Pitching machines are a great way to practice ball playing skills, but they are also a big investment. This is why it is so important to do your research and understand what you are buying before making the purchase. If you are going to invest in something that is intended to help train you or other players, you want to make sure you are getting exactly what you need and making the right decision. Baseball training aids are only going to help you if they are able to provide the type of practice you need. A machine intended for individual use might not be adequate for team use. If you plan to use it for infield practice, as well as throwing, that should be a consideration in your purchase. If you follow a few simple steps, you are likely to get the machine you need.

First, determine the best option for your needs. There are differences in throwing speeds, pitch types, price, size and every other detail you can think of. You need to know which will work best for you. You should also consider if you are practicing at the youth, high school or collegiate level and whether a single-motor machine will work. Those practicing at higher levels will likely fare better with a dual-motor machine. Next, consider your power source. There are electrical options that operate using a standard 110-volt power source. This source needs to be close to your practice space. If there is no electricity near your power space, consider a battery-powered or manual option.

Speed is one of the most important factors when choosing an option right for you. Younger players need a machine capable of throwing slower pitches that are less than 50 to 60 miles per hour. High school and college players, as well as those at higher levels, should practice at 90 miles per hour or more. There should be a range of speeds to offer you a variety of practice scenarios, regardless of the minimum and maximum.

You should also have the ability to hit a variety of pitches. Younger and less experienced players basically just need to famliarize themselves with hitting a fast ball. However, as you progress, you are going to want experience with left- and right-handed curve balls, as well as a variety of other pitches. The key is to duplicate an at-bat experience, so if you are facing pitchers capable of throwing a variety of pitches, you should have the ability to practice hitting them.

Finally, look for machines that make ease of use an important factor. The more bells and whistles you get, the more expensive your purchase will be. However, if you can afford a few upgrades, it will save you time and frustration. Some options allow batters to turn off the machine from where the batter’s box, making practice time alone a lot easier. Others are capatable with a ball feeder that gives you the option of hitting several balls during one session without stopping to reload.

Author Bio: Stewart Wrighter owns and operates a top-ranking website to help people find pitching machines to improve their baseball skills. He offers a large selection of baseball training aids online.

Category: Sports
Keywords: Pitching machines,baseball training aids