A softball pitching machine is a valuable training tool for both softball and baseball players who are looking to improve their hitting skills. These machines replicate the speed and trajectory of a real pitch and can help softball players perfect hitting fundamentals and their timing.
The majority of softball pitching machines these days are portable and can be plugged into any standard wall outlet. They have also become very affordable, however, finding the right softball pitching machine for your skill levels and needs can be tricky.
A softball pitching machine is a valuable training tool. Open Camp Europe, Barcelona by Jordiferrer / Wiki Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
What are the Differences Between Softball and Baseball?
The fundamental essentials of softball and baseball are the same, however, there are some important differences.
Bats
The bats used for baseball and softball are almost identical, however, baseball bats tend to be slightly longer, have a greater diameter, and are heavier than those used in softball. In softball and amateur baseball, bats can be made out of wood, metal, or various composites but in professional baseball, only wooden bats may be used.
Balls
Softballs are much larger and softer than baseballs and differ in color. Baseballs are white with red stitching and have a circumference of nine inches, while softballs have a circumference of 12 inches, are yellow, and are much softer. Softballs are also available in smaller sizes such as 10-inch diameters for younger players with smaller hands.
Pitching
The most obvious difference between the two sports is the pitch. In softball, the ball has to be thrown underhand, while in baseball, the pitch is almost always done overhand or sidearm. Baseball players are allowed to pitch underarm, however, this method is not as fast and powerful as an overarm pitch.
Another difference is that softball is played on a smaller field, therefore the pitching distance is different. In softball, the ball is pitched from a flat pitching circle that is no more than 43 feet away from the plate, while in baseball the ball is pitched from an elevated mound that is 60-feet away from the plate.
The Field of Play
As mentioned above, the field of play for baseball and softball is different – softball fields are smaller than those used for baseball. The bases are laid out in the same format for both sports, but the bases in softball are 60 feet apart whereas baseball bases are 90 feet apart. The distance from the home plate to the outfield fence on softball fields is no more than 250 yards whilst on baseball fields, it is usually over 300 feet.
Softball fields are smaller than those used for baseball.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Softball Pitching Machine
There are several things to consider when you are looking for a softball pitching machine, ranging from your skill level to types of pitches and energy and power options.
1. Type of Sport
Pitching machines are used in two different sports, namely softball and baseball, however, the way the ball is pitched in these two sports is significantly different. Softball sees pitchers throwing the ball overhand, while softball pitchers throw the ball underhand. Softball pitching machines generally don’t work for baseball pitchers as the arm angle of the machine would be different from that of baseball pitching machines.
2. Types of Pitches
Basic softball and baseball pitching machines tend to focus on one pitch: the classic fastball. This is a straight and simple pitch and is the easiest pitch in both softball and baseball to replicate. The speed of a pitch can be adjusted on most models, or the machine can be moved closer to the hitter for extra speed.
Advanced softball players will want to practice more challenging and deceptive pitches such as curveballs, fastballs, sinkers, and sliders, while more experienced softball players will want to practice drop balls and rise balls.
To replicate these types of pitches, the machine will need to be more complex, making them more expensive. These complex machines will also have more speed options.
3. Durability and Lifespan
Generally, as with anything, the more expensive the model, the better quality and more durable you can expect it to be. Higher-priced softball pitching machines also tend to come with longer warranties that cover the repair or replacement of certain parts. The lifespan of softball pitching machines can range between two and ten years, depending on the quality and price.
4. Power Options
Softball pitching machines need a power supply to run the motor. There are two power options for pitching machines, namely those that run on electricity and those that run off battery power. Corded machines that run off the electricity will never run out of power, but they require a wall socket and possibly an extension cord if you plan on using the machine on a large field.
Battery-powered pitching machines are more convenient and portable, as you don’t need to plug in anywhere. However, practice time is limited by battery life.
5. Skill Level of the Player
If you are a parent considering buying a softball pitching machine for your child or a novice player yourself, it’s best to start with a cheaper model until skills have improved. A higher-quality pitching machine is a better investment for more experienced players and if you are a coach looking for a pitching machine for your team, you’ll want to get a strong and sturdy one that will last.
Advanced softball players will want to practice more challenging and deceptive pitches.
Best Softball Pitching Machine
We took to the diamond and tested a wide range of softball pitching machines and came up with some of the best on the market.
