particular set comes with a strike zone indicator that helps players perfect their skills. World best players highly endorse this net, so I’m not joking when I say it the real deal.
Key Features:
- Easy, quick setup
- Ultra-portable
- Durable frame
- lightweight
- ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT
- COLLAPSIBLE …
Specification:
- Color: Black/Red
- Size: 7ft x 7ft (49 SqFt)
- Frame Type: Bow Frame steel
- Brand: Power net
- Material: Sock net
Pros
- Very portable due to its c Collapsible training net
- Easy to set up
- Very durable and long-lasting
- Beautiful design
- Making an ultraportable
Cons
- It is unstable due to its low weight.
6
GoSports 7′ x 7′ softball & baseball Practice
Like every other softball baseball practice net, go sports hitting net will save you the stress of having to go to the field on a rainy day. This hitting net was specially constructed for both pros and novices.
This hitting net features an adjustable design that enables you to adjust to a specified angle, thereby improving your overall hitting skills.
Key Features:
- Ultimate training aid
- Foldable setup
- Bonus strike zone attachment
Specification:
- Color: Black/Red
- Size: 7ft x 7ft (49 SqFt)
- Frame Type: Bow Frame steel
- Brand: Gosport’s
- Material: Sock net
Pros
- It comes with a Bonus striking zone
- Sturdy metal stakes that secure the net properly
- It has a carrying case
- Easy to set up and disassemble
- It Improves the command of your pitches
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a softball tee
7
Flair Sports softball and baseball Net
If you are looking for a sturdy hitting net, flair sports hitting net won’t let you down. This net features a striking zone that encourages pitchers to hit. The striking zone is a centralized colored area that gets a player’s attention
Flair sport hitting net is very durable due to its high-quality materials. It’s easy to transport and also easy to set up. It can trap balls thrown at it due to its bow-shaped features.
Key Features:
- Sturdy rebound net
- Heavy duty
- Quick, easy setup
- Bright colors
Specification:
- Color: Black/Red and blue
- Size: 7ft x 7ft
- Frame Type: Bow Frame steel
- Brand: power net
- Material: Sock net
Pros
- net is suitable for any weather condition
- Quick, easy setup
- it features a Sturdy rebound net that helps improves throwing.
Cons
- It can be knock out by a solid ball
8
Franklin Sports softball Pitch net
Franklin sports softball hitting net is a net for every player that wishes to improve her skills in softball. Aside from the fact that you won’t break the bank when trying to purchase the nets. It is very durable and made with selected and top-quality materials. So, if you are tired of going to baseball and softball pitches for practice, I suggest you owe this net as your net.
Franklin sports softball hitting net was made to function correctly in all weather. It was constructed with a sturdy frame that can be used at any location. It also comes with a ribbon that helps indicate the target, which would help you identify the shot spot at a glance. Waste no more time and energy; get yourself these amazing nets.
Key Features:
- Multi-angle return
- Easy attach strike zone
- All-weather steel design
- 24 ply pe net
Specification:
- Color: Black/Red
- Size: 7ft x 7ft
- Frame Type: 24 ply PE
- Brand: Franklin sports
- Material: Heavy-duty net
Pros
- All-weather net with target ribbon
- For increased performance due to its Steel tubing frame
- Quick, Easy Setup
- Very portable due to its Fold-up design
Cons
- Not true to its specification. Weak netting material
9
ZENY 7’×7′ softball baseball Practice Net
Zeny baseball and softball hitting net is another example of a durable net. It was designed to meet the needs of every player. Zeny hitting net features a solid and well-constructed edge that doesn’t break easily. This edge is also responsible for its unlimited bounce back. Unlike other hitting nets, Zeny hitting net doesn’t require frequent modification and adjustment.
These nets were constructed by professionals who understand the rules of the game, so be rest assured that it incorporates the different fundamentals of softball to ensure a fair challenge. Another advantage of purchasing this net is easy with which it’s been assembled and disassembled, saving you more time to practice.
Key Features:
- lightweight net
- Quick elastic loops
Specification:
- Color: Black/Red
- Size: 7ft x 7ft
- Frame Type: Fiberglass bow
- Brand: Zeny sports
- Material: polyester net
Pros
- comes with a carrying bag
- easy to Sets up
- it is very affordable
- Perfect for catching hitting,
Cons
- Some of the nets come with manufacturing errors
10
Bownet 7′ x 7′ Big Mouth softball net
Bownet is the most popular hitting net. It sets the standards for others to follow. The best engineering team put together this net, and it will surpass your expectations. If you are planning to purchase a net that should be durable and long-lasting, bownet hitting net is your best bet.
The bownet is a bit expensive than other models of nets. It is the best pitching net for baseball and softball players. These nets are also suitable for softball batting cage nets. Bownet comes with a well-grounded stake that is absent in most softball pitching nets.
Its unique features are its energy absorption mechanism that absorbs the balls’ impact, thereby preventing tear and instability. Also, it is quite easy to set up and suitable to use in all weather. Players most prefer Bownet hitting net because it is very reliable.
