| There is no doubt that using a good pitching | | | | motor used on some pitching machines. It is a |
| machine has advantages. You can build arm, back, | | | | world class electric motor and usually comes with |
| shoulder and upper body batting strength, hand | | | | a five year warranty that is covered by the |
| eye coordination and improve batting technique if | | | | pitching machine manufacturer. |
| you use the machine properly. Whether you use a | | | | Another costly item is the tire wheel assembly. I |
| baseball pitching machine or a softball pitching | | | | suggest not buying a machine with a solid rubber |
| machine they both have the same advantages, | | | | tire. When they get old they can literally come |
| disadvantages and should be used properly to get | | | | apart and cause an injury. I have actually seen |
| the best results. | | | | this happen. "Warning"Always replace tires before |
| One of the first things to look for to find the right | | | | they are old and worn no matter what kind of |
| machine for you and the players on your team is | | | | tire they have! Also on those models with solid |
| the age group that is involved. If your child or | | | | rubber tires if you need to replace the tire you |
| group is five to eight years of age you would | | | | may have to buy the tire and wheel since the tire |
| need a machine with pitch speeds from 20 to 40 | | | | is usually glued or attached to the wheel. |
| mph. Preferably a machine that is very accurate | | | | For the older group of players from middle school |
| and delivers pitches to the same general area | | | | through high school one of the two wheel |
| every pitch. The last thing you need is to have | | | | curveball pitching machines models should be used. |
| the young player afraid of being hit! Never start | | | | By this time players will be seeing curveballs, |
| off with to fast a speed when practicing with a | | | | sliders, knuckleballs and different types of pitches. |
| young beginner. | | | | A single wheel machine simply will not product |
| I have been asked whether to use the practice | | | | these types of pitches. The two wheel machine |
| balls or real balls when using a pitching machine. | | | | will produce the speed needed as well. Some |
| The answer is that practice balls are more | | | | models have speeds ranging from 20 mph to 105 |
| accurate because the tire does not hit any seams. | | | | mph. Even professional players seldom see a pitch |
| A seam on a real ball can cause the pitch to differ | | | | of 105 mph. |
| on every pitch however with older players that is | | | | Some models come with swivel action. That |
| not all bad. Never use synthetic balls in a machine. | | | | means that you can shoot a ball to right field then |
| They leave a buildup on the tire that is hard to | | | | swing it around and shoot a ball to left field. It will |
| remove and the do not product accurate pitches. | | | | also tilt up and down for grounders or popup's. |
| Usually when a new pitching machine arrives the | | | | This option is great if you intend on using it for |
| tire is brand new and needs to have the shine | | | | more than batting practice. |
| removed from the surface that contacts the ball | | | | If you purchase a baseball pitching machine or |
| in order to get a good pinch on the ball. This is | | | | softball pitching machine there are other optional |
| done by turning the machine on and using a peace | | | | items that you may want to consider. A good |
| of sandpaper to remove the shine from the tire | | | | quality batting cage will save on ball recovery time |
| before using it in an actual practice. | | | | when used by two or three people and an |
| A well built, quality machine should last for years | | | | automatic ball feeder can be used when one |
| even with heavy use. Be sure to check the | | | | person needs to use the machine. The practice |
| warranty offered on a machine before you make | | | | dimple balls will save wear and tear on your real |
| a purchase. Warranties can range from a year to | | | | baseballs or softballs and are more accurate. An |
| five years. Some pitching machines even come | | | | additional option is an L-Screen to protect the |
| with a thirty day return policy. I highly | | | | person feeding balls into the pitching machine. |
| recommend purchasing one with the return policy | | | | Never let a child operate the machine. When used |
| because if you get it and you are unhappy with it | | | | properly they are safe but should never be left in |
| you can simply return it. Some pitching machine | | | | the hands of minors. They are meant to be used |
| companies even offer free shipping as sales | | | | to train and condition and should always be used |
| promotions. This can literally save you sixty to | | | | with grownup supervision. |
| one hundred dollars. | | | | Pitching machines are great training aids. Coaching |
| One of the costliest parts on a pitching machine is | | | | tools for batting, hitting, infield and outfield practice |
| the motor. Do a little research to see what brand | | | | as well. When used properly they will greatly |
| of electric motor is used on a machine. If a top | | | | improve your batting and playing skill level. Choose |
| quality motor is used you can bet that the rest of | | | | a machine that is right for you and your child and |
| the machine is top quality as well. Leeson is a | | | | you will have years of reliable service. |