Any softball player, whether they're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, knows how important practice is to improving their game. With the huge range of practice equipment softball players can buy, a high-quality hitting net is a non-negotiable must-have for solo training and team drills.
But with so many options available, where do you start?
Don't worry - this guide will break down some of the best softball and baseball nets to help you find the right one for you or your team. Whether you're a coach looking for a net to help with those batting practice sessions or a solo player who wants to improve, we've got you covered.
Why a Good Hitting Net Matters
Hitting nets are essential pieces of equipment for practice, providing a safe area for players and teams to develop their skills. These nets catch the balls, which makes it much easier for players to retrieve them. This means they won’t lose the momentum of their training sessions.
Softball nets are great for:
- Throwing practice
- Swing practice
- Hitting drills
- Pitching skills
The Best Softball Hitting Net Options in 2024
1. The Original 7x7 Hitting Net
The Original 7x7 Practice Hitting Net is a popular choice for softball and baseball players due to its high durability and ease of use. This net stands out for its large 7'x7' frame, which provides a 49-square-foot hitting surface. This makes this baseball practice net ideal for various training activities like tee work, hitting, pitching, and fielding.
Key Features:
- Instant Setup - The net doesn't require any tools or technical know-how for set up, making it portable and easy for anyone to use.
- Included Ground Stakes - This ensures the net remains stable during practice.
- Durable Design - The knotless polyester netting, PU coating, steel frames, and flexible fiberglass bow poles mean this hitting net can withstand hard hits and throws.
- Versatility - This net is perfect for indoor and outdoor use, serving as a backstop or training net in backyards, garages, or on the field.
- Portable - The hitting net makes transportation easy, thanks to its zipper carry bag.
- Used and Endorsed by Pro Players - Trusted by professionals like Andrelton Simmons and Eduardo Escobar, this net is designed to handle the demands of rigorous training.
The Original 7x7 can handle repeated use throughout the season, which makes it an excellent option for those seeking a reliable, portable, and multi-purpose net for solo sessions or team drills.
2. Hanging Dual Practice Net
The Hanging Dual Practice Net is perfect for athletes who have limited space but still want to get that batting practice in at home.
Key Features:
- 7'x7' Size - This hitting net features a big mouth designed to cover a large area.
- Easy Setup - The net attaches to most garage doors or open spaces, all thanks to its adjustable straps.
- Compact Storage - Once you've finished training, just roll the net up and store it away.
- Dual Functionality - Use this net in two main ways: attach it to a garage door for home training or connect it to a separate PowerNet fiberglass frame for field practice. (Please note that the frame is sold separately.)
- Safe Pole Design - The net features a fiberglass pole insert to reduce the bounce-back effect of batted balls, which keeps players safe during practice.
Get the best of both worlds with the Hanging Dual Practice Net. It's perfect for players who need a training tool that works well in both indoor and outdoor settings. It’s also great for athletes who need to work on their swing or pitching at home but also want the flexibility to take their training screens on the road.
3. Triple Threat Training Net
Get the most out of your practice sessions with the Triple Threat Training Net. A fantastic choice for teams, you can set up multiple training stations simultaneously to get the most out of your practice.
Key Features:
- Three Training Stations - Players can practice soft toss, tee hitting, and throwing drills all at the same time, maximizing the efficiency of their practice.
- Quick and Easy Setup - Set the net up in less than two minutes without the need for tools.
- Durability and Stability - This hitting net comes with ground stakes for stability, which will give you peace of mind, even during those intense sessions.
- Multi-Functional Use - The net is suitable for pitching, batting, and fielding, and can even act as a stand-in fielder for various drills. Coaches can set it up at different positions to simulate game scenarios.
- Endorsed by Pro Players - With professional athletes such as Andrelton Simmons and Jose Martinez recommending this hitting net, you can rest assured it's high quality.
This softball hitting net is perfect for coaches who want to optimize training time or for players who practice multiple drills in one session, letting them switch between different skills without breaking a sweat.
4. 12x9 Sports Barrier Net
Need a large protective net? The 12x9 Sports Barrier Net is the perfect choice. One of the best things about this net is it isn't just designed for softball and baseball; get the most out of it by using it for other sports.
Key Features:
- Ultimate Protection - The 12'x9' barrier provides a big mouth to protect spectators, players, or nearby property from those inevitable stray balls.
- Quick Setup - The Sports Barrier Net sets up in minutes and is fully collapsible for easy storage. Ground stakes are included for added stability.
- Durable Construction - With a steel frame and fiberglass bow poles supporting a knotless polyester net, this batting net is built to last.
- Ideal for Multiple Sports - This barrier net is not just for softball; it’s perfect for other sports like soccer, basketball, and hockey.
- Indoor and Outdoor Use - You can set this hitting net up in any environment, which makes it ideal for training sessions or even just casual play.
The 12x9 Sports Barrier Net is perfect for families or coaches who want to keep everyone safe while players train to their fullest potential.
5. Portable Baseball Backstop
If you’re looking to turn any open space into a practice area, the Portable Baseball Backstop is one of the best batting nets for you. Use it as a backstop for hitting and pitching or as a hitting surface for batting tee work and soft toss.
Key Features:
- Dual Use - Players can hit into the net or bat away from it, making it a great training tool for different drills.
- Quick Setup - Set the backstop up within minutes without the need for tools.
- Portability - This softball hitting net is lightweight and comes with a wheeled carrying bag for easy transport.
- Great for Coaches - This backstop allows you to run a full game or practice session in any large space.
