We use the machine to have our
players learn to not be afraid of inside breaking balls. We set the slider
pitching machine up so that it fires a breaking ball at the player's head
(during all drills at the plate they have a batting helmet on, of course).
The player gets the feel of watching the ball come at them, can check the
rotation of the ball, and then just stand in the batter's box as the ball curves
away from them and into the strike zone. We let them look at several
pitches from the pitching machine before attempting to swing at
any. This drill with the pitching machine works well to
prepare them for the first time they face a curveball in a game.
The lite flite ball is great to use with
this drill because even if they were to get hit they could laugh it off with a
small sting. Using the pitching machine to teach them to not fear and to
actually hit curve balls is a great way to save the coach's arms. Even
middle age men get sore elbows from throwing too many curve balls,
especially when we do not throw them on a regular basis. I have tried
to rig other pitching machines to throw curve balls by setting them at an angle
on their side and throwing the ball. That concept sounds like to should
have worked but proved to be dangerous. I recommend saving your
players and yourself and getting the Slider Pitching Machine.
The Slider Lite Pitching Machine is a
versatile indoor pitching machine. Among lite ball pitching machines the
Slider Pitching Machine is very flexible and allows us to use it in many
games and drills. Enjoy!
