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The Best 9 Hole Pitching Net: Pitchers Pocket
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8 min
Published: March 3, 2022
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Which 9 hole pitchers pocket net is the best? In this post, I'll cover exactly what you need to know about choosing the best 9 hole pitcher net for your baseball player, your team, or your facility.
In the past, whenever we surveyed baseball facility owners, players, parents and coaches, to ask,
"What’s the best 9 hole pitching net?”
The answer was almost always the same: “Pitchers Pocket is the best one.”
It’s known for being extremely durable and well-liked.
However, Pitcher's Pocket has created a 2nd, and very different, 9 hole net, which they call the "Pitcher's Pocket PRO"
And that has left some people scratching their head, wondering "Well, now which one should I choose?"
So let’s compare the original Pitcher’s Pocket against the Pitchers Pocket Pro, so you can decide which pitcher net is best for YOU.
Which is the best 9 hole pitching net?
Original VS Pro
The Pitchers Pocket is a heavy-duty pitching net with nine separate pockets that mimic the size of the strike zone.
It’s also used for throwing drills at other positions, such as infielders throwing to bases.
However, the Pitcher’s Pocket PRO has been re-designed to more closely
match an actual strike zone.
So next you might ask… is that better?
Well, cancel that question. The real question is this:
What is the best pitchers net for YOU and your situation?
So BEFORE you decide which is the best 9 hole net, here are 4 important
questions to ask yourself (#1 is the most critical)
4 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing the Best 9 Hole Pitching Net
1. Will you use the 9 hole pitching net for practicing multiple
positions? Or just pitching?
The original 9 hole pitchers net does it all… Pitching, infield, outfield, catching.
In other words, pitchers still love it… but it’s not JUST for pitchers.
This is appealing, because no successful team can afford to give up extra bases or runs to throwing errors. With the Pitcher's Pocket, coaches can measure players progress with throwing balls accurately in every team practice session.
Some of the common ways coaches use the larger 9 hole Pitcher's Pocket net include the following:
• Pitching - Pitch location and Pickoffs at 1st base
• Batting Practice Catcher - Place it behind the hitter for a better visual,
and to clearly see where in the zone the balls actually hit
• Infielders - Throws across the infield to 1st, double plays, double play
flips, and more
• Outfielders - Accuracy when throwing home.
• General throwing accuracy
• Catchers - Backpicks, throw downs, Pop-time to 2nd base
• Games - Using games is a great way to add competitiveness and fun to encourage more reps
Order your Pitcher’s Pocket 9 Hole Net
Now let’s compare that against the other 9 hole pitching net… the Pitcher’s Pocket PRO version.
The Pitcher’s Pocket PRO was designed just for pitchers.
Obviously, the importance of pitch placement cannot be overstated. Pitchers who throw balls with velocity but struggle with command will have more walks, higher ERA, more home runs, and more hits given-up.
With that in mind, the Pitcher’s Pocket PRO was created to mimic the same strike zone you’d be dealing with in a real baseball game.
A real strike zone (home plate) is 17 inches wide.
The netted area inside the Pitcher’s Pocket Pro is roughly 18 inches wide
(Compare that to the original, which is 13 inches wider… or 6.5” additional inches on either side)
So IF you are planning to use this net with pitchers ONLY
…AND those pitchers already have decent accuracy
…then the Pro is a great choice.
For example, if you’re planning to have it as a permanent fixture in a high school or college bull pen, then this is a great option.
That’s not to say you couldn’t use it for other things. You can. It’s just going to significantly raise the difficulty level.
Order your Pitcher’s Pocket 9 Hole Net
Something else to think about…
Young pitchers - No pitcher wants to leave an easy pitch hanging in the middle of the zone. If the more narrow target is going to cause young pitchers to gravitate toward the middle, they’re not ready for it yet. The larger 9 hole pitching net is the perfect size to teach players to throw strikes but also big enough to leave the ball out of the dangerous middle of the zone
"Get this and then coach your player at the mound instead of chasing their pitches as a catcher. The multiple pockets make pitching the true target sport that it is - focus on high inside or low outside etc. It also adjusts for height, to meet various strike zones. Awesome tool, it has taken our pitching practice to a completely new level.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2020
2. Which softball / baseball pitching net works best for my space?
How much do you care about missed throws? The larger the net, the fewer misses there will be.
In a batting cage or bullpen, this doesn’t matter a whole lot.
However, for my own personal back yard, I chose the larger 9 hole pitching net for exactly that reason… to keep misses and ricochets to a minimum.
(And you can also use a different net like this one as a back stop, for additional protection against misses, and not chasing too many balls)
3. What about Size, Storage & Portability?
Both pitching nets are relatively easy to store.
