Wiffle ball is a beloved backyard pastime for people of all ages. The simplicity of the game makes it easy for anyone to pick up a wiffle ball bat and start swinging away. But if you want to take your wiffle ball game to the next level, you need a proper wiffle ball field complete with dimensions and boundaries. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about wiffle ball court sizes and layouts.
Backyard Wiffle Ball Dimensions
For casual backyard games, you don’t need an officially regulation-sized field. The beauty of wiffle ball is that you can make it work with whatever space you have. However, there are some basic dimensions you can follow to create a solid backyard wiffle ball field:
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- Distance between bases: 35 feet – 45 feet
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- Distance from home plate to pitching mound: 30 feet – 40 feet
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- Outfield fence distance: 50 feet – 100 feet
Aim for a wiffle ball field width of at least 20 feet between the foul lines in the outfield. This gives players enough room to maneuver and chase down fly balls. For length, a minimum of 60 feet from home plate to the outfield fence is a good target.
You can mark the baselines and batter’s box with chalk, tape, or cones. No need for actual bases since there is no base running in wiffle ball. Use poles or flags to mark the foul lines and outfield fence. Get creative with materials – PVC pipe, string, cardboard, etc. can all work! Building a wiffle ball field in your backyard is an enjoyable experience, so be sure to try it out!
Official Wiffle Ball Field Dimensions
For organized tournaments and leagues, there are more precise specifications for wiffle ball playing field dimensions. The official dimension for a wiffle ball field is outlined by the American Wiffleball Association (AWA) as:
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- Bases: 45 feet apart
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- Pitching mound to home plate: 36.5-38 feet
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- First/third base to home plate: 45 feet
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- Foul lines from home plate: 75 degree angle, intersecting 4 feet behind home plate
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- Outfield fence: 95 feet down foul lines, 105 feet to straightaway center field
Other leagues like the Hometown Cup recommend:
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- Bases: 40 feet apart
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- Pitching rubber to home plate: 30 feet
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- Outfield fence: 100 feet down foul lines and in center field
Official fields also contain marked batter’s boxes (4×6 feet) and a strike zone target behind home plate for pitches to hit. Foul poles are used to determine fair or foul balls down the lines.
Ideal Wiffle Ball Field Surface
Wiffle ball can be played on any surface, but a flat, smooth, and consistent ground is best. Concrete or asphalt is durable and provides a true ball bounce. Grass or turf allows players to go barefoot and provides softer landing on dives.
Artificial turf can be a great solution, offering cushioning with reliable ball hops. Outdoor turf rolls are affordable and easy to install in your backyard. Just roll it out and secure the edges. The turf fibers also help snag errant throws and keep the ball in play.
Customizing Your Wiffle Ball Dimensions
Part of the fun of wiffle ball is tailoring the field size to your space. Feel free to tweak the standard dimensions to maximize your yard. Just be sure to establish and mark clear boundary lines beforehand so there are no disputes on home runs vs outs.
Some ideas for custom fields:
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- Downsize to a “Little League” field for kids with 25-30 foot basepaths.
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- Build a mini “Green Monster” wall in left field.
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- Create uneven outfield dimensions like Fenway Park or Yankee Stadium.
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- Add physical bases if you want to incorporate running.
Use your imagination and make a unique wiffle ball court your friends and family will love playing on for years to come!
Our Recommendations
Best Wiffle Ball Set
Check out some of the best wiffle ball sets recommended by us!
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- WIFFLE Ball 6 Baseballs Official Size 6 Pack – Best for Starters
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- Wiffle 32′ Bat and 3 Baseball Set Bundle – Best for Budget
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- Easton Pro Stix Plastic Ball & Ball Set – Best Lightweight Bat
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- Franklin Sports Baseball Bat + Ball Set – Best for Kids/Learners
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wiffle Ball Fields
What is wiffle ball?
Wiffle ball is a simplified version of baseball designed for backyard play. It uses a perforated plastic ball and plastic bat to allow players of all ages and abilities to participate. The ball curves wildly for extra fun!
How big is a wiffle ball field?
Typical backyard wiffle ball field dimensions are 35-45 feet between bases and 50-100 feet to the outfield fence. Official tournament fields range from 40-45 foot bases and 95-105 feet to the fence.
How far can you hit a wiffle ball?
In casual games, wiffle balls generally travel 50-75 feet when well struck. On official fields with 95+ foot fences, balls can carry over 100 feet with the right bat speed and technique.
What are the dimensions of a wiffle ball strike zone?
The strike zone varies by league but is typically around 2 feet wide and 2-3 feet tall placed 6 inches off the ground. A rectangle of PVC pipe or sheet metal works well to mark the zone.
Does wiffle ball help with baseball?
Yes! The light bat and exaggerated curve of wiffle balls helps develop hand-eye coordination, swing mechanics, and pitch grips that translate directly to hardball.
How big is a wiffle ball strike zone?
The standard wiffle ball strike zone is about 22-30 inches wide and 30-32 inches tall. It is typically positioned 2-3 feet off the ground.
How to make a wiffle ball field?
To make a wiffle ball field, first measure and mark the base paths, pitcher’s mound, and outfield fence. Add foul lines, then designate hit zones with chalk or tape. Optional additions are dugouts, foul poles, a backstop, and a scoreboard.
Are pickle balls and wiffle balls the same?
No, pickle balls and wiffle balls are different. Pickle balls have a solid plastic surface with holes like a wiffle ball, but are smaller and heavier. Wiffle balls are light plastic balls with oblong holes on one side, designed specifically for backyard baseball games.
So grab your wiffle ball bat, scuff up a new wiffle ball, and start designing your dream field. The only limit is your imagination! Play ball!
Conclusion
Wiffle ball is designed to be adaptable, so take advantage by creating a field tailored to your available space. For casual games, make a small backyard field with approximate distances. Leagues and tournaments call for official specifications with precise basepaths, pitching distance, and foul lines. And customize to add fun features like uneven fences. With the right field dimensions, wiffle ball is endless entertainment for players of all ages!