Key Features:
- Increased stability:
- Bow net’s big mouth x sets up
- Powder-coated steel base frame
- Fewer parts
Specification:
- Color: orange
- Size: 7ft x 7ft
- Frame Type: Fiberglass bow
- Brand: bow net
- Material: Portable Sock Net
Pros
- Can withstand the hardest hit
- It is so easy to setup
- Very portable and transportable
- High-quality netting material
- Very durable and long-lasting
- It is worth your every penny
Cons
- It isn’t an option for players buying net on budget
Buying Guide Questions
Below are common questions from softball-hitting net shoppers. These questions reflect the challenges they encounter when trying to purchase a net or construct their personal experience batting cage.
What is a Bownet?
According to a dictionary, a bownet is clam-shaped. But in this context, a bownet is a particular pattern in which a softball hitting net is made. Before now, soccer nets and any kind of goal got bad easily, and it’s far from the word durability. The bownet was founded by Jack Lucas, a coach who wanted the best for his students and the world of sport. Aside from bownet hitting net, jack Lucas also manufactures bownet softball.
The reason for creating a bownet hitting net is durability, portability, and ease of setup. These three reasons have given them an edge over other hitting net companies.
How much is a Bownet?
The price of bownet is relative. It depends on the size and service required. Generally, a practice bownet of moderate size would cost one sixty dollars to one-eighty dollars.
How do I turn my garage into a batting cage?
If you have enough space in your garage, it will be very helpful and beneficial to put up a batting cage. From the online reviews, players who have a private hitting cage improved their skills and sped overall.
A batting cage can become helpful on days you don’t want to go out due to bad weather. Setting up a garage batting cage is pretty easy. All you need is to follow through on the procedures below.
The first thing to do is the height and width of your garage. Another essential thing to decide is whether you want to use the entire space or just a part of the space. Still, it also depends on how big the intended garage should be.
After deciding on the space, note that your net must hang five inches away from the wall. This is a safety precaution because it prevents the ball from hitting the wall. I will make it clearer when a ball hits the wall with so much force. It will rebound, giving you little or no time to respond, and this is an accidentally hit you. So in other to prevent the ball from shooting at you, obey this simple safety rule.
Decide on the net to use different types of softball batting cage nets are available on Amazon. I recommend a high-impact golf ball net for younger players. The net should be precisely 3/4″ square mesh and a rope border of 1/4″. The height of your ceiling will also influence the size of the net for a nine-inch high ceiling; a 15″×10″ is perfect. Buckle clips and 20 packs of drywall self-drilling anchors. For the best support, put these two fit above.
Now it’s time to hang your net. You require 20 packs of 3/4″ eye screw, ten packs of.
Another essential part of the garage cage net is the garage floor. In other to avoid the accident you should use affordable nor slip indoor gree carpet. Ensure to adhere it to the floor.
Why do softball players hit their back?
Softball players hitting their back while trying to make the best swing is no news. It takes an expert to avoid this occurrence. However, most players Hit their back because they are trying to swing the bat correctly.
To get a level swing as a player, you have to follow through to your shoulders back. Hitting lower will direct your swing downward while hitting higher might cause you to hit your helmet.
So, you see that hitting their back is associated with the game when they haven’t perfected the best position that suits them. It isn’t appropriate for a softball player to have a high uppercut. When a player hits the ball, the ball will acquire a velocity to travel up. However, some players still feel the need to swing harder because that is the language they understand “swing harder.” The effect of this is that they get to hit their shoulder.
What are three things you need to do in order to properly hit a softball?
Softball hitting skill is essential; this is what determines how far you can go in your career. Irrespective of the type of hitting bat you have, it would be difficult to Excel without the right skills.
Below are three techniques you should master to help you hit a softball properly.
Grip and hand positioning
Always grip your bat as though you are grabbing a hammer by applying a bit of pressure on the finger. For better control, choke up the bat, which translates to less power shorter bat. Position your hand close to your body in front of the chest with the shoulders tension-free and elbows downward. Swing
The swing involves all parts of the body and begins with the legs and hip; with eyes focused on the ball, the hitter should position his hands 90 degrees and then hit.
Contact and follow up.
There are different locations of contact sport for a pitch in it is opposite the front hip. While for an outside pitch, it is between the center of the body and the back hip. It’s essential the batter wait patiently for the ball before striking. After contact, the player should relax her weight on her front leg with her knee aligned.
How do you make a cheap batting cage?
Constructing a batting cage on a budget will require you to use affordable items. I would suggest you purchase the basement batting cage net. This net allows for easy handing without much accessories or kit.
I recommend using cheap and durable materials like PVC wood steel, cable, hooks, and pipe for the structure. If you want it cheap, go for PVC.
After the setup for your safety, ensure the poles are held in place using the correct amount of concrete. It would also be wise to get the structure inspected for safety reasons.
Conclusion
Softball-hitting nets are essential for players that want to improve their skills through sufficient practice. It is very convenient and doesn’t require you to be on a waiting list to practice. The above is an extensive review of the different types of hitting nets. This review will guide you when purchasing your hitting net. Also, remember that an excellent hitting net would be made of good material, have accessories, portable yet balanced.