Pitching machines and tryouts...

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Are pitching machines a true judge of a players ability to hit?? I understand the pitching machine is a "time saver", but wouldnt front toss be a more acurate way to measure hitting abilities???

 

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Most are just looking at mechanics, but I do not like pitching machine. We use front toss.

 

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DD went to a tryout this last weekend where they were using a pitching machine in a cage.

 

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Pitching machines are good to use if it is a good machine. We used one this weekend that was horrible so half way through we started over with front toss. Like stated above, the coaches are looking at mechanics.

 

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We do Front toss, soft side toss and then 35-40 mph on a juggs. If done right it is a good look at a players swing

 

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I think that the pitching machine is a good tool for tryouts. My dd went to 4 tryouts that the team used their returning pitcher to pitch during the hitting evaluation. The trouble with this is that every girl sees different pitches and IMHO not fair to the girls trying out. At least with a pitching machine your getting the ball generally in the same spot and same speed for each girl.

 

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There are pros and cons for sure ... but tend to agree with ndsoftballbro re: getting a chance to see each girl bat against the same pitches ... and it's definitely more about the swing vs. necessarily how well they made contact ...

 

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pitching machine vs. returning pitcher i would say machine is a better choice. i just think pitching machine vs. front toss its front toss hands down. wonder why more coaches dont do both???

 

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All I look at is mechanics of the swing, as far as hitting some kids are terrible off a machine, and some are cage queens that cant hit a ball with movement. I like front toss better my self.

Tim

 

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Make sure the machine tripod is held in place using a sand bag.

The person feeding the machines also needs to understand how. If not it throws off the timing and rhythm.

We did the Barry Bonds drill to simulate different pitches and to test their ability to adjust.

Les has done this even at practices when we were at Fairfields fields.

Howard

 

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All great answers. To add to the mix it is good for watching mechanics but if not done correctly it can really throw off a hitter.

What additional value did I just add? None, not one thing.

 

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Make sure the machine tripod is held in place using a sand bag.

The person feeding the machines also needs to understand how. If not it throws off the timing and rhythm.

We did the Barry Bonds drill to simulate different pitches and to test their ability to adjust.

Les has done this even at practices when we were at Fairfields fields.

Howard

I like to go one step further, have them hit a ball inside out or opposite field, Without moving their feet to adjust. You get a pretty good idea of what a kid can do on the fly.

Tim

 

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Make sure the machine tripod is held in place using a sand bag.

The person feeding the machines also needs to understand how. If not it throws off the timing and rhythm.

We did the Barry Bonds drill to simulate different pitches and to test their ability to adjust.

Les has done this even at practices when we were at Fairfields fields.

Howard

tryouts in groups are all about efficiency. I want to see them hit a basic fastball. If they can't do that... they may not have the option to go any further. Right!? I also know that some players (we have 1) that is terrible off the machine and then you look at the true mechanics. For us, footwork, approach to base, their attitude regardless if the hit the ball or not and of course what happens when we have them do the Barry Bonds drill during hitting (which we do).

I like the thought of using soft toss... not knocking it. But, when you have 30 girls trying to get thru a tryout station and you need consistency, efficiency, and feedback from the players... the machine keeps us on time. A private tryout or other looks can be scheduled later (that's how we do it anyway). I also like not having to avoid getting nailed or staring through the next at tryouts. Many players can really shoot it right back at cha'! That's why we have Wullenweber... he'll take it head on.

 

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Are pitching machines a true judge of a players ability to hit?? I understand the pitching machine is a "time saver", but wouldnt front toss be a more acurate way to measure hitting abilities???

you'd be shocked at the amount of live pitching we face in a year outside of game play. So, I'd say yes it does at the younger ages for the most part.

For the ages when movement coupled with location, speed, and off-speed... I'll reserve judgement for those older age groups.

 

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I like to go one step further, have them hit a ball inside out or opposite field, Without moving their feet to adjust. You get a pretty good idea of what a kid can do on the fly.

Tim

OK Zenmaster, then do it blindfolded. I think I remember ashe doing it that way one time..... LOL.

Tim worked on this being able to place the hit with the more experienced girls at his clinic last week. One in particular stood out. Can't remember her name, but she plays with one of the 14u Hawks teams. She was able to place it on demand. Good kid. I will overlook she hit my dd in the head with a ball. LOL

 

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Ashe did a fantastic job teaching the younger kids, one of the parents thought she was a hs aged athlete. I told her she was 12 and the mom almost fell over. Sorry about the head shot, it did ruin a perfectly good softball though.


Tim

 

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Ashe did a fantastic job teaching the younger kids, one of the parents thought she was a hs aged athlete. I told her she was 12 and the mom almost fell over. Sorry about the head shot, it did ruin a perfectly good softball though.


Tim

Well, she will be 12 in late november..... LOL.. (Going into 6th grade)

 

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Lol ... very funny, Tim, on Ashe's head ruining the ball ...

 

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OK Zenmaster, then do it blindfolded. I think I remember ashe doing it that way one time..... LOL.

Tim worked on this being able to place the hit with the more experienced girls at his clinic last week. One in particular stood out. Can't remember her name, but she plays with one of the 14u Hawks teams. She was able to place it on demand. Good kid. I will overlook she hit my dd in the head with a ball. LOL

Seeing live pitching provided they can consistently throw it over is always a plus.

 

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Let's see ~300-500 girls a day for tryouts * 10+ pitches per girl =~ 3000-5000 pitches.. Going to have to give the nod to the machine for a consistent look. I'm mainly looking at form and mechanics though.