How To Install Backstop Padding

Backstop padding is essential in keeping athletes safe, and baseball and softball organizations are increasingly requiring its use. Whether installed in your batting cage wall or field fencing, backstop padding is one of those must-have safety features that can pay for itself in peace of mind alone.

At Greatmats, we're proud to carry top-quality pads designed to last, but knowing how to install backstop padding is also key to maximizing its lifespan and ensuring the finished product looks its best.

How to Install Backstop Padding

These tips can help ensure a successful installation. Let’s break things down step by step.

1. Gather your materials. You’ll need your baseball backstop padding and at least 8 zip ties per pad. It’s a good idea to have extra zip ties, and make sure you have a knife or scissors to cut them.


2. Start at one end of the fence where you plan to install the pads, and place your first pad on the ground.


3. Have an assistant hold the pad up against the fence in place where you want it positioned. Verify the pad is level.


4. Secure a zip tie through the pre-installed grommet hole and loop the tie around the wire fence. Pull the tie closed until it’s taut.


5. Move on to the next grommet and repeat the process, securing it with the zip ties. Make sure the pad remains level, and the zip ties are holding it taut against the fence.


6. Use scissors or a knife to carefully trim off the remaining ends of the zip ties.


7. Repeat the process with the grommet holes along the bottom of the pad.


8. Install your next pad following the same process.

As you install the pads, be sure that you don’t skip any grommets. Doing so can increase the pressure that’s on the grommets connected to the fence, and that can potentially lead to damage to the pad, or it might cause the pad to sag.

How to Preserve and Maintain Your Backstop Padding

Proper installation can help maximize the lifespan of your baseball backstop padding, but there are some additional steps you can take to also take care of the pads.

Clean and Protect Backstop Padding

Regularly clean your padding to remove dirt and dust from the surface. You can use a sponge, warm water, and a mild detergent to help prevent buildup and keep your pads looking their best.

When you clean the padding, inspect it for mold and mildew growth, which may occur in warmer or humid areas. If you notice mold or mildew buildup, clean the pads promptly and make sure they’re in a well-ventilated area.

Inspect the Padding’s Security

Periodically inspect your padding and make sure that each pad is securely mounted to the fence. Look for broken zip ties or areas where the pads are loose and gapping, and resecure them to the fence to prevent extra wear.

Check for Damage

Regularly and thoroughly inspect your pads for any signs of wear or damage. Look for potential issues like loose seams, tears, and punctures. If you find damage, repair the pads right away to help prevent the issues from becoming worse.

Uninstall Your Backstop Padding

Uninstalling your backstop padding when it’s not in use can help preserve its life. Uninstalling the padding during the off-season is advisable, especially if your area sees lots of rain and snow. Folding pads can be cleaned and easily stored away during the off-season to help keep them in optimal condition. Choose a storage area that’s dry, well-ventilated, and clean to help protect the pads and ensure they’re ready for use during the next season.

You might also consider periodically rotating the padding while it’s in use to help ensure even wear. Rotating some of the pads that are exposed to the sun the most with those that are in shade can help extend the pads’ condition and lifespan.

Order Custom Backstop Padding from Greatmats

At Greatmats, we offer an excellent assortment of quality backstop padding suitable for everything from Little League to your high school baseball team use and beyond. These pads feature cross-linked closed-cell foam for superior impact absorption and durability, a strong UV-treated exterior-grade vinyl cover that can withstand the elements, and built-in grommets to make installation quick and easy.


The pads are available in numerous color options to match your team’s or school’s colors, plus they’re available with custom graphics for a professional appearance.

Contact the Greatmats customer service team today to learn more or to place your order for custom backstop padding. A custom pad complete with your team’s or school’s graphics adds an eye-catching touch while maximizing athlete safety during every game or practice.