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If you’re familiar with Wiffle Ball, you know that the Wiffle Ball strike zone is an essential aspect of the game. But what are the strike zone dimensions, and how is the strike zone regulated? In this article, I’ll cover the Wiffle Ball strike zone dimensions and provide you with step-by-step instructions for building your own Wiffle Ball strike zone, which can also double as a Wiffle Ball pitching target. Ready? Let’s get started!
About Wiffle Ball
Wiffle Ball is a wonderful take on America’s pastime. Ever since David N. Mullany invented the game back in 1953, kids have been learning how to play Wiffle Ball in backyards and backlots all over the U.S. The game’s magic lies in its simplicity, recreational nature, and the incredible movement of the Wiffle Ball itself when it’s pitched. It makes the game a lot of fun. So much so that competitive leagues like MLW Wiffle Ball have become very popular.
Wiffle Ball Strike Zone Dimensions
While you are free to create your own Wiffle Ball strike zone dimensions, the sport’s major competitive leagues use standardized dimensions of 22″ wide by 30″ tall. The Wiffle Ball strike zone height above the ground tends to vary, between 12″ and 16″.
At the 2022 MLW Valley Wiffs Tournament, held in Mesa, Arizona, in January 2022, tourney rules state that the strike zone should start 15″ off the ground. Of course, dimensions can vary depending on the ages of the players. For example, a child’s strike zone might start closer to the ground. The Wiffle Ball strike zone should be positioned 3 feet behind the batter’s box.
Download and Print a FREE Wiffle Ball Strike Zone Diagram
How to Make a Wiffle Ball Strike Zone
Like this official model from MLW, you can purchase your own Wiffle Ball strike zone, but many players prefer to build their own from scratch. Chances are, you’ll save money going the DIY route, and it’s not a difficult task. To help you construct a Wiffle Ball Strike Zone, I’ve included the Wiffle Ball strike zone plans you’ll need below, along with the step-by-step instructions below:
DIY Wiffle Ball Strike Zone
Estimated Time: 1 person, 2-3 hours
Estimated cost: $50-60
Required Materials
- 1″ PVC pipe (15 feet in total)
- 4 – 1″ PVC elbows
- 4 – 1″ PVC T-Junctions
- PVC Primer & glue
- 1- 22″X30″ piece of aluminum or sheet metal (with 8 holes cut, 1/2 inch from the sides)
- Zip ties
- Mitre saw (or hack saw) for cutting PVC pipe
- Spray paint (as desired)
Build Instructions
- Cut PVC pipe into the following lengths: 1 X 23″(top), 2 X 31″(sides), 1 X 11″(bottom), 2 X3″(bottom), and 6 X 12″ (stand pieces)
- Before gluing the PVC pipe, assemble the full strike zone to make sure you have the correct dimensions that everything fits. If everything looks good, disassemble.
- Reassemble one piece of pipe at a time using the PVC primer and PVC glue. The PVC primer creates a chemical reaction that softens the pipe. The softer the pipe is when gluing the connection, the stronger the joints will be and the longer the frame will last.
- Avoid gluing the base of the strike zone to the stand. This way, you can separate the two main components for easy transport and storage.
- Before attaching the metal or aluminum sheet to the PVC frame, use spray paint to paint the strike zone any way you’d like. Here is the time to show off your skills as an artist. ; )
- Once the paint has dried, use the zip ties to attach the metal or aluminum sheet to the inside of the strike zone frame. The zip ties will go through the holes in the sheet and around the PVC pipe.
That’s it! You are now ready to head to the Wiffle Ball field and challenge your friends! A couple of things to remember: the zip ties need to be long enough to fasten around the 1″ PVC pipe. And unless you have the right tools to cut holes in the metal sheet, you’ll need to find someone who can do that for you, perhaps someone from the store where you bought it.
How to Use the Wiffle Ball Strike Zone
As I mentioned previously, your new DIY Wiffle Ball Strike Zone should be placed 3 feet behind the batter’s box for proper use. The idea behind using a metal or aluminum sheet in the center of the target is two-fold: it’s a durable material, and it makes a loud noise when the ball hits the target. This way, everyone will know if the pitch has landed as a strike. There is no umpire in Wiffle Ball, after all.
Key Wiffle Ball Equipment
You don’t need much equipment to play Wiffle Ball – the rules do not permit fielders to use baseball gloves. But you will need a Wiffle bat and ball. You can buy them separately or as a Wiffle Ball set. For the best experience, I recommend that you purchase the official yellow Wiffle Ball bat, along with the official Wiffle ball – you know, the Wiffle Ball that curves a lot. : ) But any plastic bat and ball will do. Here is an example of an official Wiffle ball and bat set:
For more Wiffle Ball gear, check out our guide to the best Wiffle Ball bats for 2022 as well as our list of the best Wiffle Ball pitching machines. Just remember, all you need to play is a bat and ball.
Wiffle Ball Strike Zone Dimensions: Final Thoughts
Now that you know the Wiffle Ball strike zone specs and how to build a Wiffle Ball strike zone, there’s only one thing left to do; get outside and play Wiffle Ball. : ) If you’re unsure, take a few minutes to brush up on the official Wiffle Ball rules.
