The average backyard is a lot different than the fields used by professional baseball players. But with some careful planning, you can build your own pitching mound in your yard without breaking too many bricks or digging up too much dirt.

“How much does it cost to build a pitching mound” is the question that many people are asking. The answer is, “It depends.” If you have the time and patience to build your own pitching mound, then you can do so for free. Otherwise, it will cost around $2,000 to purchase one from a professional company.

A pitching mound in your backyard will allow you or the pitcher in your life to practice their pitch on a regular basis. We’ll show you how to construct a pitching mound in your backyard that will enhance your pitching game, whether it’s for a wiffle ball league, a Little League is a youth baseball league in the United pitcher, or simply additional practice.

It takes effort and time to construct a pitching mound that will survive the wear and strain of play and the elements. Purchasing a mound, on the other hand, might be extremely costly! We’ll give you some pointers that should get you started in the correct path.

Gather the items and continue reading to discover how to build the greatest pitching mound for your practice requirements in your backyard.

Contents

Materials:

  • Plate for the pitcher (18 in x 4 in for Little League is a youth baseball league in the United, 24 in x 6 in for upper divisions)
  • Spike or large nail
  • Spray paint for the lawn
  • Using a rope or string
  • shovel with a square face
  • Specialty mounding clay or soil with a 40 percent clay, 40 percent sand, and 20 percent silt composition.
  • Asphalt compactor (tamp) or vibrating asphalt compactor
  • Slope gauge or mound slope board
  • For the pitcher’s plateau, you may use concrete or pavers.

The Pitching Mound’s Dimensions

The The Pitching Mound’s Dimensions depend if you are in Little League is a youth baseball league in the United or upper-level divisions. Note the distances below depending on the level of play for your pitching mound. You will refer back to these throughout the construction of the mound. Always check with your league to verify distances and measurements before constructing your mound!

 Baseball in high school, college, and the pros

  • 60 feet 6 inches from the peak of home plate to the front of the pitching rubber
  • Height of the mound: 10 inches
  • 18-foot-diameter mound

Little League is a youth baseball league in the United

  • 46 feet between the top of home plate and the front of the pitching rubber.
  • Height of the mound: (May vary depending on the league) 6 inches for children under the age of 11, and 8 inches for those aged 11 to 13.
  • 10 foot diameter mound

Step 1: Determine the distance, alignment, and height of the object.

From the peak of home plate to the front of the pitching rubber, measure the distance. For a high school level mound, place a stake 18 inches in front of the pitcher’s plate or 59 feet from home plate. Pitching mounds are normally positioned in a north-east facing orientation, although you may select whatever works best for your location for a practice mound.

The stake that you placed at 59 ft will serve as a marker for the center of your mound. Note that the pitching plate is NOT placed in the center of the mound. Attached a string to the stake and stretch it tight at the length of half the diameter (5ft for Little League is a youth baseball league in the United, 9 ft for upper-division). Mark the circumference of the circle mound boundary using the rope attached to the stake. If you do not have space for the full diameter of the mound, it is okay to shrink the mound a bit, especially behind the pitching plateau and on the sides.

Scrape and remove any turf from the mound’s inside. There should be no grass on a pitching mound.

Make a mark on the mound’s depth with a stake in the middle. Depending on your skill level, this might be anywhere from 6 to 10 inches. This mark will serve as a reference when you create layers in subsequent phases.

Step 2: Add Sub-Base and Layers

After you’ve completed all of your measures, you’ll start adding the clay mix. The dirt should be a little drier than Play-dough. Moisture will be crucial in ensuring that your layers connect and condense properly. Begin stacking the clay mix one inch at a time within the circle.

Using the tamp, pound the clay firmly to ensure the dirt is hard. You’ll go on to the next layer of clay mixture after this layer is solid. Make the one-inch mound of earth smaller by 3-6 inches in diameter with each successive layer. Continue until you’ve reached roughly half the height you indicated on the stake in the mound’s middle. Moistening the mound on a regular basis will assist pack the dirt down and keep the texture of dry Play-dough.

Step 3: Construct the Pitcher Plateau

Pitching mounds should not come to a point, but to a plateau that rests the pitching rubber. You will need your Little League is a youth baseball league in the United pitching rubber that is 18 inches by 4 inches or intermediate and higher division plate that is 24 inches by 6 inches.

The rubber should be centered on the home plate. Draw a line down the center of the plate using a pencil. Line up the center with the apex of home plate. The pitcher’s plate should measure a distance of 46 feet for Little League is a youth baseball league in the United and 60 feet 6 inches for upper divisions.

Always choose a pitching rubber with a plateau that can be fastened. A four-way pitching rubber that can be switched on a regular basis and lasts many years is recommended.

  • Little League is a youth baseball league in the United mounds should have a plateau or level area that is 40 inches by 17 inches. The longer sides of the rectangle should stand 4 inches in front of the pitching rubber and extend 32 inches behind the plate. The shorter sides of the level area should be centered on the pitching plate with 11 inches on both sides.
  • The top league platform is 5′ x 3′. The rectangle’s longer sides are 6 inches in front of the rubber and 24 inches behind it (assuming the rubber is 6 inches wide). The shorter sides are 18 inches in front of the rubber’s sides or in the middle.

As you construct your plateau, utilizing boards to create a frame will help you maintain the right size level area. Place your frame on the sub-base and use it to measure the depth of the mound. Build the sub-base until your frame’s top is at the proper depth.

Build up the plateau region as required by tamping down additional clay mixture and putting more clay composition within the frame. Make sure the area is level. When you’re putting clay to the plateau, don’t forget to include the throwing rubber. When applying the rubber, double-check your dimensions and use a level. The throwing rubber should be flat with the plateau when it is finished.

