#1 – Know your skill level before you step inside

It is both foolish and dangerous to step inside a batting cage before you know what you’re getting yourself into.  Before entering, you should be aware of your current baseball skill level.  If you haven’t swung a bat at a ball in 10 years, you probably shouldn’t step right up to the plate in front of a fast-pitch machine.  Pitching machines set to such speeds can harm you, as a baseball that collides with just about any part of your body at 70 mph is going to sting.  If you aren’t aware of your skill level, either put off a trip to the batting cages until you are aware, or ask a friend to come along and help you work your way up from the slow-pitch machines to the faster ones.

#2 – Figure out how long you plan to hit for

This may seem obvious in some respects, but you’d be surprised who forgets simple things like exhaustion when standing in front of pitching machines.  Holding and swinging a proper baseball bat, following through, and continuing for round after round can be tiresome and ultimately draining.  After every round, be sure to check your exhaustion level.  A good way to check is by seeing how easily you can take your batting stance, how responsive you are at swinging your bat, and how out of breath you are after following through.  If you can’t do more than a few repetitions without losing your breath or feeling the need to sit down, take the bench and give yourself a break.  You’re not doing yourself any favors by standing in front of a ball hurling toward you at high speed when you can barely lift your bat past your waist.

#3 – Prepare to wait, and bring lots of quarters

Many batting cages get filled up rather quickly, especially during late winter and early spring as players begin practicing for their upcoming seasons.  If you want your turn, it’s likely you’ll have to wait, and some players aren’t considerate about switching machines after a few rounds.  And even when it is your turn, bring extra quarters.  Otherwise, you’ll have to break change every half hour, and that’s no fun for anyone.