Best Overall: JUGS Lite-Flite Machine for Baseball and Softball
The JUGS Lite-Flite Machine for Baseball and Softball is a simply designed softball pitching machine that has six preset pitch positions so batters can get varied repetitions. The machine can be used for both primary and high school players and features include an advanced, easy-to-use pitch targeting system that can deliver balls at speeds of between 45 and 90 miles per hour.
Weighing in at 150 pounds, the machine delivers pitches including curveballs, fastballs, sliders, and splitters and is one of the easiest pitching machines to use. It can swivel 360 degrees to also launch fly balls, pop-ups, and ground balls. It is compatible with most types of softballs and softballs and can be used with a battery or a portable generator.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Throws fastballs, fly balls, ground balls, and pop-ups
- Comes with two nylon carrying bags
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Throws only Lite-Flite and Bulldog baseballs and softballs
- Balls are not included
- Throwing real balls is not recommended
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Notable Mention: Heater Sports Combo Baseball / Softball Pitching Machine
The Heater Sports Combo Baseball / Softball Pitching Machine is another great option for softball players as it converts easily from baseballs to softballs. The machine pitches slow or fast-pitch softballs up to 56 miles per hour and baseballs up to 60 miles per hour and has a variable speed control.
This machine can use a variety of balls from 11 and 12-inch balls, regulation baseballs, and lite-balls (sold separately) and is adjustable for pitch height, grounders, and pop-flys. Intuitive and easy to use, the machine includes a bonus ball feeder and is ideal for both beginners and more experienced players.
Pros
- Ball feeder
- Converts from baseball to slow or fast-pitch softball
- Adjustable speed control for a variety of pitches
- Durable, with great stability
Cons
- Might be tricky converting from softball to baseball at first
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Best for Beginners: Franklin MLB Style Kids Pitching Machine
The Franklin MLB Style Kids Pitching Machine is ideal for beginner softball players. Officially approved by Major League Softball, this machine is best for youth softball players between the ages of six and 12 who want to focus on hand-eye coordination basics and timing.
This electronic machine is portable, lightweight, and super affordable, and delivers seven-second pitches for improved accuracy and precision on the field. A flashing red indicator light shows when the ball pitches, making it easy to prepare for the pitch. The height of the softball pitching machine is adjustable and the machine comes with six white aero strike balls.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Suitable for young beginner players
- Comes with six white aero strike balls.
Cons
- Only suitable for beginners
- Cannot use regular softball with this machine
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Best for Manual Power: Louisville Slugger UPM 45 Blue Flame
The best lightweight pitching machine on the market is the Louisville Slugger UPM 45 Blue Flame. This unique machine runs on manual power with a pedal press that delivers balls. The machine delivers a variety of balls from fast pitch softballs and dimple balls to light flight, plastic, hard balls, soccer, and volleyballs.
An easy-to-adjust speed control system delivers regular balls up to speeds of 45 miles per hour and lightweight balls of up to 60 miles per hour. It also throws slow-pitch softballs with up to a 12 inches arch and a level pitch to help teach proper swing mechanics. The Louisville Slugger UPM 45 Blue Flame is extremely accurate for throwing strikes, fly balls, and even grounders.
Pros
- Lightweight – weighs only 25 pounds
- Runs on manual power
- Accurate pitches
- Can use a variety of balls
Cons
- Manually powered – needs two people to operate
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Best Softball Pitching Machine Under $500: Jugs Lite-Flite
The Jugs Lite-Flite is a great combination softball pitching machine that can deliver softballs and softballs. The machine delivers five different pitches and features a “switch-and-play” knob that makes it easy to switch the machine from a softball pitching machine to a softball pitching machine.
The Jugs Lite-Flite is a lightweight machine that throws 11-inch or 12inch Lite-Flite softballs, Lite-Flite softballs, and the JUGS Bulldog poly balls. It can simulate speeds up to 85 mph at 25 feet, as well as throw left- and right-handed curveballs, fastballs, and sliders. The machine has a 1/8 Horsepower, 1.3 amplifier motor, weighs in at 35 pounds, and is covered by a two-year warranty.
Pros
- Combination machine (softball/softball)
- Throws multiple pitches
- Switch-and-play knobs
Cons
- Can only throw Poly Balls (wiffle balls) and lite flite balls
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Best One-Wheel Pitching Machine: First Pitch Baseline One Wheel Pitching Machine
The First Pitch Baseline One Wheel Pitching Machine is the best one-wheel pitching machine on the market. It can throw softballs and softballs without any modifications to the machine, making it a great option for all levels of machine leagues.
