Pitching Distance
When selecting a batting cage the ideal length of the batting cage will
equal or exceed the distance measured from the pitchers mound to home
plate. The best results for practice hitting can be obtained by using
the same pitching distance in practice as used in the game. Frequently
shorter distances are used for batting practice and this works well.
Shorter pitching distances will force a faster reaction time from the
practice hitter. When using a decreased distance during batting practice
the pitched ball appears to travel at higher speed due to the decreased
reaction time.
The pitching distances shown below can be used to help determine an
ideal pitching distance for batting practice along with the appropriate
batting cage size. Pitching distances shown below are measured from the
front of the pitchers plate to the rear of the home plate.
Baseball Pitching Distance
| League |
Distance |
| Pro, College, High School, Babe Ruth and Colt |
60 feet 6 in |
| Pony |
54 feet |
| Bronco |
48 feet |
| Little League |
46 feet |
| Mustang |
44 feet |
| Pinto |
38 feet |
Softball Pitching Distance
| Fast Pitch |
Distance |
| College and adult Men's |
46 feet |
| College and adult Women's |
43 feet |
| Under 18 Male |
46 feet |
| Under 18 Female |
40 or 35 feet |
| Slow Pitch |
Distance |
| Adult |
50 feet |
| Under 18 Male |
46 feet |
| Under 18 Female |
50 feet |
|