The Best Baseball Pitching Machines

The Number One Baseball Hitting Problem On Earth!

Sat, 11 May 2013 14:34:00 -0400

The Number One Baseball Hitting Problem On Earth!

Building your Best Swing: The Benefits of a Baseball Pitching Machine

Mon, 06 May 2013 03:52:00 -0400

In baseball, it’s not just about how fast or hard you can hit the ball, it’s also a matter of how good you can hit it. While it’s true that everyone has natural talents and abilities, most everyone becomes great at anything with a fair dose of practice. The same holds true in baseball, and specifically, time spent at bat. One of the best ways to help improve your batting game is to invest in a baseball pitching machine. Thinking of it in terms of an investment-building tool, pitching machines can help build not just good batters, but exceptional hitters. Baseball pitching machines can be used to help develop the right body mechanics to improve your swing. Through repetition in training sessions, you can work to develop more exact hip placement, making sure your hips are turned and squared toward the pitcher as you swing the bat through the strike zone. This will ultimately help you to swing through the ball and drive it better. A pitching machine provides the benefit of as many pitches as needed to help get your swing feeling perfect.

Baseball pitching machines also help batters work on better timing. This is particularly helpful when preparing against a particular speed or style of pitcher for an upcoming game. The Casey Pro 3G, for example, can throw up to 100 mph and simulate the hottest fast or curveball with pinpoint accuracy. For younger players who might not need the speed and curve ball, slider, knuckle ball capabilities that some of the more robust machines offer, the Heater Jr. Baseball Pitching Machine is one of the best introductory fastball machines on the market. The impressive range of machines available at Pitching Machine Pro can help alleviate first-at-bat jitters for players of every age and ability, making it more comfortable when it comes time to actually facing a live pitcher.

The better the game-time duel between a pitcher and hitter is simulated, the better the chances of batting success when facing actual live competition. With this in mind, building hitting accuracy and skill with certain types of pitches, and pitches to specific locations is another great benefit of using a baseball pitching machine. It can be nearly impossible to find a pitcher or coach who can consistently and accurately throw the same type to a specific location time and time again. Whether it’s just off the corners of the plate or higher up in the strike zone, the machine can be set to throw pitches exactly where they’re needed, at just the right time. The ability to practice hitting against a diverse range of pitches will help build confidence and a better all-around hitter, something coaches look for as players reach higher, more competitive levels of the game.

Priding ourselves on performance and service, we want you to be absolutely satisfied with your purchase. From flexible financing options, free online chat, to fast convenient shipping options and a manufacturer’s direct warranty on all products, Pitching Machine Pro is the one and only short stop for all your needs this season!

Pitching machines can help beginner hitters

Mon, 06 May 2013 03:43:00 -0400

Pitching machines are a good way for young children to learn to hit the ball. The ball comes across the plate at an even speed and height and so the young swingers can develop their hitting skills on the pitching machine without developing bad habits such as an uppercut swing or other poor techniques. The coaches don’t want to throw the ball too hard when the children are young, and so they lob the ball softly and the child develops a poor habit. Some parent volunteers are worse than the coaches when it comes to throwing badly. Pitching machines can be a wonderful transition between T-ball and live pitching games when they are older. Instead of having a coach pitch to the learner, its best to begin him on a pitching machine as soon as possible to help them become accustomed to the speed of the ball, and the impact on the bat.

Kids have to learn to pitch too, of course, but pitching machines can alleviate the strain and the pressures. Children have to be careful not to pitch too much as excessive pitching can lead to repetitive strain injuries in the arm and elbow. Some of the grips on the ball, like the curve ball or the slider, can also injure if done too much, too repetitively. That’s not to say that kids should not pitch to the other kids, just that it is important not to overdo it. As for the curve ball, or the sliders, a lot of experts agree that these should not be practiced at all by the younger kids. In fact, it’s best to wait until the child is well into their teens before teaching him these throws.

Pitching Machines Pro sell pitching machines that are good for all ages. They understand the needs of young hitters, as they do the experienced ones. They can help you choose the right pitching machine to teach the proper hitting techniques in the youngest students. Having the right pitching machine is important, whether you play for the pros or the little leagues.

Good pitching machines should reach a minimum speed of 45 mph. That’s the least you need for the younger children. Some pro level pitching machines can reach speeds of 90 mph, but you don’t want to go any slower than 45 for younger kids, because if the machine pitches slower, it is not doing any better than the coach could do, and is probably lobbing the ball and teaching poor technique. For youth ball, pitching units that throw up to 50 mph will be sufficient.

Using pitching machines out on your field is like having an extra pair of hands. It’s a coach that never fails, never gets tired and never throws a poor pitch. It can throw fly balls and grounders too but it will never foul. Be careful not to over use them, like too much pitching, these kids are young and can easily overdo it. A child can get hurt if they are hit by a ball travelling at 45 mph so they should be supervised.

Talk to the people at Pitching Machines Pro about pitching machines for your age group. They have the knowledge you need to help you buy the machine that’s right for you.

How Tennis Ball Machines are Best Utilized

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 05:43:00 -0400

When athletes of any level look into purchasing a piece of equipment that claims to assist them with improving their skill level or stamina, it is vital to do proper research into the product. Athletes must be fully aware of how to best optimize equipment usage as well as taking the time to locate the highest quality product. The same can be said when searching for tennis ball machines; there are many ways in which these machines can be misused, and low quality machines that do nothing to improve one’s game. It is to any individuals’ benefit to take the time to find the right tennis ball machine to avoid any potentially negative impacts on their game.

As is true for any product on the market, there will be a plethora of promotional information espousing its benefits and claims that each company offers a better deal than another. It is the responsibility of the consumer to be able to take these promotional materials with a grain of salt and understand which products best suits their needs. For a tennis player, the purchase of a tennis ball machine can do wonders for the quality of their game, not to mention an increase in stamina. However, purchasing a lower quality machine and using it incorrectly might actually negatively impact ones skills set; it is important for players to be informed and selective as to which tennis ball machines they look into.

