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