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When I grew up in the mid 1970's the pitching machines that were available to us were based at a batting cage and required my mom or dad to drive us to use them and spend a lot of money (I remember 50 cents for 12 pitches). The pitching machines also always had a bunch of people standing around watching, putting pressure on us as we struggled to hit the baseball. That process was costly, time consuming, and rarely allowed for us to actually work on becoming a better baseball hitter.

As a father of 2 sons who both play the game I have thrown balls in batting practice until my shoulder aches to help them to perfect their swing. This practice has been great in developing their ability to have a fundamentally sound baseball swing but has been limited by my availability. My wife will occasionally throw some batting practice but it is not her favorite thing to do (even though she is pretty good at it!). The best part of the issue surrounding how to get my kids more swings is that my kids love to hit a baseball! If this describes you then read on...

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This dilemma caused me to begin to research baseball pitching machines a few years ago for our personal use. There are as many softball pitching machines as there are baseball pitching machines and I was amazed at what was available, even though some of the machines were a little hard to find. I was even impressed that they make baseball softball pitching machines that are combination of both! When I talked to other coaches about pitching machines they raved about how the consistency of the mechanics of a baseball swing need to be developed through lots of repetition - and that a pitching machine was the best way to give the players the repetition needed to perfect their mechanics. A couple of them thought that the machines would be too expensive to put into a personal use setup but I was happily surprised at how affordable the machines are today.

There is a great saying in baseball that says "hitters will always find a place in the lineup." That is never more true than when your son or daughter begins to play competitively, whether on travel teams or simply as they get older and the requirement that all kids play equal amounts of time is removed. The best hitters always play - every coach wants to compete and to win, that is one of the main reasons they are coaches. Having your son or daughter practicing the mechanics of hitting a baseball will help them to improve to the point that the coach will want to have them in the game all the time so they never miss an at-bat. It happened for my sons and it can happen for you, too.

Once my boys had the ability to hit every day, any time that they wanted to, the results were fantastic. Our pitching machine made our house the central place for our neighborhood boys to gather almost daily, so the whole neighborhood began to hit better as result.

When trying to figure out which type of pitching machine is right for you, it helps to review a handful of items:

1) Surroundings - The area that the machine will be used is important - is it for personal use in your backyard or is it for use at the ball field for a team? Pitching machines for backyard use are typically less expensive and easier to setup and tear down. Pitching machines for batting cage or high school/college team setup are more expensive, more industrial and have more features.

2) Age and skill level of play of the players who will be using the pitching machine the most - players under the age of 12 do not need the speed and curve ball, slider, knuckle ball capability that some of the more robust machines offer.

3) Budget - Pitching machines can range from $180 to $3-4,000 in price. Knowing what you have to spend up front can make the selection much easier for you.

4) Pitching Machine Type - Pitching machines have different methods of delivering a pitch to a batter. Some are operated with two wheels spinning, some use a single wheel, some use forced air pressure and others use an arm that throws the ball. Personal or backyard types of pitching machines are often one wheel or forced air. Batting cage or high school/college pitching machines are often two wheel or mechanical arm.

5) Options - There are a number of excellent options that can be added to pitching machines, depending on your circumstances. Remote Control devices to turn the machine on and off and control the timing of the next pitch, battery packs that allow units to operate without electricity, and auto-feeder systems that stack baseballs and then feed the balls into the machine at set intervals are some of the options available on modern pitching machines.

By Chuck R Stewart

A detailed feature comparison among several brands of pitching machines can be found in the How to Select a Pitching Machine article found on the http://www.BaseballSkillAids.com/Pitching-Machines section of the home web site.

To Your Hitting Success,

Coach Chuck

Coach Chuck Stewart operates a baseball web site called http://www.BaseballSkillAids.com offering baseball training aids and coaching/instructional videos along with lots of free coaching content. Coach Chuck has coached baseball teams for 11 years and enjoys sharing the love of the game of baseball with his players.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chuck_R_Stewart
http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Keys-to-Consider-When-Buying-a-Pitching-Machine&id=1107827

Technorati Tags: how to select a pitching machine, pitching machine, Pitching Machines

A baseball pitching machine is a great tool to help hitters improve their hitting. There are many benefits in owning a baseball pitching machine.

When buying a baseball pitching machine, there are five things to consider.

