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.