Tennis ball machines should ideally be used to improve the diversity of swings that the player can utilize. Although for certain players it may be tempting to practice the same shot at the same trajectory repeatedly, this usually does far more harm than good. A tennis ball machine has varying settings depending on its quality and sophistication; to shoot the ball to the right or left of the court, deep or short, and with or without backspin. It is important to switch up shots (or body positioning) so as to not become fatigued. Fatigue from repeating one shot too many times can result in improper positioning and swing, which will be further reinforced upon repetition. Machines are best utilized at shorter intervals so as to reinforce proper technique, rather than as a form of aerobic exercise. This ensures that if the intended use of the machine is to improve skill level that this can actually occur.

In addition to switching up the settings on the tennis ball machine, one should use a pattern of shots that closely mimics the sort of pattern one would face in a real game. Switching ones position on the court and imitating a real game scenario allows one to practice individual strokes, but also perfects the speed at which one can change positioning. In an actual game, a player relies on his or her ability to move quickly, and tennis ball machines are a great way to achieve this through practice.

For a player of any skill level, repetition of a swing in the proper manner can be of immense benefit, and tennis ball machines can serve as a great tool. It serves as a skillful partner without the hassle of working around schedules and varying abilities. Although there are many benefits to using a tennis ball machine, it is necessary to do the research into which model is the best (settings, price point, etc.) We have a selection of ball machines and batting cages here at Pitching Machine Pro that you can browse online. Start improving your game today – with us!

Practice Batting at Home With Backyard Batting Cages

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 05:24:00 -0400

Backyard batting cages allow little leaguers, baseball pros or anyone who enjoys the game to practice their batting at home. The cage contains the balls, so when the batter hits a fly ball or grounder, the balls do not become lost and can easily be retrieved. Practicing with a backyard batting cage makes it easier for the player to concentrate and focus on their hits. It also functions as a learning tool, showing the batter where their balls go, so they can adjust the angle or speed of their swing. Players can hit from a baseball tee ball machine or have a friend pitch it to them. A backyard batting cage also encourages safe batting and prevents surrounding people from getting hit by a rogue baseball.

Backyard batting cages can be set up both indoors and outdoors for versatility and protection against the weather. The frames are constructed from steel tubing, foam support padding (to protect metal frames) and flexible fiberglass arching sections to move with the wind. Since the frame isn’t dug into the ground, it allows for portability around the yard. Ground attachments, such as stakes or tie down ropes, are used to anchor the frame foundation. The netting or mesh has hexagon or square openings and is primarily black in color to avoid interfering with the batter’s vision. It is usually made from nylon or polyethylene. Nylon can wear eventually, but polyethylene is lightweight and can stand the outdoors. Both materials have stretch, which is what absorbs the energy from the ball. The thicker the twine, the stronger and more durable the net is and can withstand daily use. Some of cage styles feature sloped nets that send balls back to the batter, further streamlining their batting practice.

The sun’s UV (Ultraviolet) rays can eventually wear down the plastic netting. To promote longer cage life, each fiber is coated with two chemicals, Tinuvin 788 and Irganox B-215, to protect the polymer against the wearing of the sun. UV treatment extends the backyard batting cage’s life. Although the netting has abrasion resistance, deflects water and keeps its shape, it is recommended that cages be stored inside during the off-season to preserve their quality.

The space available in the backyard or home, as well as the player’s needs, determines the size of the batting cage. Spacious backyards offer more options for backyard batting cages. A larger model gives the batter more room to practice their swing and monitor the progress of their hits. If space is limited, smaller screens can be equally as functional and used for multiple purposes, such as pitching and batting. Regardless of size, both small and large batting cages are easy to set up, take down, and transport according to preference.

Backyard batting cages are a great piece of equipment for baseball or softball fanatics to practice the art of batting. If you are looking for a quality-batting cage, browse our selection of different styles and sizes to suit your needs. With a little backyard practice, you’ll be hitting balls out of the park in no time.

Improving Safety with Backyard Batting Cages

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 13:12:23 -0500

Backyard batting cages are a great way to safely play baseball in small backyards.

Nowadays, homes simply are not built the way they used to be. A few decades ago, houses still varied in size but were often a bit smaller than they are now. However, these small houses were built on huge, spacious lots with lush, sprawling backyards that were perfect for all kinds of sports and outdoor activities. There was enough room to run around, toss around a football, and safely hit a baseball without hitting a window. Today’s house lots tend to be much smaller, with tiny, squashed backyards that closely surrounded by your neighbors’ backyards. Sure, in many ways this is fine. Bigger isn’t always better. Except for when it comes to you and your children playing baseball in the backyard! Playing baseball in a tiny backyard runs you the risk of the ball hitting your house (or your neighbor’s house). Fortunately, this problem can be solved by using backyard batting cages.

There are many sporting brands that produce backyard batting cages at a variety of different sizes and price points. Batting cages provide some protection against a stray ball smashing an unsuspecting window, by serving as a barrier. Brands like Atec and Power Alley have many options that will protect your windows, as well as cars passing by in the alley, from your stray baseballs.

Many people are hesitant to begin shopping for and pricing out backyard batting cages because they think it’s too much of an indulgence and maybe a little unnecessary. Many people recall spending their childhood playing baseball in the backyard without the protection of backyard batting cages and having nothing serious happen as a result. However, as mentioned, backyards are not the same now as they once were. In new developments they tend to be very small, and often there is no back alley – just four backyards all backed up against each other. Imagine how terrible you’d fell if that ball went past the batter and through the neighbor’s window! With children at bat, accuracy is certainly not a guarantee, so it’s best to protect yourself! As far as it being an indulgence, it can’t be emphasized enough just how affordable batting cages can be now. There are many great options available for little more than one hundred dollars. When you think about the cost of replacing even one broken window, it’s easy to see how these batting cages pay for themselves. Anyone who has had an unfortunate run-in with a baseball can tell you what a great investment cages really are.

