11 Best Softball Pitching Machine in 2021

Jugs Bp1 Baseball And Softball Pitching machine

BSN Bulldog Single wheel Baseball and Softball Combo Pitching Machine

Heater Sport Duece 95 Pitching machine

For someone seeking to become a softball player or a player trying to improve his/her game, strict practice is crucial for you to improve. Like the famous saying, practice makes perfect. To unlock your ace game, you need practice; practice is an exciting thing to do when it’s been done as a team or with a group of people. However, if it’s not a professional softball team, then most people might not be around at the same time. When this occurs, to keep your focus, you have to learn sometimes to train alone and without your teammates; even as a professional player, this is a practice you must imbibe, as you will achieve more without the interference of others. The pitching machine was created to satisfy people who enjoy working alone or feel like they achieve more when they work alone.

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For those who have no idea about what a pitching machine is or how it works, here is a sneak peek; A pitching machine is an equipment used in softball to shoot the ball towards the batter; it is an essential training tool in softball. The pitching machine pitches the ball towards the batter at different speeds and styles, enabling players to familiarize themselves with different pitches. The pitching machine works by replicating the speed and trajectory of an actual pitch. These machines help players build their reflexes, improve their Timing and also enhance their hitting power. When you practice on and on with the pitching machine, you find out that your brain reflexes towards the game in terms of Timing; knowing exactly when to swing your bat will become accurate. Also, hitting power becomes stronger, so is the range your ball covers. The pitching machine simplest form of design makes use of two wheels, both spinning in opposite directions, with each wheel having its motor that powers it. Once these wheels start spinning, the ball is fed into the machine; both wheels grab the ball and eject it out through the other side with both motors’ force. It is believed that the first pitching machine was invented in the year 1897. A mathematics instructor as mathematicians were called in that era, with the name of Charles Hinton, built a machine that made use of a gunpowder-powered baseball pitching machine for the baseball team of the Princeton University. This pitching machine was created for the team’s batting practice; however, this machine caused the players many injuries, which was believed to be one of the reasons why Hinton was dismissed from the Princeton University that same year. Another person also invented his style of pitching machine in the year 1916. This person is Bartley N. Marty, and he created the one and two-wheel style of the machine.

The pitching machine is used in softball and baseball with the primary assignment of shooting balls at the batter at different speeds and styles. Using this machine benefits softball players in different ways; some of the benefits of this machine to players include Timing, rhythm, consistency, improved range, Enhanced reflexes and much more. Not every time you get the required pitch speed you need in a game; this is where the pitching machine comes in as it is will give you the required speed to build your Timing and rhythm. Continuous and consistent use also helps increase players hitting range and improve players’ alertness.

Softball players looking to improve their skills should consider the pitching machine as it is bound to give you returns on your money. When aspiring to get a pitching machine, you should look out for Brand, quality, materials, price, and appearance.

The Best Softball Pitching Machine Are Reviewed Below

The best softball pitching machine in 2021 are reviewed below.

1

Jugs Bp1 Baseball And Softball Pitching machine

This Is a single-wheel pitching softball machine. Although this pitching machine is a bit expensive, it will provide you with adequate and quality services over a long time. This machine is quite popular and one of the most commonly used in the youth league. This particular pitching machine model can throw the ball at about 15 to 70 miles per hour; Awesome, isn’t it? And With the power to eject the ball, the bp1 pitching machine can be used by any athlete in softball. This is a great pitching machine; this machine features a swivel that allows it to move around 360 degrees and keep shooting the ball. The swivel’s significant benefits are the fact that it enables the pitching machine to shoot different kinds of balls like flyball, pop-up ball, ground ball, and a host of other styles. This gives the batter an idea of how to combat different pitching styles when faced with it in an actual game. Another fantastic feature of this machine is that you can set the MPH you want it to shoot at, and also, it can be loaded with about 11-12 balls at once, saving you the stress of having to load the machine every time.

Key Features:

  • Swivel design base
  • Complete battery pack
  • Digital readout display

Specification:

  • Brand: Jugs sport
  • Model: Bp1 Baseball and softball pitching machine
  • Dimension: 27 x 18 x 17 inches, 82 pounds.
Pros
  • The machine features a swivel base which allows it to turn 360 degrees when shooting the ball.
  • Can take about 12 balls at once
  • Possess digital readout display which can be used to set the exact speed you want the machine to throw the ball
  • It can throw a ball at 15 to 70 miles per hour
Cons
  • It runs on generator or battery power.
  • This pitching machine is expensive.