1. Pitch speed-You want to have a pitching machine with the proper pitching speed for you.

2. Number of wheels-You want the right amount of wheels for your pitching machine.

3. Transportability-Pick a pitching machine which is easy to transport.

4. Parts and accessories-Generators,auto ball feeders,dimpled balls and covers are important to your pitching machine.
5. Warranty-Make sure you are properly covered with your investment.

The Best Little League Pitching Machine. The Hammacher Schlemmer Institute commissioned a baseball instructor to test pitching machines and this one proved to be the best because it was the most accurate and quickly adjusted to hurl fastballs curve balls or sliders. Made by Jugs Sports suppliers to professional and collegiate baseball teams the best pitching machine consistently pitched baseballs and softballs through the strike zone unlike lesser machines that were inaccurate and inconsistent. You can adjust the best pitching machine to throw fastballs and right- or left-handed curveballs and sliders at the turn of a dial while other models required complicated adjustments or did not pitch sliders at all. Scoring highest for features the best pitching machine hurls only foam and plastic balls 12 included that mitigate a little leaguer's fear of being hit by the pitch it adjusts for softball or baseball batting practice in less than two minutes and its chute swivels up to 360 to launch pop-ups fly balls and ground balls for fielding practice. Plugs into AC. 3 1 2'-5' H x 3'-3 1 2' W. 35 lbs.

Pitching machines come in different styles. An arm action pitching machine and a circular wheel machine are very popular. Pitching machines are useful for batters who can practice on their own. Batting cages are useful for pitching machines. The starter baseball pitching machine is ideal for young players and leagues where pitching machines are used in actual games. Pitches are normally 30 mph in these games. The curveball machine actually spins the ball in an opposite direction. The spin goes forward, which causes the ball to curve downward. Since the ball is curving toward the ground, gravity does not prevent it from curving. It actually helps it. You can put different spins on the ball. The 2 pitch sidewinder pitching machine can throw straight fastball and 3/4 curve, straight fastball and 3/4 slider, tailing fastball and sidearm curve, and tailing fastball sidearm slider. The 2pitch3 baseball pitching machine can throw a 95 mph and a 75 mph curveball in one set up. There is also the twin pitch pitching machine which gives you 2 pitches in one set up. There is a pitching machine available for all ballplayers.

Pitching machine parts and accessories are important to your baseball pitching machine. Auto ball feeders feeds balls at different intervals. Can be used with almost any pitching machine. A power generator is an alternative power source for running your single wheel pitching machine, or automatic ball feeder units in locations where there are no electric outlets. Baseball pitching covers protect your machine. Dimpled balls will dramatically extend the life of your baseball pitching machine. A pitch selector allows you to feed fastballs and curveballs without the batter knowing which pitch is coming. Two downhill feed chute extensions are connected to the in-feed chutes. Two balls are rolled down the feed chutes at the same time. The batter can see the balls roll down. Both balls appear just before the pitching wheels, but only one comes out. This feature makes it impossible for the batter to predict the pitch, but allows for ample timing of when the ball will be pitched.

Casey Pro Baseball Pitching Machine from Atec The Casey Pro delivers any pitch desired both left and right handed. And its breakthrough C of G design Center of Gravity makes it the most desirable pitching machine on the market for defensive fielding drills. Adjust the throwing head quickly and easily ... up down right or left ... and double the productivity of your practice. Features Throws a variety of breaking balls sliders curves splitters and screwballs Dual concave wheel design for maximum ball control Variable speed control for delivering accurate pitches up to 100 mph for baseballs Center-of-Gravity design allows a full 360 Pro 220V Softball Pitching Machine click here . Color ATEC Green

I hope this article will be a tremendous help in your hunt for purchasing a baseball pitching machine best suited for your game. Besides improving your game, you can share your pitching machine with teammates and have a lot of fun.

Author: eugene rischall

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/baseball-articles/baseball-pitching-machines-907802.html

About the Author:

Author-Eugene Rischall, Owner, Baseball Training Emporiumwww.baseballtrainingemporium.com

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Pitching Machine Baseballs - The Right Choice When Using a Pitching Machine

The controversy surrounding what type of ball to use when taking batting practice has been around for years. Coated baseballs, also called pitching machine balls or dimple balls, are often thought of in a negative manner with the argument that they do not provide the same feel as a real baseball when struck by the bat. In my opinion the pitching machine balls are superior for their durability, longevity, cost benefit and the fact that they do not scuff and pick up moisture like real baseballs so the flight from the machine is much truer leading to better pitches and more consistent swings during batting practice. This article describes those points in great detail.

