Softball Batting Machines
Ranked #10,580 in Sports & Recreation, #255,251 overall
Batter Up!
Having coached my daughters since they were 8 years old there are a few things I wished I knew from the start. One on the top of the list for any parent or coach who wants to perfect a child's batting is the use of a pitching or Soft Toss machine.
Like any parent starting out I had limited experience with instructing kids about batting. I was under the impression that I could just toss some balls at them and they would eventually get the hang of it. I could not have been more wrong. It's true that practice makes perfect, but all the practice in the world will not help you if you are using improper training techniques. This includes using the right equipment. The problem with throwing the ball to kids is that since you are an adult the angle of the pitch is not coming from where it is normally, if thrown by another kid. This goes for baseball as well as softball. It is very important to have the pitch coming from the level that they would normally see. If the pitch is coming from to high above the batter the batter is forced to swing with an upward angle. This is not a habit that should be reinforced.
This lens was written to showcase the best pitching machines for use with your youth athlete. I have personal experience with most of these machines while some recommendations come from other coaches . Look them over and I am sure you will agree that using a pitching machine is the only way to assure the improvement of your youngsters batting.
Like any parent starting out I had limited experience with instructing kids about batting. I was under the impression that I could just toss some balls at them and they would eventually get the hang of it. I could not have been more wrong. It's true that practice makes perfect, but all the practice in the world will not help you if you are using improper training techniques. This includes using the right equipment. The problem with throwing the ball to kids is that since you are an adult the angle of the pitch is not coming from where it is normally, if thrown by another kid. This goes for baseball as well as softball. It is very important to have the pitch coming from the level that they would normally see. If the pitch is coming from to high above the batter the batter is forced to swing with an upward angle. This is not a habit that should be reinforced.
This lens was written to showcase the best pitching machines for use with your youth athlete. I have personal experience with most of these machines while some recommendations come from other coaches . Look them over and I am sure you will agree that using a pitching machine is the only way to assure the improvement of your youngsters batting.
Louisville Slugger Blue Flame UPM 45
There are many pitching machines on the market. The Ultimate Pitching Machine by Louisville Slugger is a machine that I guarantee you will love. Once you try this machine you will never go back to coach pitching to your players.This machine delivers the type of consistent pitching you need to groove your batters swings. No more wasting time having batters standing around waiting for the pitcher to deliver the next pitch. Pitchers normally deliver 60% of their pitches for strikes, that wastes a lot of time at the plate. Coach pitch is slower than a batter will face in a game. Another bonus is that the batters don't have to worry about being hit by pitches. This will allow the player to focus on the swing.
What I like the most about this machine is that it will throw just about any type of ball. Even a soccer ball.
The UPM 45 has a mechanical delivery system so AC power is not required. This machine is a must have for any Little league coaching arsenal.
Pros
No need for electricity
Consistent throwing accuracy
Light weight
Simple operation
Can throw many types of balls
Safe release mechanism
Affordable
Cons
Max speed of 45mph with real balls
Get the UPM 45 here!
Louisville UPM45
Jugs Lite Flight
Much like it's big sister (see below) the Jugs lite flight pitching machine is a quality pitching machine. The difference is that this machine only throws softy and wiffle type balls . Powered by 110 vac this machine throws lite flight 11" softballs and baseballs. It can be adjusted for baseball and softball delivery height. It also will throw curve balls. The lite flight machine also uses the "always see the ball" delivery system.This machine will allow the batter to stand in the box with confidence, not having worry the about the pain of being hit by the ball.
This was the first machine I purchased and I was very satisfied with it's performance. It can be purchased with the optional battery power system so there no need for power at the field.
It's adjustable swivel head makes this machine perfect for fielding practice, and outfield drills.
Pros
Hassle free operation
Always see delivery of the ball
Throws curve balls
Swivel head
Affordable
Cons
Needs electricity
Uses special balls
Jugs Toss Machine
The Jugs Toss machine is a wonderful machine appropriate for any age. It make practice easy. You can have your daughter take the Jugs Toss Machine in the back yard and she can practice by herself. No need to wait for you to get home from work. You will need to purchase a net to hit into if you don't have a large backyard.The machine will help develop hand/eye coordination and bat speed with as little as 10 minutes of practice a day. Remember any practice is better than no practice at all. This machine mimics the soft toss that is used for practice at all levels of play.
If I could only have one machine at my practice it would be this one. It can be used in a small area with limited supervision. If I had only knew about this device sooner in my daughters softball careers, they would have surely becomes softball ANIMALS sooner.
Pros
Price
Ease of operation
Cons
Needs a hitting net if used in a small area
Soft Toss Machine!
The Old Standard Jugs Softball Pitching Machine
There not much I can say about this machine other than Awesome. If you have the money to sink into this machine, lucky you. This machine is what the premier trainers use. Specially designed for softball pitching, the jugs softball pitching machine is the most widely used pitching machine in the world.Recommended for ages 8-adult, this machine delivers pitches ranging from 15-60 mph with a Patented "Always see the ball" system. Portable and at 75lbs. It's fairly easy to set up.
Capable of throwing various Jugs 11" and 12" practice balls.
Pros
High quality
Accuracy
Reliability
Easy speed adjustment
Cons
Price
Heavy
Needs electricity
Louisville Slugger UPM 30
I have included the Loiusville Slugger UPM 30 because I love the UPM 45. The UPM 30 is better suited for ages 5-9, after that I would move up to the UPM 45.Pros
Price
No electricity needed
Easily transportable
Throws softballs and baseballs (15-30mph)
Lighhtbweight balls up to 55mph
Cons
None
Guestbook
-
-
stacyga
Nov 28, 2011 @ 10:07 am | delete
- Thought you might like this info I found on the Mental Game of Softball Also.
Lens on the Mental Game of Softball
-
Instructional material
by hobo_crvr
Hello All,
My name is Matt and I am an Electronics Technician by trade. Working for a Major North Eastern Power producer I work with procedures and...
more »
- 2 featured lenses
- Winner of 5 trophies!
- Top lens » Softball Batting Machines
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- How to throw a curveball How to throw a curveball
- How To Throw a 4 Seam Fastball How To Throw a 4 Seam Fastball
- WAA Youth Rec Sports and Travel Teams in Naperville and Aurora, IL WAA Youth Rec Sports and Travel Teams in Naperville and Aurora, IL
- Pony Baseball, the "other" kid baseball league Pony Baseball, the "other" kid baseball league
- Types of Baseball Pitches Types of Baseball Pitches
- how to throw a baseball faster how to throw a baseball faster