2

BSN Bulldog Single wheel Baseball and Softball Combo Pitching Machine

This is an excellent addition to your machine collection as a player. It is a good idea to try different machines to know which one you find most suitable for you. The BSN bulldog is a pitching machine that possesses a single wheel; you will get this pitching machine for a much more cost-friendly price than most pitching machines and at the same quality. This machine will save your coach the stress of pitching you the ball as it will effortlessly perform this duty and throw you the ball at a much faster rate. The good thing about this machine is that it is easier to move around as it weighs less than other pitching machines. This machine pitches between 30-60 MPH and doesn’t possess the luxury of changing the MPH; however it is a strong, sturdy and reliable machine. This machine performs smoothly for infield, pitching and outfield drills. This pitching machine helps both baseball and softball players as it can throw the 11 and 12 inches size of a softball; this equipment uses electricity and is convertible for both baseball and softball drills.

Key Features:

  • Electric power source
  • Convertible stand
  • Durable wheels
  • Run-on batteries or AC adapters

Specification:

  • Brand: Sports supply group
  • Model: BSN bulldog single wheel baseball and softball combo pitching machine
  • Dimension: 12 x 9 x 5 inches, 32 pounds
Pros
  • It is affordable
  • It is durable and efficient
  • A sturdy machine that can be used by softball and baseball players
  • Performs excellently for infield, outfield and pitching practises
  • It can throw the 11 and 12 inches softball
Cons
  • It does not have the digital readout display feature making it impossible to set the MPH at which the machine should throw the ball.

3

Heater Sport Duece 95 Pitching machine

The deuce 95 pitching machine is an excellent mid-range matching that is versatile and efficient in pitching the ball. The name deuce 95 is gotten from the pitching matching itself; The machine can reach a pitch speed of 95MPH, which is a whooping pitch speed. As a batter batting a pitch speed of 95MPH in training, you will be faced with no significant challenge in a live game. This pitching machine is a two-wheel machine capable of throwing a softball while holding about 12 softballs to be thrown at the batter. The swivel base technology is incorporated into the design, making it possible for the pitching machine to rotate 360 degrees to replicate different pitches from different angles. The deuce 95 was built such that the wheels and motor of this pitcher are enclosed in a casing. The deuce 95 is a bit expensive but not as expensive as other top models; however, this pitching machine will serve you well and is very good for solo trainers because of the ball feeder it features.

Key Features:

  • Speed range is 95 MPH
  • Two-wheel pitching machine
  • Features 12 balls ball feeder
  • Swivel base technology

Specification:

  • Brand: Heater sports
  • Model: Dueces 95 pitching machine
  • Dimension: 31.1 x 21.1 x 16.1 inches, 93.45 pounds
Pros
  • This pitching machine features a protective casing over the wheels and motor.
  • It features a 12 ball auto feeder, which is helpful for solo trainer
  • It has a high MPH pitching speed
  • It features a swivel base that allows it to rotate at all angles and throw different pitch kinds.
Cons
  • It does not have the digital readout display feature making it impossible to set MPH.

4

Louisville Slugger Triple frame Hand-Held pitching Machine

This pitching machine is lightweight and easy to assemble for any softball player. The handheld pitching machine is small and easy to use; using this handheld pitching machine will help improve your batting and catching skills in no time. However, the throwing speed of the frame handheld is low compared to other pitching machines. It features a speed of 27MPH for softball.

Key Features:

  • It is Lightweight
  • Does not use electricity

Specification:

  • Brand: Louisville slugger
  • Model: Triple frame handheld pitching machine
  • Dimension: 19 x 13 x 7 inches, 3.1pounds
Pros
  • It is lightweight
  • It is easy to use
  • It is easy to move around
  • It does not use generators or electricity
Cons
  • It is a manual machine requiring an operator, which means a single player cannot use it.