Color - When hitting in the batting cage the color of the pitching machine ball becomes very important. As you work to train your hitting eye a yellow ball is easier to pick up than a white ball. The yellow color is designed to give you the best overall visibility in several different lighting conditions.

Jugs Pearl NeverBreak Seam Pitching Machine Baseballs with Bucket The Jugs(r) Pearl NeverBreak(tm) Seam pitching machine baseballs are constructed with a strong, high-tech thread material for an extra long-lasting design. Each ball also boasts a full-grain leather cover, a cushion-corked center and wool winding. Includes a ball-bucket and 4 dozen baseballs.

Durability and Consistency - It is important to keep in mind the durability of a baseball. A standard baseball is made for game use. With consistent use it will pick up moisture, scuffs and wear out very quickly. The design of a pitching machine baseball, with a plastic outer coating, will last much longer. You should expect the pitching machine baseball to last at least 2 to 3 years. That is a lot hits, long drives, and home runs. The design of the pitching machine ball adds to its durability. Because of their plastic outer coating, pitching machine balls are designed to not attract moisture. A standard leather baseball can pick up moisture from many sources. It can come from either a wet or damp field, overnight rain or even the morning dew. Over time, the regular baseball begins to add weight from the moisture and can become very heavy. If a wet or heavy ball is used in a pitching machine the pitches can become unpredictable. When that happens the act of taking batting practice can actually become dangerous. A lot of wild pitches are sure to follow. Take comfort in knowing that you will get a consistent pitch every time with the use if regular pitching machine baseballs.

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Like New Quality - The high durability of the pitching machine ball makes the balls very easy to clean. You don't have to worry about getting them wet. The pitching machine balls will easily clean using water and a mild cleaning detergent. I have had good luck simply wiping them dry after each use. This simple task, much like a golfer wipes their clubs clean after each use, helps to keep the color bright and the balls in great shape to last to their full life expectancy of 2-3 years.

Trend Sports Slider Lite Pitching Machine Baseballs by the Dozen The Slider Lite pitching machine baseballs are and ideal add-on for your Trend Sports Slider Lite Pitching Machine. Optic yellow dimpled design make balls easier to focus in on and provide improved accuracy when compared to a seamed ball.

Lower Cost - While the initial cost of a set of pitching machine baseballs may be slightly higher than regular baseballs, the long-term cost of pitching machine baseballs are lower. As the cost of baseball equipment rises, a standard baseball is no exception. The cost of a box of 24 balls will be about $60. With year long training you will probably need to replace the balls about twice a year. The easy solution is to switch to pitching machine baseballs. The cost with the pitching machine baseballs is very close to the same as regular baseballs, with the cost of the pitching machine balls being about $72 for 24 balls. The real savings comes from the fact that the pitching machine balls should last about 2 - 3 years.

It does not take a hitters eye to see that the smart choice is to use pitching machine baseballs with your pitching machine. If you are preparing for the upcoming baseball season or if you are in mid-season form getting ready for the stretch run, fire up the pitching machine, it is time to Play Ball!

By Chuck R Stewart

Coach Chuck Stewart operates a baseball web site called offering pitching machines, batting cages, training aids and coaching/instructional videos along with lots of free coaching content. Coach Chuck offers a pitching machine for every skill level and budget. He has coached baseball teams for 8 years and enjoys sharing the love of the game of baseball with his players.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chuck_R_Stewart
http://EzineArticles.com/?Pitching-Machine-Baseballs---The-Right-Choice-When-Using-a-Pitching-Machine&id=1407721

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As a parent, you want your kids to play sports to stay healthy and to be part of a team. For young kids, one of the most important aspects of any sport is to have fun. If they aren't having fun then they will want to quit. In baseball and softball, one of the funniest moments is at the plate and getting a hit. Some kids have a natural ability to hit the ball even at early ages while others struggle for years trying to become a good hitter.

If you are committed to helping your child get the most enjoyment out of the game of baseball/softball then you should consider purchasing a pitching machine. Sure, you can take them to the local batting cage but it doesn't take long before it would be cheaper to purchase a pitching machine of your own.

There are all kinds of different jugs pitching machines and one of the least expensive types are the whiffle ball style machine. The features available on these pitching machines vary but most have all or many of the features listed below.

Popular Jugs Pitching Machines:

Jugs Jr Pitching Machine Combo

Jugs Curveball Pitching Machine

Jugs Giambi Backyard Baseball Package

Here's the top 10 advantages to purchasing a whiffle ball pitching machine.