The Baseline by First Pitch can throw fastballs up to 70 miles per hour, as well as deliver infield and outfield drills. Its lightweight and portable design only weighs 50 pounds, and the machine is backed by a five-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
- One-wheel pitches of up to 70 miles per hour
- Pitches curveballs, fastballs, sliders, and splitters
- Suitable for young players and high school teams
- Can be manually adjusted
- Lightweight and portable
- Inexpensive
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Best for young, inexperienced players only
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Best Budget Combo Pitching Machine: BSN Sports Bulldog Single Wheel Softball & Softball Combo Pitching Machine
If you are looking for a pitching machine that can be used for softball and softball players, then look no further than the BSN Sports Bulldog Single Wheel Softball & Softball Combo Pitching Machine. This strong and sturdy pitching machine is lightweight and portable and can deliver a variety of pitches from fastballs and right and left-handed curveballs to sliders and split fingers.
The softball pitching machine delivers softballs and 11” and 12” softball speeds of up to 60 miles per hour and is excellent for pitching, infield, and outfield drills. A durable urethane wheel eliminates air pressure issues, and the machine runs on 110-volt AC or generator 1/4 HP D.C. motor
Pros
- Combination machine for both softball and softball players
- Sturdy and steady legs
- Pitches curveballs, fastballs, sliders, and splitters
- Top speeds of 60 miles per hour
- A durable urethane wheel eliminates air pressure issues
Cons
- Does not have the speed range of other, more expensive machines
- Electric power supply needed
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Best Value for Money: Heater Sports Deuce 95 MPH Curveball Machine with Auto Ballfeeder
The Heater Sports Deuce 95 MPH Curveball Machine with Auto Ball Feeder is a fantastic option if you are on a budget. Combining value and versatility, this mid-range two-wheel machine can pitch curveballs at speeds of up to 95 miles per hour, as well as pop flies and grounders. This softball pitching machine features a 12-ball feeder and a protective housing cover to prevent injury.
Pros
- Great budget option
- Two-wheel machine
- Pitches curveballs, fastballs, sliders, and splitters
- Top speeds of 95 miles per hour
Cons
- Electric power supply needed
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Best Mid-Tier Combo Machine: Spinball Wizard 2Wheel Softball Pitching Machine
The Spinball Wizard 2Wheel Softball Pitching Machine is one of the best mid-tier models on the market. This portable, versatile two-wheel machine can be used by all levels of players from the ages of 10 years and up and can deliver both softballs and softballs.
Designed to throw a variety of pitches from any angle, the machine is built for batting practice. The angle and wheel speed of the machine can be adjusted and set to spin the ball in any direction to simulate virtually any pitch with a speed range of up to 100 miles per hour.
Pros
- High release pitching point
- Can deliver both softballs and softballs
- Top speed of 100 miles per hour
Cons
- Slow shipping
- Two-wheel machine
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Best for Portability: Zooka: ZS740 Pitching Machine with Tall Tripod
The Zooka: ZS740 Pitching Machine with Tall Tripod is one of the best softball pitching machines on the market for portability. Weighing only 30 pounds, including the tripod, this machine runs on a battery that can handle over 800 pitches with a minimum speed of ten miles an hour, and a maximum speed of up to 70 miles per hour.
Designed for portability, this one-wheel model can only throw a fastball or a change-up but it is ideal for beginner or young players wanting to focus on their hand-eye coordination skills. Other features include a digital speed reading and can throw softballs, lite balls, safety balls, tennis balls.
Pros
- Battery-operated
- Can handle up to 800 pitches
- Able to throw softballs, lite balls, safety balls, tennis balls
- Top speed of 70 miles per hour
Cons
- Can only throw fastballs or a change-ups
- One-wheel machine
- Low maximum speed
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Best Soft Toss Machine: SKLZ Catapult
The SKLZ Catapult is the best soft toss machine at a great price. Boasting a simple design, this easy-to-use machine allows players to practice just about anywhere. The machine delivers soft-tosses, similar to what a coach would do during practice, and does not throw a straight pitch toward the batter. It holds up to eight balls at a time, has an eight-second reload time between pitches, runs on electricity or battery power, and can deliver balls up to 25 feet away.
Pros
- Holds eight balls at a time
- Runs on AC or battery power
- Delivers ball up to 25 feet
- Eight-second reload time between pitches
- Reasonable pricing
Cons
- Doesn’t throw a straight pitch
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Notable Mention: Hack Attack 3 Wheel Pitching Machine by Sports Attack
The Hack Attack 3 Wheel Pitching Machine is another excellent softball pitching machine on the market. Manufactured by Sports Attack, the machine features three separate motors and control dials for each pitching machine wheel so the speed of each separate machine wheel can easily be adjusted.