5

Jugs lite-flite machine for softball and baseball

The jugs’ lit-flite softball pitching machine is an excellent machine that both softball and baseball players can use. As an aspiring hitter or an amateur, you should get this machine to help you hone your skills in no time. This is a lightweight pitching machine capable of throwing both ways, that is, throwing left and right-handed curveballs. Very few pitching machines possess this feature; this is a significant advantage to the players as it prepares them for batting against both right-handed and left-handed pitchers. This pitching machine has a pitching capacity of 85 MPH, and it can be used by players from age eight upwards. This machine possesses the speed dial feature that allows you to increase or reduce the pitching machine’s shooting power as you prefer. With the speed dial, you can gradually increase your growth in the game by steadily practising at different speeds. This is a great machine to buy for someone that practises solo as it will give you quality for your money.

Key Features:

  • Possess speed dial
  • Throws both ways
  • Makes use of electricity

Specification:

  • Brand: Jugs
  • Model: Lite- flite machine for baseball and softball
  • Dimension: 12 x 14 x 27 inches, 35 pounds
Pros
  • It is easy to use
  • It can throw the ball both ways, i.e. right-handed and left-handed throws; this gives the player enough experience to tackle both right-handed and left-handed pitchers.
  • It throws the ball at 85MPH.
  • The pitching machine is suitable for age eight upward.
Cons
  • This pitching machine is a bit expensive.

6

Zooka ZS740 pitching machine

The zooka is a pitching matching that possesses a tripod stand, with the ability to shoot the ball from 10-70 MPH range. The speed dial present in this pitching machine makes it easily adjustable for players using it. This pitching machine is advisable for young players in the game as it can pitch any type of style towards the batter. The great thing about this bat is that it can be used by both baseball and softball players and, in some cases, tennis players as this machine can pitch the balls used in all these games. It is lightweight and easy to move around. It also uses a battery, which is a good thing as you won’t have to be looking for where or how to connect the machine to electricity while playing. However, the batteries are limited to only 500 pitches per charge. This pitching machine is solid and sturdy because of the construction and will last you many seasons; this pitching machine is easy to set up and is easy to use. Because of the tripod stand feature in the pitching machine, it can be used on any surface.

Key Features:

  • Tripod stand
  • It has a shooting speed of about 10-70MPH
  • Speed dial
  • A battery powers it
  • Strong and sturdy build

Specification:

  • Brand: Zooka
  • Model: ZS740 pitching machine
  • Dimension: 44 x 18.5 x 11 inches
Pros
  • It is easy to move around
  • It makes use of a battery
  • It features a speed dial that is used in regulating the pitching speed
  • It is solid and sturdy
  • It can be used by both baseball and softball
Cons
  • The pitching machine is expensive.

7

Spinball Wizard 2 Wheel Pitching Machine

The Spinball two wheels pitching machine is a great machine that every coach and player in baseball finds fascinating. It is the type of machine coaches want on their playing field. Also, this machine is user-friendly, which means it is easy to use and advisable for players that train solo. This machine is a great machine that is excellent at pitching different styles of ball for the players. Uncertainty is a great challenge, most especially in a game like softball. Before going out into a game, you should be familiar with all pitching styles; this helps your confidence. After all, you know whatever the pitcher is bringing to the table and can counter it cause you are already well prepared. That is precisely the kind of confidence boost the spin wizard two wheels pitching machine gives to you. After practising with different types of pitch styles, it prepares you for the worst to come in any game. This pitcher throws the ball at high speed of 40-100MPH. This machine is portable; that is, it is easy to move around, which is most suitable for single man practice; also, it possesses an adjustable speed dial that gives you the chance to adjust this machine to the throwing speed you want.

Key Features:

  • Possess two wheels
  • Speed range from 40-100 MPH
  • Possesses adjustable speed dial
  • Tripod stand

Specification:

  • Brand: Spinball sport
  • Model: Wizard two wheels pitching machine
  • Dimension: 11 x 11 x 72 inches, 74 pounds
Pros
  • It is easy to use
  • It is easy to move around
  • It is efficient and durable
  • Possess speed dial that can be used to adjust machine pitching speed
  • It possesses a high-speed range of 40-100 MPH
  • It possesses a tripod stand that enables it to stand and function on any surface.
Cons
  • It does not possess the swivel base for 360 degrees turning, which means it can only pitch in one direction.