1. Lightweight - some are as light as 4 lbs and can be set up by younger children with no problem.
2. Cost - whiffle ball machines are very inexpensive compared to the larger bulkier baseball pitching machines.
3. Repetition - some can hold up to 100 balls which allows for more batting and less chasing balls.
4. Consistency - the pitching machine can place the ball within the strike zone allowing for better swing habits.
5. Pitch Light - although not on all machines, if a machine has it then it will let the batter know when to begin their stride.
6. Variable Speed - with speed settings ranging from 20 - 55+ mph, every batter can find a challenging speed.
7. Focus - learning to hit small balls increases the batters focus and ability to hit regular baseballs.
8. Curve balls/Sliders - some models allow for pitching curve balls and sliders from both left and right hand pitchers.
9. Battery Operated - the rechargeable battery means you can take it anywhere and use it for hours.
10. FUN! - this is the most important reason of all. Kids will continue using a pitching machine daily because it is fun.

All of these reasons add up to a better batter and overall player.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/top-10-reasons-to-buy-a-pitching-machine-203807.html

Author: Anthony Stai

About the Author:

Anthony Stai is a proud contributing author and writes articles on several sports related topics including baseball. To learn more about the Personal Pitcher and a unique opportunity to get a FREE Personal Pitcher visit Free Personal Pitcher Pitching Machine at http://www.squidoo.com/personalpitcher for all the details and a personal review.

Technorati Tags: baseball, batting, personal pitcher, personal pitcher pitching machine, pitching machine, softball

Pitching machines are a unique commodity that can work to address any problems you may be having inside the batting box. Whether you are a Little League star or a professional baseball champion, the benefits of using a quality pitching machine is numerous. However, the task of choosing a sound pitching machine are often overwhelming, as each machine has a different quality, attribute, and cost associated with the machinery. If you are in the market of choosing a good pitching machine for yourself or your baseball star, consider these pointers.

First, look to a pitching machine that is soundly build and uses quality materials. This will not only allow you to invest in a better quality machine, but also get the most use out of your pitching machine. If necessary, you may need to expand your budget in order to purchase a pitching machine that is able to hold up through standard wear and tear associated with practices. Even though you will be investing a greater amount of money in the beginning, you will save by not having to shell out cash for costly repairs or even replacement of the entire machine.

Next, look to a pitching machine with several options in regards to the style and speed of pitch. This is critical if you are purchasing the machine for a younger player who will need to expand his or her game in order to successfully take the faster pitches. Furthermore, the biggest complaint that coaches have the pitching machines is their ability to perfectly replicate a pitch each and every time. This replication allows the player the comfort of knowing exactly what type of pitch to expect, which is not the case when it comes to actual play or practicing against a human pitcher. By having a machine that can vary the speed, style, and location of the pitches, you will be able to better perform on the diamond.

Popular jugs pitching machines:

Jugs Jr Pitching Machine Combo

Jugs Curveball Pitching Machine

Jugs Giambi Backyard Baseball Package

Additionally, choose a machine that is built solid enough for your needs. Develop a budget and work to find options within your price range that are appropriate for your needs. A beginning baseball or softball player does not need a pitching machine that is found in commercial batting cages or in the equipment rooms of professional ball clubs. Furthermore, an advancing player may need a machine that can advance with his or her skills. Having a player practice with an inappropriate machine is often as detrimental as not practicing with a machine at all. Once you have established your needs and budget, begin looking on the market to find an appropriate pitching machine that meets all of your criteria.

Keep in mind that the purchase of a good quality pitching machine requires you to have an appropriate area in which to house the machine itself. Often, smaller years are prohibitive of the permanent installation of the pitching machine without also installing a batting cage. Consider looking to a portable machine that you can take with you during practices to ensure both the machine and the player has ample room to practice. Furthermore, safety is a huge concern when it comes to the purchase of a good quality pitching machine, so you should invest in the proper protective gear, namely a well constructed batting helmet.

When looking to purchase a pitching machine, consider your local sporting supply store. Often, the purchase of more professional machines requires you to turn to a store that specializes in softball or baseball merchandise or a catalog that sells directly to the general public. The World Wide Web is an excellent tool for both researching and purchasing high quality pitching machines, so consider this another option during your search.

