How To Make A Wiffle Ball Field In Your Backyard

Wiffle ball is a simple and fun backyard game played with a wiffle ball and bat. In this tutorial, we will show you how to make a wiffle ball field in your backyard.

Wiffle ball started out as an idea in a backyard in Connecticut. David A. Mullany was playing ball with a perforated golf ball and broomstick handle.  They didn’t have enough players nor enough space to play baseball. From here the sport quickly morphed into what is now known as “wiffle ball”.  And it is no wonder that people are still playing wiffle ball in backyards today.

There is a lot of confusing information about wiffle ball fields. Let us clarify and teach you how to make a wiffle ball field in your backyard.

Field Diagram

We have included a field diagram that will help you visualize your field as we review the dimensions and rules of the field. We recommend that you draw your own diagram before marking the lines in your backyard.

Field diagram

Rules of the Field Dimensions

As you research, you may find that wiffle ball fields are all different sizes and shapes! It is no wonder you are confused about how to make a wiffle ball field in your backyard! According to the creators of Wiffle Ball (wiffle.com), there is no official dimension for a wiffle ball field.

This means you can make a wiffle ball field out of whatever space you have available! Some leagues have set dimensions for their fields, others do not. Therefore, we will provide some suggested dimensions for gameplay.

Interestingly your wiffle ball field can be concrete, dirt, gravel, grass, or anything you have to play on.

How To Make A Wiffle Ball Field In Your Backyard Step-By-Step

To reiterate, the field size is optional.  Work with the dimensions you have available in your backyard.  As there is only imaginary baserunning in the official rules of wiffle ball, we will not be adding bases. As a design choice, feel free to add bases to have the look of a real baseball stadium!

Materials:

  • Chalk or paint to mark lines
  • Measuring tape
  • Home Plate
  • Pitcher’s plate

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Step 1:  Measure Home Run Area

It is easiest to begin with the outer boundary of your field, the home run area. The home run area can be marked with a line or a natural barrier such as bushes, wall, or fence.  We suggest the height of the barrier to be between 4 and 16 feet. The width of the home run marker from the left foul line to the right foul line should be between 20 and 100 feet.

Step 2: Mark Foul Lines

Next, measure down the foul lines from the home run point to the home base 60-100 feet and place your home plate.  Be sure to carefully mark your foul lines using paint or chalk. It is up to you if the left and right foul lines are the same or different lengths.

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Step 3: Foul, Single, Double, and Triple Zones

Depending on the size of your field, you may change the suggested distances of your single, double, and triple zones. Mark these zones in an arc from the left foul line to the right foul line. In the game of wiffle ball, no bunting is aloud. Therefore, we have included a foul zone around home plate.

  • The foul zone between 5-15 feet from home plate
  • The single-zone between 20-45 ft. measured on the foul lines
  • The double zone is placed 20 feet beyond the singles marker (40-65ft.)
  • The triple-zone is marked 20 feet beyond the double zone or between 60-85 ft.

Step 4: Pitcher area

You may choose to add a pitcher’s plate. The pitcher is also the designated player for a single area. Consequently, the pitcher’s plate should be located in a single area.

Wiffle balls are not the easiest balls to throw long distances. With this in mind, choose a spot in your single zone where you can throw a good curveball!

The World Wiffle Ball championship places their pitcher plate at 30 feet.

Step 5: Batter box

In baseball, each batter’s box is 4 ft wide and 6 ft. long. Since wiffle ball is a miniature version of baseball, we will use these dimensions. Batter boxes should be centered top and bottom to home plate.

Draw the 4 ft. wide and 6 ft. long box 6 inches away from home plate on either side of the plate.

Step 6: Optional Touches

Now that you have the basics of your field, why not add some final touches?  You can even create replicas of actual stadiums such as this 1/4th scale replica of Fenway park called Fenway Westfield. Creating a plywood fence on your home run boundary will get you started.

Adding great equipment to your field will not go unnoticed by players. Always have an ample supply of wiffle balls available and provide a few bat options. To help you improve your game, we have reviewed the best wiffle ball bats here.

It may also be fun at a pitching machine to your field. We have reviewed the best wiffle ball pitching machines here.

Here are other ideas that you can add to your field:

  • Scoreboard
  • 1st, 2nd, and 3rd base
  • Dugout
  • Foul Poles at the home run boundary
  • Strike-zone backstop
  • Crowd viewing area
  • Concessions stand
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Basic Rules Of Play

Although wiffle ball is based on the game of baseball, the rules of play do vary slightly.  The baseball 3 strikes rule and 9 innings remain the same.

Many avid players already have specific rules that they live by in wiffle games. Check out the specific rules for leagues in your area if you plan to compete.  Otherwise, stick with these basic rules when you make a wiffle ball field in your backyard.

The game can be played with 2-10 players.  Not more than one player at any time can be in each zone (single, double, and triple).  In other words, only 3 outfielders on the field at once.

Interestingly enough, there is no actual base running!  The batting team must keep track of the imaginary runners.  To get to base you must successfully hit the ball into one of the zones without a fly being caught or a in motion grounder retrieved.

Single zone: 1 base

Double zone: 2 bases

Triple zone: 3 bases

Home run:  All players “on base” and batter score

For a more detailed list of the rules for strikes and outs, make sure to visit the official website at www.wiffleball.com

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Conclusion

Now grab your Wiffle ball and bat and head out to the field!  With just a measuring tape and something to mark the ground, you learned how to make a wiffle ball field in your backyard.

Hopefully, you can score a home run and not get a “Wiff”.  Perhaps, this is the beginning of your own wiffle ball league!