How to Build Your Own Backyard Wiffle® Ball Field

Little Wrigley-Essex VT 

Bring the Big Leagues Home!

• Wiffle® ball is a classic, low-impact, all-ages game.  What better way is there to play the game then turning your backyard into your field of dreams!
• Why build your own field? Convenience, endless fun, a great summer project, customize to your heart's content.  Not all fields need to be a masterpiece like the above Little Wrigley field but we'll help you build your own gem. 
• This guide will walk you through planning, building, and enjoying your very own backyard Wiffle® ball oasis.  

Step 1: Planning Your Wiffle® Ball Paradise - Layout and Location

• Space Assessment:
• How much space do you have? (Even small yards can accommodate a mini-field.)
• Consider obstacles: Trees, sheds, fences, gardens.
• Sun direction: Where will the sun be during prime playing time? Avoid direct sun in batters' eyes.
• Field Dimensions (Wiffle® Ball Specifics):
  • Distances: 100-150 feet for a respectable fence, but can be shorter or longer depending on space.
  • Unique features: "Green Monster" style, short porch, etc.
• Wiffle® ball fields are much smaller than baseball fields.
• Pitching Mound to Home Plate: Typically 45-50 feet.
• Base Paths: Often shortened to 45-60 feet.
• Outfield Fences: This is where you can get creative!
• Drainage: Is your chosen spot prone to puddling? Consider minor grading if necessary.
• Safety First: Ensure clear boundaries, no sharp objects, and enough space for throws and swings.

Step 2: Essential Materials - What You'll Need

• Marking the Field:
• Measuring tape (100ft+)
• String or twine
• Stakes or spray paint (for initial layout)
• Chalk or field marker (for permanent lines – optional, but nice for realism)

Check out our Port-a-Field Lining Kits Here  

• Bases & Plates:
• Home Plate: Can be a rubber mat, painted wood, or even just a flat piece of material.
• Bases: Store-bought rubber bases, painted squares of wood, or even old tires cut in half.
• Pitcher's Mound: A small raised area is ideal. Can be built with dirt, a rubber mat on a slight incline, or even just a designated spot.
• Fencing (Optional, but highly recommended for a "real" feel):
• Materials: Snow fencing, mesh netting, chicken wire, PVC pipe frames with netting, old pallets, or even just a painted line on a fence.
• Posts: T-posts, wooden stakes, or PVC pipes.

Check out our Premium Outfield Fence Kit with Poles Here

Check out our EZ Pocket Net Fences Here

• Scoreboard (Optional, but adds to the fun!):
• DIY: Plywood with hooks for numbers, chalkboard.
• Simple: Just a whiteboard.

Check out our ScoreTower with Beverage Holder Here

• Strike Zone  - build your own strike zone out of pvc piping(just do an internet search for building a wiffle® ball strike zone and you'll come up with numerous easy to build DIY plans or go old school and simply use a lawn chair!
• Seating/Dugouts (Optional):
• Picnic benches, folding chairs, small canopy for shade.
• Maintenance Tools: Rake, shovel, garden hose.

Step 3: Building Your Field of Dreams - Step-by-Step Construction

• 1. Measure and Mark:
• Start with home plate.
• Measure out to the pitcher's mound.
• Lay out the base paths using string and stakes to ensure squareness.
• Mark the outfield fence perimeter.
• 2. Install Bases and Plates:
• Secure home plate.
• Dig shallow depressions for bases if burying them, or simply place them.
• Construct or designate your pitcher's mound.
• 3. Erect the Outfield Fence (if desired):
• Install posts at regular intervals along your marked fence line.
• Attach your chosen fencing material securely.
• Tip: Consider a "foul pole" for extra realism!
• 4. Define the Lines:
• Use chalk, field paint, or even sand to mark foul lines and the batter's box.
• 5. Add the Extras:
• Set up your scoreboard.
• Place seating.
• Consider a designated bat/ball area.

Step 4: Maintenance and Enjoyment

• Basic Upkeep:
• Keep the field clear of debris.
• Rake and smooth out high-traffic areas.
• Re-mark lines as needed.
• Rules of the Game (Wiffle® Ball Etiquette):
• There are many ways to play the game, here is where you can have some fun and be creative, (e.g., no leading off, ghost runner, "one-pitch" rule)

Click Here to see the Original Wiffle® Ball Rules but feel free to make up your own rules

• Host Your Inaugural Game!
• Invite friends and family.
• Have a mini-tournament.
• Grill some hot dogs!

Conclusion: Play Ball!

Need a little more inspiration?  Check out our Wiffle® Ball Field Page where we share some of the greatest backyard fields ever made.  Or check out our Youtube Video:

Share your own Wiffle® ball field with us and we'll post it on our website.

What are you waiting for? Grab your bat, round up your crew, and get ready for endless Wiffle® ball memories!

EXCURSIONS Journey To Health is your source for everything Wiffle® Ball!

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WIFFLE is a federally registered trademark of The Wiffle Ball, Inc. Shelton, CT 06484 and used with permission.