- Endorsed by a Pro Player - This backstop is trusted and recommended by Andrelton Simmons.
The Portable Baseball Backstop is a great choice for coaches and players who practice in many different locations or who want a versatile hitting net they can use in all aspects of their practice.
6. 16x10 FT Sports Barrier Net
The 16x10 FT Sports Barrier Net is the largest option in this guide, offering huge coverage for multi-use. Whether you need to protect players, spectators, or nearby properties, this hitting net has got you covered.
Key Features:
- Large Coverage Area - The 16'x10' size makes it one of the best hitting nets for protecting large areas.
- Durability - This net can take on the hardest hits from various sports, all thanks to its steel bow frame and flexible fiberglass poles.
- Quick Setup - This net sets up in less than three minutes. It includes ground stakes for added stability.
- Versatility - This hitting net is suitable for multiple sports, including baseball, lacrosse, and field hockey, making it ideal for softball practice sessions or setting up a temporary play area.
- Portable Convenience - The net collapses to fit in a carry bag, which makes it easy to transport.
The 16x10 FT Sports Barrier Net is the best choice for those who need a large, multi-purpose net for a range of different training environments.
7. 5x5 Ultimate Pitching Bundle
The 5x5 Ultimate Pitching Bundle is designed for pitchers of all levels who want to improve their throwing accuracy and arm strength. It's more than just a net; it includes a variety of tools to help pitchers refine their skills and maximize their potential.
Key Features:
- Training Net - The core of the bundle is a 5x5 training net, featuring a steel base and fiberglass bow poles for stability and durability.
- Pitching Targets - The bundle comes with a set of 12 pitching targets in three different sizes, designed to produce a distinct "pop" sound upon impact, similar to the sound of a catcher’s glove.
- Training Guide - The "Pitch Perfect Training Guide" offers tips suitable for all training levels, helping players enhance their pitching mechanics and accuracy.
- Strike Zone Attachment - The custom-designed Strike Zone attachment easily connects to the net frame, allowing pitchers to focus better on their target during training.
- Weighted Heavy Ball - The ball is perfect for warm-ups and isolated throwing drills, helping athletes develop the strength needed for more powerful pitches.
- Pro Player Designed - This bundle has been designed, tested, and endorsed by professional baseball and softball pitchers, so you can rest assured the equipment is suited for real training needs.
The 5x5 Ultimate Pitching Bundle is more than just a pitching net; it’s a complete training system. It provides everything a pitcher needs to work on accuracy, strength, and mechanics, all while receiving instant feedback on their progress.
What to Look For in a Softball Hitting Net
If you're a coach or player on the search for the perfect softball hitting net, there are a few key factors you need to consider to ensure it meets your training needs.
Here’s what to look for in a hitting net.
Size and Coverage - The best net size for you depends on the type of training you’re doing and the space you have available. A larger net is best for hitting practice, as it will provide a bigger target area and help you capture stray balls quicker and easier.
If you need to use the hitting net for pitching practice, consider one that offers enough coverage to protect surrounding areas. Barrier nets, like the ones we've included in this guide, offer extensive protection, which will protect the players and the spectators, ensuring your training sessions remain safe and productive.
Durability and Material - Hitting nets to withstand frequent use and hard hits. Look for nets made from high-quality materials like knotless polyester with a PU coating like the ones on our list. These materials offer both strength and flexibility.
Look for steel frames or reinforced fiberglass bow poles, as this will help the net stay stable during highly intense training sessions. Investing in a good quality hitting net will pay off in the future, lasting longer, handling your hardest swings, and giving you peace of mind.
Portability - Look for lightweight hitting and batting practice nets that are easy to break down - ideally within a few minutes and without tools. Hitting nets that come with carrying bags (especially with wheels or shoulder straps) are easier to transport and store, making them perfect for players, coaches, and teams who are always on the move.
Setup and Stability - Simple setup is important to avoid wasting valuable practice time. Many high-quality nets are specifically designed to be set up in under three minutes. Stability features like ground stakes will help keep the net secure during training. If your training sessions involve hard hits or pitches, make sure the net has ground stakes or a strong frame design that can withstand every single hit.
Multi-Use Capability - Ask yourself how you plan to use the net. Will it be for hitting, pitching, or fielding? Some nets, like the Triple Threat Training Net, offer multiple training stations for hitting, soft toss, and pitching, making them a fantastic versatile option for different drills. On the other hand, a sock net is great for catching and collecting balls.
If you need a softball or baseball practice net that can handle other sports, look for multi-sport nets that you can use for soccer, hockey, or other activities.
Check out our barrier nets for complete protection.
Price and Warranty - Don't forget to factor in your budget. A high-quality softball hitting net can range from affordable to premium pricing, depending on its features and durability. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a high-quality net like the ones in this post can save you money in the long run.
Additionally, check if the net comes with a warranty. A warranty on the frame and parts is a good indicator of the manufacturer's confidence in their product's quality. Here at Training Nets, all our equipment comes with a one-year warranty, so you can feel safe in your purchase.
Conclusion
When choosing the best hitting net for your practice, consider its size, durability, portability, and versatility. Whether you need a basic setup for home use or a multi-station net for team practice, there’s an option on this list that will meet your training needs. We offer nets for college programs, multiple players, and individual use.
The Original 7x7 Practice Hitting Net offers a reliable all-around choice, while the Triple Threat Training Net is ideal for optimizing team practice. For large areas, the 16x10 FT Sports Barrier Net provides fantastic coverage and complete reliability.
No matter your choice, investing in a high-quality hitting net will help you maximize your practice time and improve your game.