Showing up to a batting cage missing one key item can waste the whole hour — especially at a private cage that doesn't provide balls. Here's the complete what-to-bring checklist, organized by what's essential, what depends on the listing, and the extras that quietly make sessions better.
Always Bring These
Bat: the right size and weight for the hitter, and ideally a backup — a cracked bat mid-session ends things fast. Helmet: for anyone facing a machine or live arm, no exceptions; deflections and misfires don't check ages. Batting gloves: grip and blister protection over a volume of swings. Water: a real session is a workout. These four come with you regardless of where you're hitting.
Check the Listing for These
The make-or-break category. Some private cages provide balls, tees, and screens; many expect you to bring your own. Balls: a bucket of the right type — dimpled machine balls for machine work, regular balls for toss — if the cage doesn't supply them. Tee: if you plan tee work and the listing doesn't include one. L-screen: usually provided, but confirm, because feeding without one is unsafe. Read the listing carefully or message the host; arriving without balls to a bring-your-own cage is the number-one wasted-session mistake. When browsing, the listing details spell out what's included.
The Extras That Make Sessions Better
A few small items punch above their weight. A phone tripod for filming swings — video is the fastest feedback loop in hitting, and our swing-flaw guide is built around reading it. A radar or exit-velo tool if you're tracking progress (see our radar guide). A written session plan so the hour is structured, not random — the practice guide gives you templates. A towel and extra grip tape for sweaty summer sessions.
For Team or Group Sessions
Scale up the balls (multiple buckets), bring several tees and a portable net for stations, and assign gear to specific people so nothing's forgotten. Our team practice guide covers the logistics.
The Night-Before Habit
Pack the bag the night before, not in the driveway. A simple standing checklist — bat, backup bat, helmet, gloves, balls, water, tripod — turns a spontaneous cage booking into a five-minute grab-and-go instead of a scramble that leaves the balls at home. Build the list once and reuse it.
Seasonal and Sport-Specific Additions
A few situational items round out the bag. In cold weather, a thin liner glove under the batting gloves and a warm layer for between rounds keep hands and swings loose. In summer heat — especially in the South — double the water, add electrolytes, and bring a towel. Fastpitch players should confirm the cage's machine and balls suit softball before booking, and switch-hitters want the extra reps that a private hour (versus a metered commercial lane) makes affordable. Finally, for evaluation sessions, a printed copy of your player's goals or a coach's note turns an open hour into targeted work. None of these are strictly required, but each one has rescued a session that would otherwise have been merely okay — and in a booked private cage, an okay hour is a missed opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do batting cages provide balls?
Commercial cages do; private cages vary. Always check the listing — many private cages expect you to bring your own bucket.
What's the one thing people forget most?
Balls, at bring-your-own private cages. It's the single most common way a booked hour gets wasted.
Do I need my own helmet?
Bring one to be safe. Some cages have loaners, but fit and availability vary, and a machine session without a helmet isn't worth the risk.
Should I bring a tee?
If you plan tee work and the listing doesn't list one as provided, yes. Tee work is the foundation of most good sessions.
