Pro Series Cage Frames & Netting

Instructions

Before you begin installing your frame, there are a few things you should be sure to have.

#1 -Be sure that you have the appropriate number of frame sections for the net you are using. The sections should not be placed more than 20 feet apart.

#2 -Be sure that you have a friend. Installing the frame and hanging your net is definitely a job for (at least) 2.

#3 -Be sure to have a ladder that will safely allow the user to reach 14' high. (Two ladders are better if two people are involved)

#4 -Be sure to have supplies and hardware to hang your net. The frame comes complete with 3 'guide hooks' to temporarily secure your net, but final securing should be done by using zip ties, rope or some type of hardware (we recommend purchasing a large bag of zipties at your local hardware store).

#5 -Purchase an appropriate amount of PVC piping to put in the ground. You will need two pieces for each frame section (each being between 1' - 3' long) that are 2" in diameter. These are available at your local hardware store.

#6 -Purchase an appropriate amount of cement to cement the PVC pipes into the ground. You will need to cement two pieces into the ground for each frame section

#7 -Be sure to have the appropriate tools to dig holes for the frame to go in.

#8 -Basic supplies such as a tape measure, marking spray paint, hacksaw, hand held sledge and a block of wood.

Now that you have all of your supplies you are ready to go!

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Step #1

Determine the length of the net that you will be using. You will want to hang the net approximately 2' shorter than the actual measurement of the net. For example: If you have a 70' long net, you will want your frame to measure 68' in overall length. Mark out on the ground (with your marking spray paint) a line that shows the front and rear of the cage. This is where the first and last frame section will go.

Step #2

Take your overall length (as determined in Step #1) and divide it out to determine the location of the middle frame sections. To do this, divide the overall length by the number of frame sections minus 1 (for example, if you purchased 5 frame sections and your overall length is 68', then divide 68' by 4. This comes out to 17' between each section). On the ground, mark where each of the middle frame sections goes by leaving the determined distance between each section.

Step #3

Using the marks from #1 & #2 make the marks where the frames will go into the ground. For the 12' wide frames, these holes need to be 12' apart, for the 14' wide frames, they are to be 14' apart. This measurement needs to be accurate as the frames have a little bit of give in them, but will not go into the ground at a significantly different width.

Step #4

Prior to digging your holes, you will need to determine the overall height that you wish the frame to be. You will need to subtract at least 1/2 of a foot from your net height (if you purchased a net that is 12' high, you will need to set the frame at no more than a height of 11 1/2 feet). You will then need to subtract your hanging height (1/2 foot less than your net) from your overall frame section height (part #81156 is 16' tall, part #81157 is 14' tall). This will be the amount that you will need to set the frame into the ground. (See TIP on next page)

**TIP - you may choose to cut the bottom piece of the frame section down to not require such deep holes. If you do this be sure that the frame goes into the ground AT LEAST 1 foot. (Example - if you purchased 81156 and you have a 10' high net which hangs at 9 1/2 feet, you may choose to cut 5 1/2 feet off of each leg rather than burying 6 1/2 feet in the ground). You will be cutting the sections in step #7 below**

Step #5

Using the marks from #3 and the depths from #4, dig your holes in the ground and then cement the appropriate length piece of 2" PVC piping in the ground to accept the frame. Allow the cement to dry as recommended.

Step #6

Open each box of frame section and lay all of the pieces for each section on the ground. All of the frames come with 9 pieces and go together the same way. The straight section with the 'guide hook' goes in the center of the top and attached directly to the straight part of the sections with the curve. After you have these 3 pieces together, you have made the 'TOP' of the frame. The legs are made using an equal number of the remaining pieces on each side. The entire frame may be easily put together with the push pins. After you have put the entire section together, remove the two bottom-most pieces (the last piece on each side).

Step #7

At this point, you are now ready to place the first frame section into the PVC pipe. Take the two bottom sections (see #6 above) and lay them next to each other on the ground. You will need to make a mark on each section at the exact distance you determined that the section will need to be buried (see #4 above). If you determined that you need to cut the sections, do this prior to making the mark to set them in the ground.

Step #8

Take each of the lower pieces that now have a mark on them (step #7 above) and place them into the PVC pipes. The frame will be very tight and you will need to place a block of wood on top of the section and lightly bang it down into the PVC until you reach the marked point (this way, each foot will be buried the same distance).

**Important - be sure that you install the foot with the right side up (make sure that the appropriate male or female end is up. Also be sure that you install the foot with the push-pins in the right direction (in and out or forward and back) and that the two feet are put in square to each other. Failure to do these steps will result in the rest of the section not going together properly. Once the feet are in the PVC they are very difficult to move**

Step #9

After the feet are secure, place the rest of the frame section on top of the feet. This will require two people.

Step #10

Repeat steps #6 through #9 for each remaining section.

Step #11

You are now ready to begin hanging your net. Place your net underneath the frame and roll it out so that the entire net is under the frame sections. The net will be hung UNDERNEATH the frames NOT on top of the frames.

Step #12

Begin at one end and locate the top corner of the net. Using your ladder, hook this corner to the appropriate corner hook on the frame section. Locate the other corner of the net (same end) and hook it to the opposite corner of the frame section. Now locate the center of the net (same end) and hook it to the hook in the center of the frame section. Now you will have one end of the net hung on the three hooks on the frame section.

Step #13

You will now want to repeat step #12 for each frame section moving down the cage. You will want to allow some sagging between the sections to allow for the net to give when hit (this sagging is why we hang the cage approx 2' shorter than the actual length of the net - Step #1). When you make it to the last frame section, if your net will not reach, then you have left too much sag and if there is too much sag in the last section, then you have not left enough sag in the other areas. If either of these situations exist, you will need to go back to the other sections and readjust as needed.

Step #14

After you have readjusted your net and it is fully hanging from the frame, you will want to go back and secure the net down. At this point, you will need your zip ties. Using the zip ties, secure the net every 12" across the top of each frame section. Simply secure the zip tie by wrapping it around the frame and then around at least two bunched up holes in the net.

Step #15

You will now have the net fully secured along the top, but not secured along either side. You will now want to cut lengths of rope to tie to the vertical frame poles and the net. You will want to allow the net to give at least 6 inches inward before the rope is tight. (For example: You have a 12' wide frame and a 12' wide net. You will want to cut pieces of rope approximately 1' long and tie them to the pole, leave 6" and then tie them to the net. This will allow the net to move 6" inward before being stopped). Attach these securing ropes at the bottom of each section and approximately 6' up the side. This will mean at least 4 securing points per frame section (you may use more as needed. These ropes will allow the cage to give, but will keep the net from blowing in and interfering with the batter or the pitcher.

Congratulations, you have now completed your batting cage project. Now ENJOY!!