Your children might never have the options to play baseball in a backyard as large as the one you grew up with, but this shouldn’t mean that they will be denied all of the fun and activities you took part in when you were growing up. Make the best of your smaller backyard by adding backyard batting cages to safely play baseball. If you need some guidance when it comes to choosing a batting cage, the staff here at Pitching Machine Pro would be happy to help – contact us today!

Practicing Makes Perfect with a Pitching Machine

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 10:40:54 -0500

A blog about the various uses of a pitching machine and its value as a practicing tool for batters of all ages and skill levels.

Hitting a speeding baseball is perhaps the most challenging thing a baseball player has to learn how to do. He or she needs to deliver a solid strike to a small, fast moving target with a narrow bat, and send that ball flying in the best direction possible for all the other players on the team. As challenging as it can be, batting is what makes the world of baseball go ‘round, and good batting doesn’t just happen by chance. Batting requires practice, and lots of it. But how does a batter learn to bat for different speeds, angles and pitching styles? Since it’s not usually possible to bring a whole team of pitches to ball practice, a batter who is serious about perfecting the art of batting will often find a pitching machine to be an invaluable addition to his or her training regimen.

A pitching machine is exactly what it sounds like: a machine that propels a ball through the air in a way that mimics the way a pitcher would throw a baseball. The machine can be adjusted to pitch at different speeds, send the ball flying at different heights or angles and even imitate different kinds of pitches, like sliders and curveballs. They are used at nearly every level of baseball. Little league teams use them to help teach young batters the right way to swing at a ball without the danger of being beaned by a wild pitch from a beginning pitcher. High school and college teams use them to get players used to adjusting their batting style to suit different pitching styles. Even in the big leagues, batters will practice with a pitching machine to build up strength, speed and precision.

Using a pitching machine to practice batting is different from practicing with a pitcher. Practicing with machines is not a perfect replacement for practicing with a player pitching balls, but there are several advantages to using a machine to supplement batting practice. First of all, machines can relied upon to throw the kind of pitch a batter wants to practice hitting. If a batter needs more practice hitting fastballs, they can choose to spend an hour hitting nothing but fastballs. A pitching machine ( http://www.pitchingmachinepro.com/) will never get tired or throw a wild pitch, and it can be loaded with a supply of balls to save time and energy. Hitting a rapid succession of pitches helps develop hand-eye coordination and helps players commit good batting techniques to their muscle memory to allow for quick and accurate responses to all possible pitching situations.

Although there is no true replacement for practicing with a human pitcher, using a machine allows for accurate, uninterrupted pitching to help players build speed, strength and accuracy. Practicing with a pitching machine allows for flexible and adjustable practice sessions. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, and practicing with a “pitcher” who provides ideal pitches to practice with every single time is an indispensible tool for a baseball team who is serious about developing top-notch batters. Check out Pitching Machine Pro to learn more today!

If Your Team Wants Number One, Then Jugs Pitching Machines are a Must!

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 13:23:45 -0500

A summary of why the Jugs pitching machines are needed for boys and girls alike in pitching sports and how they can improve the team’s plays.

If you are a coach of a baseball team of any age, then you know that pitching machines are an investment worth making to better your team. If you are on the hunt for a new machine to improve your teams timing and art of hitting, then here’s your chance to learn more about the many Jugs pitching machines available.

Jugs pitching machines are not only made with the newest technology, but also the most durable materials possible. Jugs pitching machines are available in many different models offering a variety of pitching styles.

The Jugs 101 has the ability of throwing different pitching styles all in one machine. With the flip of a switch, you can change the settings between fastball, overhand drop curve and the splitter. The Jugs 101 machine is most commonly used in college and high school levels because of its ability to teach the hitters to stay on their toes. Machines like this are increasingly being used in settings involving people needing to practice their batting and wanting top notch quality machinery to help do it.

Looking for a Jugs pitching machine for your little league or JV team? There is a Jugs Junior which is perfect for those younger kids. It can be set to a slow pitch or a fastball that is suitable and easy to adjust for kids ages 8 to 15. This particular machine has an easy to read display and settings that are quick and simple to adjust. This machine ensures improvement in the children’s hitting by training them in the basics.

Jugs curveball fastball pitching machine is probably one of the top sellers of all Jugs pitching machines because of its large range of capabilities. This amazing pitching machine is able to reach pitching speeds of 104 mph! The Jugs curveball machine can pitch left handed and right handed pitches of many different style pitches such as sliders, splitters, curves and many more making it well worth its weight in gold to those players who do struggle with certain pitches. Anyone who uses Jugs pitching machines will agree that this particular machine is definitely worth it because of the amazing training it offers to players.

Jugs pitching machines are the best way to make huge strides in helping your team excel. The beauty of Jugs pitching machines is that some even are capable of helping with defensive play as well which makes the machine more than just an asset to the team but rather a necessity and member of the team. Before you bring your kids back out on the field for the new season, check out what we have to offer you for your kids pitching with our Jugs pitching machines.

As a coach, it is time to start considering a fastball pitching machine for your team of boys or girls. These are only a couple of the huge variety of models available that are capable of improving your team to their best potential in hitting. Check out our selection of Jugs and other pitching machines today.