When the plateau is set, remove the wood frame. More mound soil should be used to fill up the gaps created by the frame.

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Rubber MacGregor 4-Way Pitchers

  • Durable molded rubber structure with interior support tubing stands up to the rigors of practice and games.
  • Provides a strong basis for pitchers to stand on while pitching.
  • Designed to be rotated on a regular basis for usage throughout many seasons
  • Comes complete with inner support tubing & Designed to be rotated periodically for extended life
  • MacGregor is the name of the brand.

Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Last update on 2022-02-03


Step 4: Include a Slope

Measure the height of the mound using a slope gauge or another equipment. In each direction, the mound should slope roughly 1 inch every foot from the border of the pitching plateau. Smooth out any rough spots as required, then tamp the mound firmly until it is hard. As the pitcher departs and returns to the pitching platform, paying close attention to the slope will assist to avoid injury.

Step 5: Maintaining the Mound

Protect your mound now that you’ve put all this effort into it by keeping it properly maintained. Where the pitcher pushes off with their foot and lands upon finishing a pitch, your mound will naturally develop holes and worn patches. Sweep the dirt out of these holes, wet the area, and re-clay the worn sections as required. Always cover the mound with a tarp or pitcher’s mound cover while not in use to minimize erosion, foot traffic, and preserve moisture levels.

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20-foot/ 6-ounce Trigon Sports Spot Round Rain Covers, Poly Green

  • Grommets are positioned every 3-4′ along the perimeter of all light-duty coverings, which are made of 6oz woven poly. All covers come with ground stakes. Dark Green is a standard color that arrives the same day. Custom colors are also available.
  • Around the perimeter, grommets are positioned every 3-4′ apart.
  • China is the nation of origin.
  • Construction of High Quality
  • Suitable for all sports levels

Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Last update on 2022-02-03


Add Equipment in Step 6

Now that you know how to create a pitching mound in your backyard, you’ll need the correct tools to maximize your practice time.

  • With a bucket of baseballs, you’ll spend more time throwing than recovering balls.
  • Your grip will stay dry and ready for curve balls with a bag of rosin!
  • Don’t forget to bring a net to stop your pitches from becoming too fast!
  • A speed gun can let you see how much better you are becoming with everyday practice!

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Franklin Sports MLB Gator Grip Rosin Bag – Multi Sport + Baseball + Softball – Absorbs Moisture Franklin Sports MLB Gator Grip Rosin Bag – Multi Sport + Baseball + Softball – Absorbs Moisture

  • ABSORBS MOISTURE: A special gator grip compound was developed to maximize moisture absorption and keep your hands dry on the mound.
  • NON-TOXIC ROSIN: Provides the essential grip for throwing a precise pitch to baseball and softball players.
  • GRIP ENHANCER: Designed to aid in the gripping of the bat or the ball during practice or competition.
  • LONG LASTING: This ultra-durable, strong bag is designed to function and survive for a long time.
  • GREAT SIZE: Measures 4″ H by 3″ W and is packaged in a sturdy, thick fabric bag.

Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Last update on 2022-02-03


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Rukket 7×7 Baseball & Softball Net, Practice Hitting, Pitching, Batting and Catching, Backstop Screen Equipment Training Aids, Includes Carry Bag (7x7ft Net & Bag)

  • HEAVY DUTY & PROVEN DURABILITY: 2X double thick netting, heavy & sturdy frame. Increased thickness adds rigidity and weight for greater stability when batting into the net.
  • STOP CHASING BALLS ALL OVER THE PLAYGROUND: The net’s distinctive fold-up design makes it simple to put up, allowing you to begin practicing in minutes and spend less time chasing balls.
  • PERFECT FOR DEVELOPING BATTING AND PITCHING SKILLS: When batting and pitching into the net, our extra strong 7-ply knotless netting and enhanced frame thickness offer stiffness and weight for improved stability.
  • The durable and secure but lightweight net and frame fold into the provided carrying bag for simple travel and storage.
  • RUKKET offers a 100% LIFETIME WARRANTY and SATISFACTION GUARANTEE. GUARANTEE: For a risk-free purchase, lifetime replacement parts are included, as well as excellent USA-based email and phone customer care.

Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Last update on 2022-02-03


Conclusion

Whether you have a Little League is a youth baseball league in the Unitedr or major baseball player, a pitching mound in your backyard will help you to get the daily practice a good pitcher needs. Instead of purchasing an expensive mound, we have provided tips and tricks on how to build a pitching mound in your backyard for much cheaper!

With the use of a clay soil composition, a few tools, and hard work, you can create a professional-looking mound in your own backyard! Take a go outdoors, stretch your arm, and PLAY BALL!

The “how to build a round portable pitching mound” is a guide that will teach you how to build a pitching mound in your backyard. This guide was created by the author of this blog, and it is meant for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you build a pitching mound?

A: A pitching mound is a specific type of dirt that can be used as the base for your pitchers mound. To make one, start by placing three to four inches of gravel on top of two feet or so of soil and water it no more than halfway up the gravel. Then place five pounds per square foot (or 20lbs total) or organic compost in evenly throughout the whole layer before covering it with six to 10 inches (1-2ft deep)of soil and watering again until plant roots are visible through the ground cover.

How do you build a dirt pitching mound in your backyard?

A: A dirt pitching mound is a rectangular-shaped surface of fortifiable soil which serves as the playing field for baseball and softball.

What kind of dirt do you use in a pitching mound?

A: The best dirt to use is clay, but you can also try using a mixture of sand and peat moss.

Related Tags

  • how to rebuild a pitcher’s mound
  • pitching mound installation
  • how to build a dirt pitching mound
  • how to build a softball pitching mound
  • pitching mound dimensions

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