Pitching Machine Practice
Also known as: pitching machine practice, how fast should I set the pitching machine, pitching machine distance, curveball pitching machine, hitting off a pitching machine
A pitching machine lets a hitter see many pitches at a set velocity and location. Reaction time depends on both velocity and distance. Moving the unit closer makes a slower pitch play faster. Start at a setting you can square up, then add challenge with more velocity, less distance or mixed pitches.
The time a hitter has is distance divided by velocity. A 60 mph pitch released 45 feet from the plate arrives in about the same time as an 80 mph pitch released 60 feet away. Many facilities shorten the distance to train against hard throwers. A real pitcher lets go several feet in front of the rubber. Keep that in mind when placing the unit.
A wheel or arm-style thrower has no windup or release to read. Many hitters struggle with timing in their first rounds. A feeder who shows the ball before dropping it in gives the hitter a cue to start the load. Wheel units can throw breaking balls, and some mix pitch types. This kind of work suits high volume and a specific velocity or spin.
Put an L-screen in front of the feeder. Check real velocity with a radar gun when you can, since dial settings may not match. Use the balls the unit is built for. Start young hitters slow and raise the setting only once they square up most pitches.
Tips by skill level
Start at a setting where you hit line drives. Raise it or move the unit closer only after you square up most pitches.
Train velocity by shortening distance as well as raising the dial. Use distance divided by velocity to match the reaction time of the pitchers you face.
Example
A high school hitter wants to prepare for an 85 mph starter. His coach dials the wheel unit to 70 and moves it closer to the plate. The shorter distance gives him a similar reaction time, and he learns to start his load earlier.
Why it matters
These units give hitters volume at controlled velocities. Knowing how velocity and distance interact makes that work match game timing.
Common mistakes
- Setting it so hot the hitter only fouls balls off
- Dropping the ball in without showing it first
- Trusting the dial without a radar check
- Feeding balls the unit is not made for
Frequently asked questions
How fast should I set the pitching machine?
Start at a setting you can square up most of the time. Then raise it or move the unit closer. Reaction time depends on both velocity and distance.
How far should a pitching machine be from home plate?
It depends on the velocity you want to copy. A closer unit makes a slower pitch play faster. A 60 mph pitch from 45 feet arrives in about the same time as 80 mph from 60 feet.
Is hitting off a pitching machine good practice?
Yes, for volume and set velocities. It has no arm action to time. Mix in front toss and live arms too.
Related terms
- Front TossFront toss is a hitting drill where a coach sits or kneels behind a protective L-screen in front of the hitter and feeds the ball underhand toward the plate. The ball comes from the pitcher's direction. That makes it better than side flips for training timing. The feeder must stay behind the net.
- Batting Practice StructureGood batting practice gives every round a goal. Many coaches move from tee and toss to machine or live pitching, and from set locations to mixed ones. Rounds focus on one job, such as opposite-field line drives, bunts or a two-strike approach. Competitive rounds that score hard contact add game pressure.
- Pitch VelocityPitch velocity is the speed of the ball at release, measured in miles per hour — the most commonly cited indicator of pitching power and arm strength.
- Coach-Pitch and Machine-Pitch HittingIn coach pitch, an adult throws easy pitches from a short distance so young hitters can learn timing. In machine pitch, a machine throws at a steady speed. To help a child, practice with gentle tosses from the same distance. Teach them to start the swing as the ball is released and to swing at good pitches only.
- Hitting a CurveballTo hit a curveball, pick it up early from the hump and spin out of the pitcher's hand. Keep your weight and hands back, let the ball travel and hit it where it ends up, usually up the middle or the other way. Lay off a curve that starts at the knees. It usually finishes in the dirt.
Related guides & benchmarks
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