Tennis Ball Machines in Practice Help You Serve Up Victory on the Court

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:58:51 -0500

The multiple benefits to using tennis ball machines in practice

As with any athlete, training plays an important role in preparing a tennis player for success. Whether you’re a professional with the goal of winning the U.S. Open, a beginner who has just started learning the basics of tennis, a high school competitor or the occasional recreational tennis player, a high level of performance can be achieved through consistent practice. Tennis ball machines have been attributed to helping tennis players become successful through efficient practice methods. When you decide to begin looking at tennis ball machines, it is helpful to know what products are available to you, what they offer and what they cost before you get started on your shopping. This way, you end up with the very best tennis ball machine possible to meet all your needs.

A couple of the great machines on the market that are available to you are the Lobster and Sports Tutor models. There are many perks and features to list about both models. Learn what they are so you know what type of machine will work best for your athletes’ practice time on the court.

The Lobster Sports Elite Freedom tennis ball machines hold 150 balls in the hopper, can be manually elevated and set to oscillate randomly. This serves to offer different depths and angles for you to react and adjust to in an effort to keep players on their toes and give a higher quality of practice time. The battery life for this product is up to four hours, enabling you to be able to keep the players practicing on the court longer. This machine can vary its projection speeds from 10 to 70 miles per hour. As a lower-priced machine option for intermediate level players, these tennis ball machines range from $800 to $900.

The Tennis Twist model is the best beginner’s bargain among the Sports Tutor family of tennis ball machines. Once it is turned on, the Tennis Twist model shoots a ball out at lengths of 10 to 20 feet every five seconds and holds 28 balls at a time. The battery can last up to ten hours. The Twist is lightweight and ideal for yards, driveways and garages. At a price range of $229 to $279, these tennis ball machines can help you develop basic skills without breaking the bank.

In addition to finding out which of the tennis ball machines are best for you, it is also important to make sure you have friendly staff to help with your purchasing process. By taking pride in business, providing genuine customer service and putting the needs of clients as a top priority, a quality tennis ball machine distributor can be an advocate for better quality of training. Some ways your provider can accomplish this are by working with reputable companies and dealing straight with manufacturers and not some 800 number representative. They will make sure you get the best bang for your buck and service for your tennis ball machines.

It is vital that you are important to your seller and not just another sale. If you are considering new tennis ball machines for your players, you should definitely check out the machines and strong customer service we offer.

Choosing Pitching Machines

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:22:12 -0500

There are many pitching machines on the market right now, so make sure you take some time to consider what you’re looking for.

Pitching machines are great for practicing your swing. They can be used by teams for drills and fun competitions, and of course, are ideal for practicing alone. Investing in a pitching machine is a great way to improve your game, and can be lots of fun too. Picking one out, however, can be a bit of a task as there are so many options to choose from.

Pitching machines come in a range of sizes, speeds and prices. Some are adjustable and can be used for a multitude of different purposes and players, whereas others operate the same way all the time. So where do you begin? How do you choose one that’s right for you? Well, your first consideration should be whether the machine is for personal use, commercial use, or team use. If you will be the only person using it, you don’t necessarily have to go for a heavy-duty model. Brands such as Grand Slam and Heater make small, affordable pitching machines that are priced at less than three hundred dollars. Many of these machines are small in size, portable, and easy to set up in your own back yard. These are great for practicing at home or at a local field or park.

If you’re looking at pitching machines to buy for team purposes, you will want to make sure you choose one that is well suited to team use. A machine that is intended for personal use isn’t made to withstand high volumes of operation and might break down. Brands such as Atec make machines that are suitable for team use. In fact, some of Atec’s pitching machines, such as the Casey Pro 3G Pitching Machine, have are used by professional teams.

Another factor to consider when shopping for pitching machines is the age of the players who will be using it. Machines come in various heights and speeds to accommodate for player size and skill. If you are buying a machine for a children’s team, make sure you choose one that can be adjusted to a shorter height and that the speed of the machine is fairly low. Most children have slower reflexes than adults, and a high speed can be dangerous or simply frustrating for them. Another good feature in a machine for children is adjustable speed. Because they are just learning the game and developing their skills, there is a good chance that they will steadily make improvements and will need to be challenged. Pitching machines that can be adjusted to keep up with the children’s development are ideal for young teams.

Pitching machines are a fun and effective way to practice your baseball skills, and pitchingmachinepro.com has a machine for everyone. If you still aren’t sure what it is you’re looking for, contact us. Our team will help you to identify the best machine for you. We have a large inventory of machines to choose from, so no matter what you are looking for, you will certainly be able to find it here.

Buying Backyard Batting Cages

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:10:00 -0500

If you’re looking to add some excitement to your backyard, you might want to take a look at some backyard batting cages.

There are many things you can do with a backyard – you can install a serene pond, set up a relaxing swing, build a patio bar for entertaining – all of those things can be enjoyable, but none of them encourage any physical activity. Isn’t getting some exercise half the fun of going outside? One backyard accessory that many people have never thought of getting is backyard batting cages. Batting cages provide hours of entertainment for kids and adults, and they’re a fantastic way to get some exercise and spend quality time with family and friends. Every backyard should have batting cages, and fortunately, there are many options to choose from.

What a lot of people don’t realize is that you can get great backyard batting cages that don’t require permanent installation and are very reasonably priced. Models such as the Atec Catch Net and the Jugs Complete Practice Travel Screen retail for less than two hundred dollars – that’s less expensive than a pool or trampoline, provides just as much exercise and is far less likely to result in serious injury. Smaller styles like these don’t require any complicated installations steps like digging or cementing. They are portable and easy to assemble. They can also be taken down, folded up and stored or transported easily. Setting up portable backyard batting cages is no more complicated than pitching a very small tent, and can be done in a matter of minutes. This makes them ideal for on-a-whim practices.

If you’re a little bit more serious about practicing your batting for baseball or softball, companies like Atec and Cimarron also make larger models of backyard batting cages that are large enough to accommodate team practices. These ones are for more than just goofing around with the neighbors and provide the opportunity to coach junior teams. These styles are made of more heavy duty materials and, depending on the model, might be able to stay outside for the whole season, as they should be able to weather the elements quite well. There are also larger models that are portable too, so if you need the size, but want the ability to move it around to accommodate a varying practice schedule, that’s absolutely an option as well. There are backyard batting cages to suit almost any need, level of interest and volume of practice.

