How important is a pitching mound for softball or baseball pitching practice? The difficulty in gaining access to a permanent pitching mound is the problem. Furthermore, maintaining one is challenging and expensive.
You’ll need a few materials to get started, including a plywood sheet, handles, turf, bolts, nuts, and washers to build a round portable pitching mound.
To fix this issue, I’ll demonstrate to you how to construct a circular portable pitching mound. A pitching mound must be built, but how much does that cost? It will cost you less than $150 and save you up to $200 to build a portable pitching mound.
What is a Pitching Mound?
In every baseball or softball game, the pitcher stands on a “Dirt Hill” while pitching. Pitching Mound is the name given to this dirt knoll. which is flat and is only 10 inches or less off the ground. Moreover, a rubber plate covers the floor. A maximum length of 6 feet is allowed for the front’s downslope.
Why You Need a Portable Pitching Mound
A transportable pitching mound is a very helpful training tool. Your access to more amenities than a typical permanent pitching mound will be made possible by this. Because there won’t be a need for pricey maintenance, you will essentially save money. The use of it by your players will be prolonged.
It costs money to build a permanent pitching dirt mound. Additionally, it requires ongoing upkeep from a qualified groundskeeper.
Each league has a different size for the dirt mound. So, before every game, the mound needs to be checked and rebuilt. That takes a lot of effort and money. Thus, if you (your park, team, or stadium) have a portable pitching mound, you won’t require a groundskeeper’s services. It doesn’t even need to be rebuilt before every game.
You cannot practice outside on days when it is raining or when it is snowing. However, you can practice whenever you like if you have a portable pitching mound. Place it there and start practicing right away, whether it’s in your garage, basement, or gym. Actually, it’s that easy.
For a permanent pitching mound, there is a sizable backlog. These factors contributed to the portable pitching mound’s initial success when it was introduced to the baseball community.
Different Pitching Mound and the Size
You should think about who you are making or buying a portable pitching mound for before making or buying one. Because there are some fundamental requirements:
- For children under 11, a 6-inch portable or permanent pitching mound will work best.
- 8 inches are suitable for players aged 12 to 14.
- 10 inches are permitted in MLB matches for adults.
The portable pitching mound should be constructed in accordance with the minimum specifications for use during games or practice.
Buying VS. Building
Which should you choose to do? Building a transportable pitching mound or purchasing a brand-new one? You are completely in control. So before learning how to construct a portable round pitching mound. You should be aware of some benefits and drawbacks.
- If you are familiar with woodworking’s fundamentals. if you have the necessary tools, time, and knowledge to combine the materials and tools. For you, I think it would be better to build a transportable pitching mound. You might find working on this project enjoyable.
- If you can perfectly assemble a portable pitching mound, it will bring you a lot of satisfaction. When your child or team uses it, you will most importantly feel proud.
- Instead of purchasing a new one, it will be less expensive to build one. As a result, you won’t have to give up on any requirements and will get what you want.
- However, constructing a portable pitching mound can become difficult if you can’t keep track of and manage every step of the procedure. Because this is not a game for kids, you must have patience.
Build a portable pitching mound if you feel ready to do so, then. On the other hand, you can easily purchase one at an additional cost if you are unable to make one.
Tools You Need Building a Portable Pitching Mound
Make sure you have all the required tools before starting to build a portable pitching mound. They are as follows:
- 4′ x 8′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood
- 2″ x 4″ x 8′ pressure-treated lumber (4 pieces)
- 2″ x 6″ x 8′ pressure-treated lumber (2 pieces)
- 1″ x 2″ x 8′ pressure-treated lumber (3 pieces)
- 3/8″ x 3″ lag screws (16 pieces)
- 3/8″ x 5″ lag screws (4 pieces)
- Wood glue
- Deck screws
- Circular saw
- Jigsaw
- Power drill
- Measuring tape
- Level
Step 1: Cut the Plywood and Lumber
Two 4 x 4 pieces of plywood were cut out of a 4 x 8 plywood sheet using a circular saw. These will be the pitching mound’s top and bottom. Pressure-treated lumber measuring 2′ Prime x 4′ Prime x 8′ Prime should be divided into four 4′ Prime pieces.
