A baseball pitching machine is a necessity for teams and individuals who need to practice hitting balls. The machine delivers consistent pitches at the right speed and type of pitch so the batter can improve his swing. Most machines use a system of one or two spinning wheels that propel the ball when it makes contact. Because the machine does all the pitching, the coaches and parents are free to analyze the player's technique and give pointers. Pitching machines are available in a variety of types ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Assess Your Needs
Step 1
Determine the best type of machine based on your needs. For at home or youth league practice, a lightweight, single-motor machine should suffice. Players at the high school or collegiate level should practice with a dual-motor, two-wheel machine.
Step 2
Consider available power sources. To operate an electric pitching machine, standard 110-volt power must be available through a nearby electric outlet or a gasoline-powered generator. If supplying electricity is not practical for your practice location, look for a battery-powered or manual machine. Manual machines use spring action to deliver pitches.
Step 3
Find a machine that provides pitches at the appropriate speed. Youth leagues should practice with a machine pitching 60 mph or more. High school and college age players need to practice with faster pitches up to 90 mph or more.
Step 4
Choose a machine that will deliver the right types of pitches. Machines that only send fastballs are fine for younger players. Older players need a machine with a variety of pitching options, including balls going to the right or left and curve balls.
Step 5
Look into additional options that make the machine easier to use. Some pitching machines are compatible with a separately purchased feeder that will hold balls and drop them into the machine automatically. An in-line switch is also available on some models that will allow batters to turn off the machine from where they are batting.
Tips and Warnings
- Before buying a machine, make sure it is compatible with the type of balls used in practice. Machines for youth leagues should be able to use Reduced Injury Factor (RIF) balls.
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