Pitching machines by Jugs are great quality machines that meet all the above criteria. You certainly can't go wrong with a Jugs Pitching Machine

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/how-to-find-a-good-pitching-machine-19577.html

Author: Doug Mahopac

About the Author:

Doug Mahopac specializes in Sport Equipment and Pitching Machines

Technorati Tags: jugs, pitching machine

While some may think that baseball hitting simply involves swinging a bat in such a way that it strikes the ball, there is far more to it than that. In fact, this is the most difficult baseball skill to master and without proper baseball training, one can never truly master the art. After all, you have a highly skilled pitcher sending a ball towards you with frightening speed and what you're expected to do, is to strike that ball, which of course is round, with a bat that is also round. To make matters even more demanding, one has to strike the ball squarely in order for it to travel in the direction of your choice. Practice though with a highly skilled pitcher would be both limited and expensive which is why most batting practice takes place with a pitching machine. jugs pitching machines are quality products that will allow you to produce all ball types including curve balls.

While many who are unfamiliar with the art of baseball hitting tend to think the primary goal of the hitter is to strike the ball with maximum impact, this is in fact only the secondary goal. First and foremost, to be successful, your primary goal is to be consistent in two fundamental qualities and those are, your swing style must remain the same and you need to swing at every pitch. One thing that all aspiring baseball players need to realize is that no book, no video, and no coach can provide you with a secret shortcut to becoming a great hitter. The only way to achieve success is through unwavering dedication, commitment and of course the willingness to learn from those who have been along the same road themselves.

Popular Jugs Pitching Machines:

Jugs 101 Baseball Pitching Machine

Jugs MVP Baseball Pitching Machine

JUGS M1300 COMBO PITCHING MACHINE, 20-140 MPH

One of the main challenges faced by baseball coaches is the task of teaching players how to deal with failure, or at least what the player believes to be failure. Because mindset is so important, a coach needs to teach a player that failure is not failure but instead, it's all part of the learning process. As long as a player can accept the fact that their goal should not be to hit the ball hard or to score home runs but rather to see the pitch every time, then they can become successful. The only thing a hitter has 100% control of, is the pitches he swings at and if he can accept this and believe in it, then he can become a great baseball hitter.

Having said all this, players who possess these qualities can then be coached into becoming great hitters, always making solid contact with the ball and this is done by placing emphasis on mechanics. In baseball, good mechanics is an essential part of the coaching for four reasons:

1.It optimizes eye contact with the ball.
2.It enables a shorter swing, allowing more time for decision-making.
3.It teaches maximum swing speed.
4.It creates good balance, which means greater accuracy.

These four aspects that form good mechanics are fundamental and players would be well advised to know that if you're not being taught them, then you need to find a better coach. Furthermore, all four have been listed in order of their importance so it's hardly surprising to see eye contact at the top of the list. After all, when it comes to hitting the ball, it's your eyes that guide your brain and today it is widely accepted that this visual connection, accounts for at least 80% of a players success. By mastering the first step, a hitter is able to follow the ball from the moment it leaves to pitcher's hand until the moment it makes contact with his bat. During this time, the hitter will estimate speed, rotation, etc, in order to best prepare himself to deliver a good hit.

Of course, a short swing, which is listed in second place of the good mechanics, is really common sense. Why? Because a short swing requires less time than a long swing and the more time a hitter has, the more time he has to decide if he is going to swing. Additionally, the hitter also has extra time to focus on the pitch and to best prepare himself, both physically and mentally.

Swing speed, which is the third factor, also makes perfect sense because the faster your bat is traveling; the harder it's going to strike the ball. Contrary to what some may think, a light bat delivers better results than a heavy bat because they afford the batter faster speed and better control. Of course, bat speed does not only depend on the weight of the bat, but rather on a whole combination of factors such as body strength and the ability to use the entire body for baseball hitting.

Lastly but not least, the fourth factor of mechanics taught in all baseball training is balance. If a hitter does not maintain proper balance, he will not be able to control his center and when this happens, optimum control has been lost no matter how hard or how fast a hitter is.

When one considers all the various points which have been discussed in this short article, it's hardly surprising that many believe baseball hitting to be one of the most difficult skills to learn of all sports and a skill that can only ever be mastered with good quality baseball training.

Author: Chris Moheno

Chris Moheno has a long time passion for sports in general and for baseball coaching more specifically. His goal is to spread the word about effective non-fluff baseball training techniques for both more experienced and young baseball players, to help them perform better during the game. Discover more about baseball training on baseballtrainingsecrets.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Moheno

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