can this be used for pitching practice?
1367465
Practically speaking, this is designed for hitting only. However, if by pitching practice, you mean something that is a safe target to throw at, then this could be used. If you turn it around and throw at the target on the backstop, it could serve that purpose, I guess.
1367466
1 of my boys said "no, because it isn't pitch back" Which mean it doesn't bounce the ball back. The other one said "yes for target practice, but you have to collect all the balls.
1042992
Yes, we bought this last year for our 9 year old son who pitches in tournament baseball. He is 10 now (4'8" 80 lbs) and it's plenty big to last him into his early teens.
850110
Yes it can, but I wouldn't recommend it. You can get white "dimple" practice balls with red laces painted on them for realism if that's what you are concerned about. If you were to use a raised-lace ball (real ball), you would want to make sure it went in the exact same way every time due to the height adjustment of the striker plate. You wouldn't want the laces causing accuracy issues. Also, it would chew them up over time, and the consistency would not be there. I'd also be concerned that real baseballs might damage the wheel over time.
860251
No, it is not designed for baseball. The openings are designed for the larger size of a softball.
2224653
I haven't used softballs, but I would think you could. I do use real baseballs, if that helps any.
904673
I don't know but I wouldn't think so. It is used to sweat the oil out of a ball
938795
I guess you could to a point. Depending on how fast you pitch that ball in it would come flying back out. I would say more useful in throwing and catching at different angles to improve hand, eye, ball coordination. If someone is closer to catch the ball to assist instead of the pitcher that would be best.
2150968
My son-in-law used this for when coaching youth league baseball so I asked him and he said softballs would be no problem. I know it is built sturdy. Hope this helps. I do know that when he used this, the fielders (10 to 12 yr olds) had to get used to not hearing the bat hitting the ball.
235556
The machine is well designed for the intended "lite" ball; I do not believe this machine is designed for "hard" baseball use; I would invest in a machine specifically designed to throw a hard baseball.
1690011
No doubt! It does not require alot of space. Depending on who tall the hitter is your follow through may be a problem.
1129525
Coach, I would say probably. Get one of the poly softballs if you don't already have one and hit it around the gym and check the damage it does and make your decision from there. The machine will pitch the ball at 60 mph or so. Good luck . Bill
1291786
I bought it for my grandson and he uses it but I don't know if it will throw a breaking pitch. I'll see what I can find out.
2225288
You can use it at a low pitch angle, say 15 degrees, and at a high pitch angle, probably 75 degrees. Refer to the packaging it came in for further info.
102808
I do not know. My son plays in a local PAL league and I've never seen a coach or umpire challenge the use of any equipment. I woud have to laugh if I saw a George Brett pine tar style episode take place over the diameter of a bat in little league. But I suppose rules are rules.
200187
I use it for front toss and live pitch youth Baseball. Seems to work perfectly fine for this application.
635927
Use of the accubat is great for practice fly balls and grounders. It is better than using a bat as one can be more consistent with an accubat. It is not useful for pitching.
384026
You can control the pitch with the lever located on the back on the controller. I haven't been able to get mine to work, but you should be able to.