Backyard batting cages can be used for everything from coaching actual team practices, to having some fun with the neighbors or friends. They come in all sizes and can accommodate all ages and skill levels. If you are interested in adding a batting cage to your backyard, but are still a little bit unsure of what you should be looking for, contact the team here at pitchingmachinepro.com. Our team can help you determine what your needs are and will walk you through all of your product options. Once you have found the best set-up for your backyard, you can expect to be the most popular house on the block! Drop us a line today and we’ll help you get started.

Practicing with Tennis Partners and Tennis Ball Machines

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 08:57:20 -0500

Training with a tennis partner and training with tennis ball machines both have their pros and cons, so which one is right for you?

If you are an aspiring professional tennis player, or even just a dedicated recreational player, you know just how important practice is to your game. If you don’t practice playing tennis on a regular basis, you will not survive in a real match. A question many people have is whether training with a partner is more beneficial than training with tennis ball machines. Well, the simple answer is that there is no simple answer. For one thing, it’s entirely subjective. Ask several professional tennis players or coaches, and they are likely to each tell you something different. In addition to that, there are pros and cons to both live human players and tennis ball machines. You just have to decide which will benefit you more as a player.

Choosing to practice with a partner rather than tennis ball machines has some definite advantages. A partner can give you feedback on your performance, whereas a machine is entirely incapable of observing and evaluating you. A partner will also be inconsistent which will help you to really fine tune your reflexes. With a machine, you will know exactly what speed and angle to expect, so it’s easy to prepare yourself. This might make a real game with a real player a little tricky.

Practicing with tennis ball machines might not give you the human touch – or the unpredictability – of practicing with a partner, but it does have other advantages. First of all, there is the obvious advantage: time flexibility. Tennis ball machines rarely have other plans or engagements, and they tend not to get sick or sprain their ankles, so unlike a partner, you can count on a tennis ball machine to be available to you anytime, even on short notice. Practicing alone also provides an advantage for people who find they concentrate better when they’re alone. You might find working with a machine a little less distracting than working with a human. Another advantage of practicing with a tennis ball machine is that it won’t tire out. A partner will become tired over time, and his or her game might become a little weak or inconsistent to be suitable for training. A tennis ball machine maintains its strength and never whines about being tired, hot, or thirsty. There are tennis ball machines that can be adjusted to aim a certain way as well, which can help you practice and overcome specific weaknesses or vulnerabilities in your game. A machine gives you the ability to customize your practice session according to your specific needs as a player.

As you can see, there are advantages to practicing with a partner and practicing with tennis ball machines. It’s all a matter of what you need out of the practice. Why limit yourself to just one type of practice? Training with both a partner and a tennis ball machine will give you a good, well-rounded set of tennis skills, which will prepare you to be at your best when it comes time to play and compete.

Why Batting Cages Are Better than the Gym

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 08:53:20 -0500

Looking for a fun way to get your exercise? Try the batting cages!

Exercise is important for everybody, athletes and non-athletes alike. It is a crucial part of health and development. Sometimes people who tend not to be very athletic find it hard to come up with fun ways to get their exercise. It’s tough when your friends are always asking you to go for a run, to swim laps, or to go lift weights at the gym if that isn’t really your thing. How can you be motivated to get yourself in shape if you don’t think exercise is any fun? Well, it might be time to start looking for more creative ways to get your body moving. How about a game of Frisbee in the park? It’s low-key and not competitive, but it still gets you running and throwing. The same can be said for a friendly game of catch or basketball with your pals. Something that most people don’t think of is going to the batting cages for a fun workout.

If you are not much of an athlete, you might balk at the idea of playing baseball for fun, but going to the batting cages actually can be a really good time. You’re not playing against anyone, so the shame of never actually hitting the ball is alleviated. You don’t actually have to hit the ball to get your exercise – just swinging the bat uses many of your muscles. It’s also a simple activity that allows you to steadily progress and challenge yourself. Think of it as a simple motion capture video game: you can do it alone, you’re up against a machine, and it has very little in the way of real-world consequences if you’re not good at it. And like a motion capture video game, you’ll be having so much fun that you probably won’t even notice that you’re getting a good workout (until the next day when you wake up with sore muscles).

Batting cages are also relatively inexpensive. You can find them at many arcades, theme parks, and outdoor amusement centers. They don’t cost nearly as much as a gym or pool membership, and they don’t require you to purchase a year-long membership to get a reasonable deal. You can also invite friends to the batting cages and turn it into a social event. You might be having too much fun to notice, but your sense of precision, as well as your reflexes and your strength, will improve over time.

Going to the batting cages might seem like a pretty unorthodox way to work out, but it’s a lot of fun, and that’s what really matters when you’re not much of an athlete! Even if you are skeptical about it, batting cages are pretty cheap, so you won’t really be losing anything by simply giving them a try.

If you are still not convinced, just remember: batting cages are a lot more enjoyable than sweating up a storm while struggling to lift weights at the gym! When you think of it that way, the batting cages seem pretty tempting!

Training With Tennis Ball Machines

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 04:50:44 -0400

Nostalgic look at tennis as a kid and the differences in what is available for training facilities and tennis ball machines now.

Does anyone really remember learning to play tennis? Though it’s a school taught sport, most small town kids learned on the cracked pavement of local park courts or schoolyards. There were no tennis ball machines, colored lines, or evening lights. Weeds grew through the pavement cracks and nets sagged in the middle. Small towns are generally not putting big money into maintenance of sports areas unless they are popular like hockey, football, or soccer. The really nice tennis courts had a wall board with a painted line at net height so that a passionate player could practice alone with the illusion that an opponent was returning a ball but that didn’t stop local kids from showing up to play. The lack of tennis ball machines to place a shot was no impediment to an intrepid player who spent hours honing skills and having fun. Passion never bowed to reality. As those summer nights dragged on, lungs heaving, breathing ragged, many Grand Slam games were played out hour after hour on those courts.