8

Bownet Blast Pitch Automatic pitching machine

The bownet blast pitch is a great pitching machine that players, coaches and enthusiast wants. One good feature about this pitching machine is that the machine is portable and can be used by softball and baseball players. This pitching machine is known to build players’ accuracy and consistency in no time at all. This pitching machine features the adjustable speed dial used in increasing or reducing pitch speed to suit what the player wants. It also boasts the ball auto-feed, which can hold up to eight balls in its casing. It is suitable for a single-man to practise because of its portability and auto ball feed, which will ensure that you don’t need a partner to feed the ball once and then hit. A rechargeable battery powers this piece of equipment; hence it comes with a durable charger. The rechargeable battery benefits because you don’t need to get a power outlet to use your equipment. This machine comes with a five-second pitch delay, which helps you improve your Timing, efficiency, and batting stance. Also, the five-second delay can be altered by the player, thus providing you with a more exciting and comfortable experience. This product is easy to use and assemble and a great product generally.

Key Features:

  • Rechargeable battery
  • Durable charger
  • Tripod stand
  • Speed dial
  • Features ball auto feed

Specification:

  • Brand: Bownet
  • Model: Blast pitch automatic pitching machine
  • Dimension: 23 x 14 x 12 inches, 7 pounds
Pros
  • This equipment is lightweight
  • Features the adjustable speed dial
  • A rechargeable battery is present
  • Easy to move around
  • Possesses tripod stand that makes it easy on any kind of surface
  • It can be used by both softball and baseball players
Cons
  • No swivel base for auto rotation

9

Junior Hack Attack Softball Pitching Machine

The junior hack attack is a great machine; this machine pitches the ball at a speed of over 60MPH. The junior hack provides the batter with a different pitching style. This pitching machine is acceptable by youth leagues. This pitching machine is advisable for players looking to improve their softball game; this machine is highly portable, making it easy to move around. This pitching machine has a feature that distinguishes it from other pitching machines; it comes with a wheel design that enables you to see the pitching as it takes place and prepares your stance. This pitching machine helps you improve your posture, Timing and accuracy. The front two wheels of this machine have protection that prevents the wheels from touching the ground. This machine’s design is exciting and catchy; merely seeing this pitching machine, one would fall in love with it. It is efficient, easy to use and easy to move around. This pitching machine has provided you with all you need; in a pitching machine, all that is left to do is bat up, keep hitting and keep improving your game.

Key Features:

  • Two wheels
  • Speed range of over 60MPH
  • Interesting design

Specification:

  • Brand: Sports attack
  • Model: Junior hack attack softball pitching machine
  • Dimension:25 x 20 x 26 inches 25.1 pounds
Pros
  • It is portable
  • It is easy to use
  • Possess a speed range of over 60 MPH
  • Helps player improve on their Timing, batting stance and accuracy
Cons
  • It is expensive.

10

Heater Sports Crusher Portable Mini Lite-Ball Pitching Machine

The mini-lit ball pitching machine is a great machine built to improve your accuracy and efficiency as a player. This piece of equipment is suitable for solo training as it can hold up to twenty-four mini balls at a go. Once the balls are loaded in, all you need to do is keep hitting. This machine is battery-powered and can last up to eight hours once it’s fully charged; this pitching machine is portable and very mobile as It does not require a power outlet to function. The pitching machine boasts a speed range of 45 MPH; this pitching machine can throw the ball with various pitching styles, helping the hitter familiarise himself with different pitching styles. It uses a tripod stand and tubular steel, which balances the machine and ensures that it can be used on other surfaces.

Key Features:

  • Features tripod and tubular steel
  • Speed range of up to 45MPH
  • Auto ball feed of twenty-four balls capacity
  • Battery-powered
  • Rechargeable machine

Specification:

  • Brand: Heater Sport
  • Model: Heater sports crusher portable mini lite ball pitching machine
  • Dimension: 9 x 10 x 17 inches, 11 pounds
Pros
  • This pitching machine is lightweight and easy to use
  • It is durable and efficient
  • It is portable and easy to move around because it is battery-powered
  • It can achieve a different kind of pitching style
Cons
  • 45MPH is a bit low for a pitching machine speed range
  • It does not possess a swivel base hence cannot rotate 360 degrees meaning the pitcher can only pitch in one direction.

