Posted by: Richard Schenck () on Wed Jun 12 09:29:46 2002

I picked up a used Jugs curve ball pitching machine for about $800. It serves the purpose, but if I had the money and opportunity, I'd get the ATEC Casey Pro. Haven't used the Atec, but have seen one in a store. It's 1/3 lighter, and seems to set up a lot quicker than the Jugs. The Jugs will pitch outstanding curveballs, sliders, fastballs, etc., but it can take 5 minutes and 30 balls to reset between pitch types. The ATEC machine sets up with the flip of a wrist. Plus, I've heard the ATEC machine is much more accurate, consistently enabling you to work outside-down corners, inside up, inside and out, and etc.. The Jugs machine is only accurate to about a 12 inch square (i.e. the pitch could be anywhere in that square), and about 60-75% of the pitches will hit that square. It's normally accurate enough for good BP, because the kids need to learn to swing at strikes, but if you're trying to teach a kid to bunt an up&in pitch, or extend to hit an outside pitch, you can waste a lot of time trying to get them the right pitches.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > You should also budget for the pitching machine balls. Though you can use hardballs (which we've done), it tears them up, and they're harder on the equipment (bats, and machine). I use the rubber balls for live pitching practice as well. They hit like leather, but their lighter, i..e. harder to throw. But if you throw BP from about 50' as I do, they work fine. Also, you can get "Dad's" who are afraid to pitch BP to be real aggressive BP pitchers with the rubber balls.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > To be honest, we own our own Jugs machine, and the League has cages equiped with Jugs curveball machines, and we hardly use them. We focus on Tee work, soft toss, and live pitching. We may mix in some machine pitching to help the kids "groove" their swing, but nothing beats live pitching.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Also, look for used machines on Ebay. These things are indestructable.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Regards.. Scott
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > There is a very common statement you can hear around batting cages. It's "he hits so well here, why can't he do it in the game."
> > > > >
> > > > > Especially in base ball. One of the most common reasons for young boys' inability to hit is fear of the ball. They won't admit it because their fathers and coaches will have a fit, but its true. The point is that pitching machines eliminate that threat so do not help with the most common problem.
> > > > >
> > > > > I know most of you don't agree with this. This is true because most coaches are fathers of some player on the team and their "macho" self esteem wont let them admit it. Plus most guys dont know how to detect the problem. But let me assure you that it is the single biggest problem.
> > > > >
> > > > > Even if fear was not the major problem, machines take away the element of hitting that makes it so hard for kids-- the fact that the ball can be thrown any where from over the backstop to down the middle of the plate.
> > > > >
> > > > > Hitting machines do more damage to the ability to hit then anyother thing I can think of. Don't buy one.
> > > > >
> > > > > Joe A.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > I have found the pitching machine to be a very worthwhile tool for developing hitters. As much as Tee work and Jacks bag Drills . And also bought the personal pitcher that throws golf whiffle balls on the advise of some at this site and have found it to be very useful as a "tool". Theres no real substitute for live pitching but have found these to be very useful in developing your swing and bunting ability . And along with Epstein info and his recommendations on using these pieces of equiptment as in hitting from his number one position it has helped greatly . And also like using it for outfield workouts. Personally I have found the pitching machine to be very useful if used properly . I purchased a gasoline powered machine for my girls and is very versitle.
> > >
> > >
> > > What does "useful" mean? Does it mean that people are hitting better because they used the machine?? how much better? what was the change?
> > >
> > > In game conditions, most hitters take 15-20 secs between pitches. Some, and more then a few take more time. Commerical machines, the ones most kids hit on, are set to 6-8 secs. Hitters can't even step out of the box or take a practice swing between pitches let alone think about if the last swing was a good one and what they should do to correct it if it wasnt. In a game they will take 3, 4 or 5 swing between pitches. Against machines hitters swing so often they get tired and their swing deteriorats. Its not uncommon to see a kid hit a few of the first 5 pitches well and fall apart on the last 5 or what ever. Soon they are practicing bad swings.
> > >
> > > Private machines are better in one way, they don't pitch as often. But, when a kid and coach has unlimited access to a machine they tend to hit off of it all the time. But the fact is the the worst hitters hit off of macnines more then other hitters. This can be documented.
> > >
> > > Did you ever wonder why the catcher hides the pitch signals from the hitter? Thats ok, dont guess. I will tell you. Its because if the hitter knew what was going to be thrown they can hit it. If they dont, its harder to hit. Think about it
> > >
> > > Piching machines are a bad practice method in just about every way you can think of it. But they are easy for coaches.
> > >
> > > Joe A.
> >
> > As I stated ... The pitching machine is a tool , just as a batting tee, bag or tire , the swing away ... And is no substitute for live pitching ... And you are right about 1 thing.. It does make my job much easier and provides the kids with the ability to take more swings in addition to live pitching.. And in my 20 plus years of coaching ... I believe it to be an excellent piece of equiptment. As for gaging its effectiveness ... I can only tell you that it works for my girls and certainly has its place in practice. Tools are only as good as the coach that uses them properly ...
>
>
> Can't you say that anything is a "tool?" What does that mean? I have seen people flipping plactic coffee cup lids at batters. The lids float all over the place and the kids are lunging at them, sometimes almost falling over. They are practicing the worst mechanics possible. When I talk to the coach he said "hey, its just one tool."
>
> Calling something a "tool" does not jusitfy its use. An axe is a tool. Too many people who have no idea what they are doing make up really bad drills then justify it by calling them "tools." This is how we got the "fense drill" "crush the bug" "elbow up" and "striding."
>
> This is why fastpitch softball is dominated by poor hitting.

Joe A

You are the biggest "tool" on this site
>
>