Nowadays there are many more affordable options for learning the game and more options for location. Bigger cities are peppered with outdoor courts, and indoor court setups are more than common. Coaching is readily available through schools and tennis clubs. If lessons are out of reach, then even tennis ball machines have become much more affordable for clubs and schools. Electric machines with myriads of programming options help train everyone, from young school students to the weekend warrior or serious competitor. The Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor Plus Player tennis ball machine sells for $1,699.00 and mimics a real competitor on the opposite side of the net.

Training with a tennis ball machine allows the athlete to face the challenges inherent in playing a real opponent. Placing the machine off-center will drive shots to a hard-to-reach corner of the court and force the athlete to return to center court before playing another shot. This maneuver helps increase speed and dexterity and builds on a solid foundation of skills. The player should also plan to return the ball to a specific location on the court depending on the shot to help improve real match play.

Just having a tennis ball machine is great for training but there are definitely actions that players should avoid. As the cliché says, “practice makes permanent, so perfect practice makes perfect.” Avoid putting tennis ball machines on the centre baseline, as that is a shot players will rarely encounter during a match. Always move after every shot is played; opponents are unlikely to hit directly back and repositioning to the optimum court position is essential. Use proper technique and coaching along with the machine to improve your skills.

As with any other sport, tennis has the possibility of injury; wrist, ankle, shoulder, and knee injuries abound. Make safety a priority when training. Stretching as a warm-up and cool-down routine are only a part of practicing safely. Ensure that all players are familiar with the tennis ball machines and safety procedures. Everyone should know how to modify the tennis ball machines and how to change the deliveries of the ball. Never look directly into the tennis ball output.

Tennis is a fun and competitive sport, and there are futures and financial compensations for those players that go all the way. Most will not but they can still have fun and learn to play well. Tennis ball machines can help those players live their dreams as young, enthusiastic learners, weekend warriors, or true competitors. Attaining expertise in the sport and having fun is what those hot summer nights are truly all about.

Coaching The Future with Jugs Pitching Machines

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 04:40:25 -0400

The role of teachers and coaches for sports, and the role of Jugs pitching machines in helping students and athletes attain their dreams.

Teachers and coaches fall into a very special category of people. The act of transferring knowledge from one person to another is one that is often underappreciated. Teachers and coaches are often given very little in the way of funding with which to build the foundations of the next generations of professionals. Be it neurosurgeon or elite athlete, someone had to teach the basics. Tennis pros did not learn everything without a solid background and skill development; professional baseball players start in Little League and work their way up. These kids often work with limited budgets and training opportunities. Jugs pitching machines have revolutionized training in baseball and tennis; this helps underfunded sports coaches put their budgets to good use.

Jugs Combo Pitching Machines throw baseballs, softballs and tennis balls. They come with two sets of legs – long straight legs for baseball and tennis, and short, curved legs for softball. Hitters see every pitch from a realistic release point, and can adjust their techniques accordingly. The pitching machines allow coaches to adjust the speed of the pitch, the type of pitch, and change those measurements between the baseball and the softball practice. The ability to throw 11-15 pitches means that each player can practice batting a variety of throws and consistently hit to a different point in the field. They learn to anticipate the different pitches and adjust their swing accordingly.

Prices vary for these machines but they are affordable for purchase. A beginner player can spend $800 for a unit and a more advanced setup for a school or club can cost up to $2800 for multi-function jugs pitching machines. Coaches will love the chance to pick and choose the challenges and watch their players improve. Baseball is America’s national sport and everyone wants the chance to play. The night out at a baseball game with popcorn and a hot dog is a true American stereotype.

Women’s softball is flourishing as well. Leagues are well-attended and the level of competition is high. Jugs pitching machines can help take the game to the next level. The versatility of the pitching speeds means that anything from 15-85mph can be thrown along with every imaginable breaking ball. The ability to pick a spot anywhere in the field and hit the ball there consistently is a huge advantage, as is the fielding practice afforded to the rest of the team. Reliable execution and performance is what makes winners. The professionals at www.pitchingmachinepro.com are excited about helping teams improve.

Teachers and coaches relish the opportunity to enhance the minds and bodies of their charges. It is rewarding to see improvements in skills, and the happiness and excitement that those improvements bring to the faces of their athletes. Baseball is a universal sport and it allows athletes to nurture dreams of becoming a pro and making big money in the major leagues. Whether young or older, most of those athletes have big dreams and the jugs pitching machines might be one step that allows those athletes to come one step closer to realizing those dreams.

Finding the Best Baseball Pitching Machine for You

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 12:30:00 -0400

The benefits and features of three baseball pitching machine models available at Pitching Machine Pro.

Are you a baseball fan who always watched never learned to play? Or a former high school baseball player who wants to get back into the game for fun? Perhaps you still play regularly, but you want to improve your swing, or you have children who want to improve theirs. No matter what your needs, we have the right baseball pitching machine for you. Here are just a few examples of our range of choices to suit all needs and levels.

BATA-1

Our BATA-1 baseball pitching machine is perfect if your children want to practice their baseball swings or if you are a coach in a children’s baseball league. The BATA-1 is economically priced and can pitch fastballs of up to 62 miles (100 kilometres) per hour. For younger children or those with less baseball experience, the speed can be lowered by the simple turn of a dial. A major safety feature of this baseball pitching machine is the protective guard separating the operator from the pitching wheel. The concave pitching wheel means pitches are highly accurate. The BATA-1 can use regular leather baseballs, dimpled balls or waffle balls. It’s the ideal machine for players from 9 to 16 years old.

