[Craft] Handmade Ideas for Strikeout Targets [Recreation]
You often see “strikeout” challenges on sports TV shows and YouTube channels.
That crisp “thwack!” when the ball hits the target is so satisfying to watch, isn’t it? Before long, you may find yourself wanting to try it, too.
In this article, we’ve rounded up DIY ideas for making your own strikeout setup! From serious, full-on DIY builds to compact versions that make use of a wall in your room, there’s plenty to choose from.
It’s also a great set of ideas for families with kids who love to be active!
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[Craft] DIY Ideas for Strikeout Targets [Recreation] (1–10)
Strikeout with lumber blocks
This is a strikeout game made with square lumber that you can easily get at home improvement stores.
Because the frame is built with thick wood, it’s sturdy, and it’s less likely to topple over in the wind when set up outdoors, which is a nice plus.
Measuring and cutting it yourself takes some effort, but the advantage is you can size it to fit the installation space.
How you design the target area is also important: if you make it a panel-insert style, it will require a lot of force to knock down, so it may be better to fix the “tongue” portion so that it falls when hit.
Considering the impact when the ball strikes, we recommend adjusting the thickness and stability to make it less prone to tipping.
Strikeout frame made with a steel plate and L-angle
This is a full-fledged strikeout target made by combining steel plates and L-angles.
You assemble the L-angles to create a frame, install steel plates as the targets, and set them to tip over when hit by a ball.
By adjusting the strength of the wires connecting the frame and targets, as well as the sturdiness of the fixed points, you can tune it to require more throwing force or make other refinements.
It’s built to withstand the impact of balls and strong winds, but since it relies on professional metalworking techniques, it may be difficult to make without specialized equipment.
Strikeout with steel angle
Using steel angles is another recommended way to enjoy a strikeout game.
To begin with, a steel angle is an L-shaped metal bar—you often see them at hardware stores.
Assemble those into a shelving frame and set up your targets on it.
A steel-angle shelf is heavy, so it’s less likely to tip over, and you can disassemble it for storage when you’re done.
Another perk is the satisfying sound the ball makes when it hits the frame.
[Craft] Handmade Ideas for Strikeout Targets [Recreation] (11–20)
Stick-on-paper strikeout
If you want an easy way to enjoy a target-throwing game like Struck Out indoors, here’s a perfect idea: stick sheets of paper with numbers on the wall.
There’s no crafting required, and you can clean up right away when you’re done.
Just be careful—throwing heavy objects can damage the wall, and the wallpaper where you stick the paper might peel off.
By the way, another idea is to attach fabric to the wall.
If you put hook-and-loop fasteners on the ball, it will stick to the fabric, making it even more fun.
Strikeout with PET bottle caps
When using small balls, we recommend the idea of using plastic bottle caps.
First, prepare a piece of cardboard in your preferred size.
Next, cut out holes the same size as the bottle caps.
Then, insert the caps into the holes and you’re done.
This way, you can enjoy a more game-like strikeout, such as “aiming for the cola cap.” You could also decorate the caps by drawing on them or sticking on stickers.
Lego Block Strikeout
How about enjoying a game of target strike using LEGO bricks? This idea was originally devised for toys like Bottleman and B-Daman that shoot small projectiles.
You build a large frame with long LEGO bricks and place thin bricks inside it as the targets.
If you want to play by throwing larger balls, gather more bricks and build a bigger setup.
You can also make a frame with bricks and place paper targets inside.
Woodworking Strikeout
If you want to enjoy a full-fledged strikeout game, one option is to DIY it with wood.
There are many ways to build one, but here’s a basic idea.
First, prepare wooden boards for the frame.
Sketch your layout on the boards and cut out the target openings.
Next, attach the targets.
Using hinges to mount them is convenient because they’ll flip back into place quickly after being knocked down.
Also, to prevent the frame from tipping over when hit by a ball, it’s recommended to use three legs.