Pitching Machines at practice: good or bad idea?

[Alice]

We had a debate at our game this morning about the use of pitching machines. Some believe it's good. Others believe it's an unproductive use of time because the ball comes right down the middle of the plate and who couldn't hit it? What do you think? I believe it's not such a great idea because it gives the girls and coaches a false sense of what they will be able to do in a game. Our team hits great at practices but struggles in a game which I believe proves my point.

[AM Softball]

Machines are great at practice for repetition and mechanics. If you move around in the box, even on a machine, you can practice in, fat, out, high, low, etc.

This should be a part of practice but not the only thing...

[scott]

Good for mechanics bad for timing.
I believe live pitching is best but not practical all the time.

[Tucson]

Ditto to what the other posters said.

I use the machine to work on mechanics, slapping, bunting or switch hitting. I also use old leather balls. I threw the machine balls out.

90% of the time, I use my machine for outfield drills.

[DonnieS]

Use of pitching machines at practice are one part of hitting practice for us, and we use the regular jugs type machines for outfield practice. Pitching machines are really at just about every practice we have.

[Joe]

No replacement for live pitching...

[as the world turns]

We use CTS 96' pitcher for practice, it seems they want her to get more work.

[girlygirly16]

[color=#FFFF00][color=#0000FF]It would be a good idea, all you really have to do is move around in the box,... but we use pitching machines once an a while, but we mainly use our pitchers =][/color][/color]

[Joe]

[color=#FFFF00][color=#0000FF]It would be a good idea, all you really have to do is move around in the box,... but we use pitching machines once an a while, but we mainly use our pitchers =][/color][/color]

Can I see some I.D.?

[jth1959]

Useless for building mechanics. Useless for timing. Show me a kid who can hit a pitching machine and I'll show you a kid who can hit a pitching machine. Success in the cage doesn't necessarily translate to live pitching.