Atec Axis

Our Atec Axis baseball pitching machine throws perfect left- and right-handed drops, sliders, splitters, curveballs, fastballs and changeups at speeds of up to 70 miles (112 kilometres) per hour. The digital LCD display lets you accurately manage and monitor the speeds of pitches. Because the Atec Axis rotates 360°, you can hit to every field position. Rapid-release, locking handles allow the throwing head to be adjusted quickly and effortlessly, and with its quick-release legs, this machine is easy to move, handle and store. Dimpled machine balls or regular leather baseballs can both be used. This baseball pitching machine is ideal for more experienced baseball players who want to practice hitting many kinds of balls to increase the range of their swings.

BATA Twin Pitch

The BATA Twin Pitch is similar to our BATA-1—in fact, it’s comprised of 2 BATA-1s on a single stand. The benefit of this baseball pitching machine is that with two different pitches in one set up—instead of one pitch at one speed over and over—you get practice that’s more realistic. The Twin Pitch pitches ground balls and fly balls and can be combined with various add-on components, including the Toggle Manual Pitch Selector, the BATA Auto-feeder and the BATA Auto-Pitch Selector, to create the ultimate, unpredictable batting practice experience. The machine comes in models for softball, baseball or both. The BATA Twin Pitch is ideal for players who want to practice their swings in the environment that most closely approximates a real baseball game.

These three baseball pitching machine models are only a few of the many choices we have available at Pitching Machine Pro. Our goal is to meet your individual baseball practice requirements because we understand that no two players are the same. If you need more information on any of these models or want to learn about other models we have available, contact us today. We want to help you hit it out of the park.

Batting Cages at Home: Fun, Easy and Convenient!

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 03:40:00 -0400

Batting cages are a convenient way to get in batting practice at home.

Baseball is a much beloved part of American culture. It’s played in the big leagues with millions of people watching on TV, and in small community leagues where friends get together to play for fun. Baseball is played by children, by seniors and by everyone in between. Easy to learn, difficult to master, and available to everybody who wants to play, baseball is just about the perfect sport. In fact, many people who want to be better at baseball are even taking the sport home by setting up batting cages in their back yards. It’s a fun way to practice baseball and to play when you don’t have your team available, and it’s easier to do than you might think!

Batting cages are exactly what they sound like: cages equipped to handle baseballs moving at high speeds. They’re what you use when you want to practice batting, but don’t have a field to practice in, or when you just don’t want to spend your time chasing balls instead of hitting them. They’re a safe and convenient answer to the problem of practicing batting at home. There are several reasons to install a cage in your back yard.

The first reason, of course, is safety. One of the great joys of baseball is the act of winding up and swinging at a ball with all your might. Feeling your bat go “crack!” and seeing that ball go flying is a spectacularly satisfying feeling, but if you’re batting in your back yard, you are surrounded by targets that you really don’t want a speeding baseball to hit! Windows, flowerpots and unsuspecting human beings (who might be angry enough to send that ball flying right back at you) are among the things you want to avoid damaging. Batting cages keep your home run hits from becoming home ruin hits!

The second reason batting cages are wonderful for baseball enthusiasts at home is that they are extremely convenient. Sending a ball soaring through the air is wonderful fun. Trying to figure out where that ball ended up, and then trudging off to retrieve it, is not fun at all. When you’ve got a batting cage in your own back yard, you can head outside with a basket full of baseballs or softballs, spend some quality time batting uninterrupted, and then gather them all together from inside the batting cage. No searching or trekking required!

Finally, having a batting cage at home is easier than you might think. Unlike the batting cages used by professional baseball teams, a home cage can be lightweight and collapsible, so that you can get it out when you need it and put it away when you want to use your back yard for other activities. Many batting cages are portable, meaning that you can take them with you to baseball practice. They come in different sizes to suit your needs and your available space.

For some people, baseball season lasts all year. Batting cages at home are an excellent way to keep yourself in top batting shape all year ‘round!

Serving up the Perfect Shots: How Tennis Ball Machines Get it Right Every Time

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:45:53 -0400

There are many games that lend themselves to easy practice given the multi-player nature of the sport; hockey or soccer for example. However, more individualistic sports such as tennis are somewhat more difficult to hone. The benefit of purchasing tennis ball machines lies in its increased consistency, diversity, and power of shots, which culminates in overall increased effectiveness of players’ skills.

As in any individual sport, practice partners can only guarantee a certain level of consistency, and it is difficult for any one partner to pinpoint which shots their fellow player needs to practice. Not only is it difficult for a tennis partner to understand which shots would best hone their partners’ skills, but to be able to consistently and accurately perform these shots enough for repetition is close to impossible. Unless the person one is practicing with is a world class player, there are going to be missed shots, shots that go out of bounds, and overall inconsistent shots. This makes it very difficult for any individual player to truly practice the return shots that they have pinpointed as needing work. This is exactly why, for professionals and novices alike, tennis ball machines offer a fantastic alternative that allow for consistent shots at a consistent velocity and trajectory. Most machines are easily calibrated to either serve consistent shots or distribute balls in such a way that keeps the player running over the court for maximum variety of returns.

In addition to tennis ball machines allowing players to tailor their opponent’s shot consistency or diversity, these machines are always available for practice, unlike live partners. Owning a machine eliminates the hassle of coordinating schedules and arranging to meet at the most convenient location; these machines are portable and never tire, they finish when the player is finished playing and no sooner. In addition, pocket space of live players is limited, but a machine can store 50 to 300 tennis balls, meaning the amount of time pausing to collect balls is reduced, and playing time is increased. After taking these benefits into account the question arises as to whether this is enough to noticeably improve a players’ game.

