The problem with BP from a shorter distance is that the ball isn't traveling at game speeds. Yes, it will arrive to the batter at roughly the same time as a high speed pitch from 55 feet if you plan it out right, but it will not be moving through the hitting zone at the correct speed. I guess it's better than nothing, and would get the player accustom to the time the ball takes to arrive. But that's only half of the equation. We found a ProBatter PX2 a little over 90 minutes away from where we live and would make the drive as much as possible. This allowed him to have experience hitting true 80-90 mph fastballs and 70-80 curveball/sliders from 55 feet. Nothing can prepare you better.