Considerations

• A pitching machine should not be used as a primary means of batting practice. No hitting machine can replace the benefits of seeing live pitching, either through game reps or from a coach or partner.
  
  

Types

• Several types of pitching machines exist and each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. The popular JUGS Curveball machine requires a partner to feed balls, and takes the ball out of sight moments before the pitch. These machines, which are easy to operate, can be modified to throw a variety of pitches.
  
  MasterPitch's Iron Mike system, which employs a mechanical arm, allows batters to time pitches. These machines can only throw fastballs and are not the most accurate.
  
  Many manufacturers make smaller machines, like the JUGS Lite-Flite, which use Wiffle balls and are designed for smaller areas. These machines help improve a player's reaction time. They can be used indoors or outside with little more than a partner feeding balls to the machine.
  
  

Benefits

• Pitching machines are easy to use, and allow you to take many swings in a short amount of time. Most machines are low-maintenance, with little assembly or set-up required. Machines can be a lifesaver on days when a coach's shoulder can't handle throwing another two hours of batting practice.
  
  

Cons

• Pitching machines can disrupt your timing at the plate and damage your rhythm in the batter's box. Facing live pitching and practicing with a machine are two different forms of hitting. Keep this in mind when using them in your practice routine.
  
  Most machines are very expensive, ranging from a couple hundred to thousands of dollars, without taking into consideration the peripherals involved like cage balls, electric bills and the occasional maintenance.
  
  

Expert Insight

• Whenever possible, players should supplement pitching machine work with live feeds from a coach. When available, use two cages simultaneously, one with a machine and one with a coach or player throwing. The two-cage system allows players to work on their swing with the machine and their timing with the coach.
  Coaches, be sure to explain the benefits of a pitching machine with your players. Tell them it's there to work on mechanics and not timing. Suggest some drills players can do with the machine.