As mentioned previously, tennis ball machines reproduce consistent shots as frequently as wished. Repeating stroke patterns is the best way to improve one’s arm and assures that any discrepancy in the return is entirely the players doing, thereby making it easier to pinpoint faults. Thus, a machine is bound to improve one’s stroke, as long as the player is experienced enough to benefit from repetition. Tennis ball machines are not substitutes for instructors or coaches, but rather they augment needed partner practice and offer a unique opportunity for intensive stroke improvement. In addition, to truly glean the benefits of a ball machine, the player needs to know how to optimize its range. Players are recommended to start off by setting the machine to serve multiple aim points, and then slowly work your way up to a quicker pace with the machine farther and farther back. Machines will continuously serve balls as intervals that the player chooses, and gives an excellent deterrent to letting ones fatigue effect their reaction time.

Tennis ball machines are efficient, they are reliable, and they are always on time; overall these machines are the ideal match partners for a practice setting. In order to find the best of these reliable practice partners, Pitching Machine Pro, the internet’s largest seller of pitching machines, offers a breadth of resources to help choose the right machine for everybody’s court preferences.

The Basics of Batting Cages, Screens and Nets

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:41:54 -0400

Batting cages are enclosed structures designed for players to practice batting. The cage keeps the ball in close range so the player gets the full benefit of batting practice without having to hunt for the ball. Batting cages can be designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Where it is impractical to erect a full cage, screens and nets often suffice.

In addition to increasing the quality of practice time, batting cages, screens and nets serve as a safety device. Batting cages, screens and nets greatly reduce the chance of a baseball striking a team mate or onlooker.

There are several different types of batting cages:

Permanent batting cages are seen at schools, practice fields for teams and ballparks. While outdoor permanent batting cages range slightly in construction and style, basically they are comprised of a steel frame anchored in concrete. A net or “cage” is suspended from the framework to complete the enclosure. Typical sizes of outdoor cages are 55 ft or 70 ft long by 12 ft high and either 12 ft or 14 ft wide.

Indoor batting cages are seen in gyms, schools and training facilities. Features specific to indoor batting cages include portability, floor protection (to protect against scuffs, scratches and ball marks), and the ability to reduce in size for storage. Some companies manufacture cages that retract to the ceiling for ultimate storage and convenience.

Backyard batting cages can be set up in any yard large enough to accommodate the patron’s cage of choice. Most backyard batting cages are completely portable and do not require digging or cementing. Typical backyard cages are constructed from a steel frame and a suspended net. Simple backyard cages can be assembled by the homeowner in a matter of hours.

There are several options for those that require a screen or net but not full sized batting cages:

The Jugs Instant Screen, for example, requires no assembly. This screen folds into a compact circle and is easily transported in the trunk of a standard size car. With set up and take down averaging only two minutes, this screen is the ideal choice for coaches and teams that practice and play in fields where batting cages are not available.

Similarly, catch nets and sock nets are other portable options that can be used in areas where batting cages are impractical. For example, nets and screens are ideal for small yards, rental fields, or as a safety measure where batting is an attraction at a community function.

Pitching Machine Pro sells portable batting cages, screen and nets. We know it takes the right equipment to improve your game. Not only do we have the cages, screens and nets that will help you practice safely and efficiently, we have years of industry knowledge to help us match our products to your needs.

Tennis Ball Machines Make Tennis Champions

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:40:25 -0400

Tennis ball machines have were introduced in the early 1900s and the creator of these practice aids may surprise you.

Does the name Rene LaCoste sounds familiar? LaCoste was as famous for his tennis prowess as he is for the alligator logo on his polo shirts. While many know LaCoste to be a pro athlete, few know of his driving passion for perfection. Frustrated with partners that could not keep up to his untiring training regime, LaCoste created what is credited as the first of the tennis ball machines – a hand cranked machine that was manually operated.

LaCoste won 16 championships during his tennis career, proving that assistance from tennis ball machines can give an athlete the edge they need to compete. In fact, any tennis player intent on improving their game should invest in one of these machines. If you have never used a tennis ball machine before, here are three things to keep in mind when making your selection.

1.    Consider the range: There are many different styles, makes and models of tennis ball machines to go with the many different styles, ages and capabilities of tennis players. Choose the one that best suits your needs. For example, the Sports Tutor Tennis Twist machine is small, compact and portable. They are designed for beginners and are also suitable for small children. While this type of machine will greatly aid the new tennis player, pro players should invest in machines such as the Lobster Sports Elite 1. Advanced features of the Lobster Sports Elite 1 include corner-to-corner random oscillation to help you work on your forehands and backhands and up to 60 degree lobs to practice your overheads. Note that this overhead feature is exclusive to this machine. Here at Pitching Machine Pro we carry a wide range of tennis ball machines, suitable for every age and skill level.

2.    Reliability: With tennis ball machines as part of your training routine, you will need a machine that is reliable; not machines that are prone to malfunction or that require excessive ongoing maintenance. Some simple research will tell you which brands are the most reliable. The staff at Pitching Machine Pro are experts in the field of tennis ball machines and are happy to show you the brands that tennis players favor. We carry the popular Lobster line as well as other proven brands such as Wilson and Sports Tutor.

3.    Consider the customer service. Tennis ball machines are an investment in your game, your team and your individual players. It is important to deal with a company that understand these machines inside out so they can provide you with the best possible recommendation and answer any questions you may have. You may get a great deal at a warehouse that stocks tennis ball machines, but why not get a great deal from a company that understands how important the choice of the right pitching machine is for every player? A company that personally uses and tests each of their machines is a company that will provide you with the best customer service.

Every tennis player that has determination and a drive to succeed has a little Rene LaCoste in them. Every player that uses tennis ball machines is a player that is a born champion. Here at Pitching Pro Machines we know, love and understand tennis ball machines and we can’t wait to share our knowledge with you. Let us match you up with the machine that will turn you into the next tennis champion.