How to Set Up a Pitching Machine

Are you thinking about coaching baseball this summer? Did you realize that it would be your job, as the coach, to set up the pitching machine before each game? It is not difficult to set up, but you will need to arrive 15 to 30 minutes prior to game time to set the machine up. The exact time will depend on where the machines are stored in relation to the baseball diamond where you are scheduled to play. A pitching machine sends a baseball to a batter at a consistent height, style, and speed determined by the operator. Balls are fed into the machine by an operator or by an automatic feeder.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pitching machine
• Baseballs
• Electrical outlet
• Extension cord

1. Lower the ball chute Unscrew the setscrew to lower the ball chute uncovering the wheel. Turn the pitching machine upside down and use the wheel to roll the machine to the baseball diamond.
2. Raise the chute up Stand the pitching machine right side up. Unscrew the setscrew and raise the ball chute back into place once you arrive at the baseball diamond. Tighten the setscrew. The flat part of the chute points towards home plate. The round part of the chute points towards second base. You feed the ball into the round chute.
3. Attach the extension cord to the pitching machine and run it to the nearest electrical outlet and plug it in.
4. Line up with home plate Rotate the pitching machine and line up the flat part of the chute with home plate.
5. Turn on Locate the ON/OFF switch and turn the pitching machine on. Set the speed dial approximately to the halfway point. You can adjust it after a few test balls.
6. Adjust direction and height Place a ball into the chute to see where it goes in relation to home plate. Adjust the pitching machine slightly to the right or left as needed. Rotate the chute up or down so the ball flies horizontally to home plate without excessive arching.
7. Ask an average size batter to stand on home plate and adjust the ball height to approximately the batter's waist. If the ball is arching too much, increase the speed. If the ball maintains a horizontal approach to home plate then the speed should be correct.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make slight adjustments during play if necessary for large or small players.
• If the wheel is worn, turn up the speed.
• Drop the ball into the chute without getting your fingers too close.
• The most popular pitching machines are the circular wheel machine and the arm action machine. They are available for softball, baseball, youth, adult, or a combination of those and send balls from 15 to 60 MPH depending on the model. You can use a pitching machine with an automatic feeder to practice batting without assistance.
• Do not have a batter stand on home plate until you have verified the direction and height of the ball.
• Do not stand in front of the pitching machine while it is pitching.
• Do not place your fingers into the chute.