Just turn the legs, and it lays flat against the wall. Or remove the legs completely.
Next, does the weight and size matter to you?
| Pitcher's Pocket 9 Hole Net | Original | Pro |
| Dimensions | 35" W x 45" H | 30" H x 22" W |
| Weight | 35 lbs | 30 lbs |
| Max Height Adjustment | Adjust up to 4’ | Adjust up to 5’ |
4. Who else will be using it?
This is similar to Question #1, but it's worth considering separately...
- Do you plan to use this net during team practices?
- Do you have younger siblings coming up who may not be pitchers?
Many training facilities and coaches choose to get both sizes. But if that’s not you, and you want to get the most out of a single net, then you may want to choose the 9 hole net that’s more versatile and can be used in more ways.
About the Pitcher’s Pocket 9 Hole Net
OK, we talked about differences. Now let’s cover what both 9 hole Pitcher’s Pocket nets have in common.
Features that Both Pitcher's Pocket nets share
🟠 9 Individual Pockets - Both have the nine individual pockets, so you can count up the strikes or misses, giving instant analysis of throwing or pitching accuracy.
🟠 Long-lasting - Both of these pitching nets are a professional-grade and highly durable. With #60 Gauge nylon netting, 14 Gauge Galvanized Steel Frame, and high impact vinyl and foam for protection, it can take a beating and still last a very long time. This is why the Pitcher’s Pocket is the preferred choice for many commercial training facilities.
🟠 Height Adjustable - The Pitchers Pocket's steel frame is height adjustable up to 4 feet, so you can easily adjust from a strike zone to chest level target or anything in between.
🟠 No assembly required - It ships fully assembled with adjustable legs that measures up to five feet in height.
🟠 Safety Padding - 1.5” Safety padding over metal frame.
🟠 Price - Currently both nets are priced the same. Check here for the price.
🟠 Warranty - 12 Month all inclusive, 5 years covering the frame.
(NOTE - The frame is made of 14-gauge galvanized steel frame, which is much thicker and heavier than the fiberglass poles of a bow-framed travel net. That puts this product into a different product category and price point than the lightweight pop-up nets/barriers.
Click here to order your Pitcher’s Pocket 9 Hole Net
Summary: WHICH PITCHER'S POCKET PITCHING NET IS BEST?
When trying to choose which 9 hole Pitcher Pocket net is best for your situation, here are the key takeaways.
- No catcher? No problem. Both Pitcher's Pocket pitching nets can be used during batting practice to catch pitches and gauge throwing accuracy.
- Both can be used for baseball or softball, for multiple skill levels from the beginner all the way up to the major league player.
- The original Pitchers Pocket is larger (35”x 45”) and can be used for throwing drills at any position, including pitchers, catchers and fielding position players.
- The smaller (20”x 22”) Pitcher’s Pocket PRO is specific to pitchers and more closely replicates the strike zone.
Either way, you’ll be getting a valuable training tool for improving throwing accuracy.
How to order the Pitchers Pocket
You can order your Pitcher Pocket 9 hole net today.
If you're ready to take your throwing accuracy to the next level, just click the link below to choose your size and color, we'll have your pitching net shipped next business day.
Click here to order your 9 Hole Pitching Net
Questions?
The staff at Tanner Tees is always here to answer any questions you might have. Give us a call (800-230-6219) or email us at sales@tannertees
What people say about these pitcher nets
Below are real reviews with helpful information
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ C's Mom 5.0 out of 5 stars This helps pitchers - it really does.
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2021
"So my son is now pitching in high school. I won't catch for him any more - it hurts!
His coach recommended this to help with accuracy and to save my wrist and hand.
This stands up to his ptches - it hasn't fallen over yet.
Best part is I'm now a bingo caller telling him which pocket to hit.
The coach says his accuracy has gone way up, and he is throwing harder too. Highly recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Laura S. Fernandez | 5.0 out of 5 stars | Not only good if you don't have a catcher
Why didn't we buy this sooner? Gives accurate spots for your pitcher to aim without needing a catcher.
Not only good if you don't have a catcher, but we were able to watch our pitcher now up close rather than concentrating on not taking a ball to the face.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT for practicing you accuracy!
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2019
Got this for my son so that he can become a better pitcher. It works great! He can practice by himself or with his dad!
Well made. Solid piece of equipment. Durable. EASY setup
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Megan Webster | 5.0 out of 5 stars Can’t recommend more!
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2019
This is the training tool you have been looking for!! Save your knees having to catch balls. Give feedback on pitch location without argument! Very well balanced and insanely easy to assemble. Hands down the top item we bring to practices and parents ask for ordering information the most!
👉 Click here to order your Pitcher’s Pocket 9 Hole Net
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