The pitching mound will have legs like these. Pressure-treated lumber measuring 2″ x 6″ x 8′ should be divided into two 4′ pieces. For the pitching rubber, these will serve as supports.
Step 2: Attach the Legs
One of the plywood pieces measuring 4 x 4 should be placed flat on the ground. Use wood glue and deck screws to fasten two of the four 2″ x 4″ pieces of lumber to each side of the plywood. Ensure that the plywood’s edges and the lumber’s edges are flush.
The pitching mound’s front legs will be these. Relying once more on wood glue and deck screws, fasten the other two 4′ pieces of 2′ x 4′ lumber to the plywood’s back. The pitching mound’s back legs will be these.
Step 3: Attach the Supports
The front of the pitching mound should be secured with 3/8″ x 3″ lag screws before the 2″ x 6″ supports for the pitching rubber are fastened. Place the supports 18 inches from the front of the pitching mound, 6 inches apart. Ensure levelness by checking.
Step 4: Attach the Top
On top of the pitching mound, affix the second 4 x 4 plywood piece, aligning the edges with the bottom one. By using 3/8″ x 5″ lag screws, the top piece of plywood is fastened to the legs.
Make sure the screws are countersunk to prevent contact with the pitching mound surface.
Step 5: Cut the Pitching Rubber
The 1″ x 2″ x 8″ pressure-treated lumber should have the pitching rubber removed using a jigsaw. A 45-degree bevel should be present on one end of the pitching rubber, which should be 6 inches wide and 24 inches long.
Making use of 3/8″ x 3″ lag screws, secure the pitching rubber to the supports. The pitching rubber should be level and in the middle.
Step 6: Sand and Paint
To remove any jagged edges or splinters, sand the entire pitching mound. After sanding is finished, you can paint the pitching mound any color you like. Use weather-resistant paint that can withstand the elements if you can.
Step 7: Add Finishing Touches
A pitching rubber holder and a handle can be added to complete your portable pitching mound. Cut a piece of 1″ x 2″ lumber to 6″ in length, and then use screws to fasten it to the back of the pitching rubber to create a pitching rubber holder.
By doing this, the pitching rubber will remain in place when not in use. Cut a piece of 2″ x 4″ lumber to 12″ in length to serve as the handle, and screw it to the pitching mound’s back. Moving the pitching mound from one place to another will be simpler as a result.
It’s now finished and time to use your portable pitching mound. You’ve built a crucial piece of gear for yourself with this do-it-yourself project that will help you get better at pitching and enable you to practice and play on any field.
When using the pitching mound, keep in mind to always use the correct mechanics and safety gear. Enjoy the game!
Final Thoughts
You can definitely go for building your own pitching mound if you are a beginner in this game and are still working on becoming a good pitcher, or if your child is a budding baseball enthusiast.
If you are a professional player, though, you likely have a better idea of what you need and ought to choose a mound that you can buy cheaply and use.
In addition, if you lack carpentry experience, I advise you to simply invest a few extra dollars to get your pitching mound quickly and easily.
FAQs
What Are the Dimensions of a Portable Pitching Mound?
Height above the ground: 6 inches (the maximum height for sideboards); length of standing flat base: 40 inches. 48-inch backboard with a width of 3 inches. Front Slope measures 72 inches in both width and length.
How is a Pitchers Mound Built?
The mound is made of two materials: specialty clay, also known as packing clay, which is installed to a 4-inch depth in the table and slope, and infield mix, which serves as the base material and is used to build up the mound.
What is the Slope of a Pitching Mound?
The pitching rubber is surrounded by a flat portion of the mound. The mound slopes down at a rate of 1 inch per foot for a distance of at least 6 feet, beginning 6 inches in front of the rubber, or 60 feet from home plate. The mound’s upkeep is crucial for its continued viability.