Are pitching machines bad ?

My son hates the machines - different angle, non-normal "picking up" the ball. He would much rather having me throw from 45 feet at my fasball speed of about 22 MPH (alright, alright - I top out at 22 MPH).

It also seems when he has used the machines he doesn't hit as many solid hits in games - more pop-ups.

Since hitting is timing many hitters don't like machines---they need to see the pitcher to time and react--I know that my son hated to hit agaiunst a machine--He claimed it did nothing for his timing


Dave is that on a JUGS or a STALKER gun ?

Pitching machines can be useful to provide reps only if the hitters are also getting plenty of live BP to work on their timing.

When we're forced to used the cages with the young kids we make them go back and forth between a slower and faster cage but it isn't the same as seeing live pitching.

Are pitching machines bad? I don't think that they are bad, but I would only use them if live BP simply wasn't available. They are surely better than no hitting at all.

I agree with TR, timing is essential and they are not good for that. However, I'm a firm believer that you have to get in the swings and if nothing else is available, then they can be of value, but not the preferred method.

JMO.

I agree with Callaways thinking about availavble reps. Also, if you believe in "small ball" the machine can be a real useful tool when learning the lost art of bunting.

Pitching machines are great but you can't just go into a cage and stand there hitting 80 or even 90MPH fastballs and expect to get good results. Here is what needs to be done to get the most effective results.

1) Change speeds on the machine frequently. Or if at a facility where machines have speeds locked in rotate between the fast and slow machines.

2) Try to use different types of machines so you don't become to familiar with the delivery of the machine.

3) Vary the pitch location. Usually this will be done by standing in different spots. Work on inside, outside, high and low pitches.

4) As most other posters have stated it is critical to throw in live BP as well.

This routine you will produce good results. However it is critical a player work on improving his weaknesses and not try to show off how hard he can hit the ball by standing in a cage that groves it right into his sweet spot every time.

At our HS we have a cage with an Iron Mike (Arm Machine), and a Ateac Casey.

The Casey is used in doors in the middle of winter.

The Iron Mike is used whenever anyone wants to take extra swings. My son has 6,7,8 hours off and as a senior he can leave. So when the weather is nice he goes down to the field and takes a couple hundred swings.

During the HS practice the coach has 4 stations the kids rotate through. 1) Tee work, 2 ) Soft Toss, 3) Iron Mike, 4) Live pitching. Now the players can get a hundred or so swings every practice.

Team Batting average has gone up 100 Pt's since we got the Iron Mike.

Pitching machines can be good, certainly, but there is no substitute for live BP. We use every type of ball imaginable to do it live from shorter distances...and use the machine simply to get reps.

Machine use is great if you practice with a purpose. Say, you are working at an outside fastball and you want a consistent ball on that outside corner to enable you, as a coach, to work with that hitter. Well, a machine is the way to go. However, machines can cause some major timing issues an so, they aren't a cure all. Live arm is great but if you have guys that can't locate so that you can have a consistent ball to work on or in some cases, even strikes, then that live arm is useless. We now have 5 different machines. Each machine has a purpose. Those machines are, Lite Flite (Jugs), Atec Rookie, Atec Casey, Jugs Curveball, a Hitting Streak. I DON'T BELIEVE A COACH EVER HAS HIS KIDS HIT OFF OF A MACHINE THE DAY BEFORE OR THE DAY OF A GAME. JMHO!