11

Atec Power Streak Baseball/Softball Training Machine

If you are looking for a pro-level training pitching machine, this pitching machine has the advantage of pitching both softball and baseball. This pitching machine features a tripod stand and a lapse time of 6-8 seconds. This adjustable lapse allows you to work on your batting stance, accuracy and hitting power. This pitching machine will enable players to gain experience in batting different kinds of balls as it pitches with different styles. This pitching machine boasts of 30-60 MPH; it is also lightweight and durable. It also features a mini ball chute.

Key Features:

  • Tripod stand
  • Mini ball chute
  • Speed range of 30-60 MPH

Specification:

  • Brand: Atec
  • Model: Power Streak Baseball/Softball Training Machine
  • Dimension: 30 x 16.5 x 12.5 inches, 33.5 pounds
Pros
  • It is light and durable
  • It features a tripod stand, which allows it to function well on any surface.
  • It possesses an adjustable lapse in shooting time
  • It can pitch different styles of the ball.
Cons
  • It does not possess a swivel hence cannot move 360 degrees.

Buying Guide Questions

The answers to common questions are provided in this section; this will help potential buyers to have basic knowledge of the pitching machine, its features and price range enabling them to know the best machine to acquire.

What is the best softball pitching machine?

There are different types of high-quality pitching machines; picking a single pitching machine is a challenging task. It is impossible to choose one over the rest as most contain enticing features that you will find fascinating; these features include adjustable speed dial, swivel base for rotation, tripod stand and much more. All these features contribute to the efficiency of the pitching machine; however, some pitching machines are of low quality compared to others. To pick a pitching machine, you should check out its features and choose what works for you.

How much does a softball pitching machine cost?

The cost of a softball pitching machine depends on the features it possesses and sometimes the Brand. There are price ranges for pitching machines, depending on your budget or the features you will like the machine to have. Generally, you can get a pitching machine as low as 750$ and as high as 3500$. Don’t forget, it all depends on your budget.

Can you use a regular softball in pitching machines?

Softball balls can be used in pitching machines; however, it is not advisable as the softball ball has thin covers, which means they can easily tear when used in pitching machines. Also, they seem to damage the pitching machine’s wheels. I would recommend you don’t use actual balls with your pitching machines to preserve the life span.

Are softball pitching machines bad?

Pitching machines are great for players’ growth. However, it is necessary to change the speed of the pitching machine from time to time or about 3-4 times during practice. Pitching machines only throw at only a specific rate, and if it is not regulated, the player will only get used to hitting that speed of the ball, which is not game-like.

Are pitching machine balls bad for bat?

The pitching machine balls are not suitable for your bats, especially composite bats; you should avoid using your bat with a pitching machine.

Is blue flame a pitching machine?

The blue flame is a pitching machine that pitches fly balls and hard ground balls to the hitter.

Can you rent a pitching machine?

Well, the answer is yes if you are a softball enthusiast with no access to pitching machines or the money to buy one. You can rent pitching machines at an affordable price for a stipulated time; however, it is best to own your pitching machine if you are financially capable.

How fast can a softball pitching machine throw?

This is a common question asked by amateurs and enthusiasts of the game. The rate at which the pitching machine throws the ball varies from one machine to the other, some pitching machines can throw the ball at a speed rate of 75-105 MPH per hour, and some can be as low as 30MPH. It all depends on what works for you.

How does a softball pitching machine work?

In most cases, the pitching machine contains wheels. The pitching makes use of two wheels, both spinning in opposite directions, with each wheel having its motor that powers it. Once these wheels start spinning, the ball is fed into the machine; both wheels grab the ball and eject it through the other side with force generated by both motors. Today, there are different types of pitching machines, single wheel, double wheel, triple wheel, etc.

Conclusion

The pitching machine is an excellent piece of equipment to have as a softball player, as it helps boost your Timing, accuracy, batting stance and a lot of other significant qualities you need to excel in the game. This technology allows you to run solo practice if you choose, making it possible to practice without teammates. If you aspire to get your pitching machine today, you should do enough homework on its features before getting one.