Advice on Pitching Machines

I am interested in hearing your thoughts on the use of pitching machines. We just ordered a pitching machine and batting cage for our DDs, ages 7 & 10, to use at home. The oldest is playing travel ball and both are playing rec ball. What are some of your opinions on the use of pitching machines? I have had someone tell me that using a pitching machine is the worse thing for a hitter. I realize that nothing can replace live pitching. But I can't see where it would hurt. Actually, I am hoping it will help.

 

I believe pitching machines are great for getting in lots of swings. You can also position it to cover high, low, inside, outside, etc. Bunting is also another good thing you can practice.

I've read, and I believe, that if you use it too much that it will take a few games of live pitching before you will be seeing and reacting to pitches as well as you should.

I would balance the machine practices with front toss from behind a screen.

Also, when using the machine, feed the machine with one hand while simulating the windmill with the other hand.

The machine is also good for ground balls and fly balls.

 

Excellent Comment !!

With our 12's we do all of the above....I personally prefer live pitching, because the machine puts it in the same spot the majority of the time. I like seeing the kids hitting every spot thrown. So with a pitcher you will get these results. The pitching machines have been known to mess up single wall bats, so be careful >>

Guru

 

Thanks for all your comments. This is what I was thinking. But when the parents of a really good varsity and showcase player freaked out when I told them we were getting this pitching machine for our girls, I started second guessing our decision. We realize that nothing can replace live pitching. I appreciate your input.

 

You haven't wasted your money. There are many tools that can have negative results if used improperly. You'll get plenty of use from a pitching machine at your DDs ages. Just keep in mind that live pitching is better. You can swing 100-200 pitches daily off of a machine and bring it back to game reality in a few innings (simulated or actual) of at bats.

I'd rather my kids hit off a machine than sit around because of lack of a pitcher.

 

its this time of year when i realize how much it really hurts us at Monroe that someone stole our pitching machine last year. We dont have any pitchers that can come close to simulating what our girls will see once the season starts

 

A wise old man once told me this about pitching machines... "You can pitch a dozen balls to a girl off a machine and on the 13th one you tell her to close her eyes and she can still hit it."

Food for thought... is that good or bad?

 

Useful Tool

I purchased an ATEC softball pitching machine several years ago when I was coaching at the 12U, and carried that machine forward all the way to the 18U level. I found that when used properly, the pitching machine is an extremely valuable tool. While nothing can replace "live" pitching, we were able to use the machine to work on hitting the outside pitch to the opposite field, as well as working on the proper method to hit curves, screws, drops, etc. Also, we were able to "crank it up" every once in a while to work on timing and bat speed when planning on facing a fireballer pitcher(s). The other benefit of having the machine is that you can get a lot more swings in at practice, and you don't wear your pitchers arms out. Reduces the chance of injury to pitchers as well. We intermixed the pitching machine with front toss from behind a net about 50/50. Just speaking from my experience. It seemed to work very well for us. Our teams were very successful, and most of the girls are now playing, or will be playing college ball.