The Hack Attack 3 wheel can create a variety of pitches from major league fastballs and right and left-handed curveballs to sliders and split fingers at pitch speeds of 100 mph. It can also throw infield and outfield drills for defensive players, as well as throw deep fly balls, line drives, grounders, and catcher’s pop-ups with a reverse spin for up to 380 feet.
The Hack Attack can throw dimpled balls and foam balls and comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty on throwing wheels and motor and a five-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects and workmanship.
The machine is extremely portable and can be used by all skill levels from high school and college players to professional levels of softball.
Pros
- Three separate motors create a variety of pitches
- Three independently spinning wheels
- Can pitch to major league softball speeds
- Great accuracy and control with every pitch
- Can also throw infield defense drills
- Compatible with dimple and foam balls
- Suitable for all skill level
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Best for High School: Junior Hack Attack 3 Wheel Machine by Sports Attack
The Junior Hack Attack 3 Wheel Machine is the best softball pitching machine for high school-level softball players. Manufactured by Sports Attack, the machine features three separate motors and control dials for each pitching machine wheel so the speed of each separate machine wheel can easily be adjusted.
The Hack Attack 3 wheel can create a variety of pitches from major league fastballs and right and left-handed curveballs to sliders and split fingers at pitch speeds of 70 miles per hour. It can also throw infield and outfield drills for defensive players, as well as throw deep fly balls, line drives, grounders, and catcher’s pop-ups with a reverse spin for up to 45 feet.
The Hack Attack can throw dimpled balls and foam balls and comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty on throwing wheels and motor and a five-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects and workmanship.
Pros
- Three separate motors create a variety of pitches
- Three independently spinning wheels
- Great accuracy and control with every pitch
- Can also throw infield defense drills
- Compatible with dimple and foam balls
- Suitable for all skill level
Cons
- Best for high school players only
No products found.
Best for Versatility: Heater Sports Deuce 95 MPH 2 Wheel Pitching Machine
The Heater Sports Deuce 95 MPH 2 Wheel Pitching Machine is one of the most versatile pitching machines on the market. Manufactured by Heater Sports, this machine can pitch consistent pitches anywhere from 15-95 miles per hour, as well as both fastballs and curveballs, offering players a wide variety of pitches.
The machine has a covered pitching wheel to protect it from the weather and can hold up to 12 balls at once. It can also deliver grounders and pop flies and can be manually adjusted to vary the pitching location, allowing players to enjoy a range of pitching experiences. This softball pitching machine is best for players between the ages of eight and high school.
Pros
- Pitches a variety of pitches from curveballs to fastballs
- Speeds of up to 95 miles per hour
- Suitable for young players and high school teams
- Covered pitching wheel for protection from the weather
- Can be manually adjusted
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
Cons
- Best for high school players only
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between wheel pitching machines and mechanical pitching machines?
Wheel pitching machines provide far more power and a wider array of pitches than mechanical pitching machines and can also be used in both the infield and outfield. Mechanical softball pitching machines are lightweight and easy to transport without considerable effort, however, they are not as powerful as wheel pitching machines.
Wheel pitching machines are available in one wheel, two-wheel, and three-wheel configurations, each with its unique pitch dynamics and skill level. One-wheel pitching machines are light and portable and generally very affordable; two-wheel pitching machines are also portable and good value more money, although slightly more expensive; and three-wheel or multi-wheeled machines off a wide range of pitches for both baseball and softball, as well as infield and outfield drills.
How are pitching machines powered?
Most pitching machines operate on 110vAC/1000 watts. This means that you can plug them into a power source if available, or power them using a generator.
Who invented the pitching machine?
Lorenzo “Larry” J. Ponza Jr., a colorful Santa Cruz inventor, was the inventor of the softball pitching machine.
How far away should the pitching machine be?
The base distance of the softball pitching machine should be at least 60 feet away and the distance from home plate to the pitching rubber should be 35 feet.
Jacky has a degree in Sports Science and is a Certified Sports and Conditioning Coach. He has also worked with clients around the world as a personal trainer.
He has been fortunate enough to work with a wide range of people from very different ends of the fitness spectrum. Through promoting positive health changes with diet and exercise, he has helped patients recover from aging-related and other otherwise debilitating diseases.
He spends most of his time these days writing fitness-related content of some form or another. He still likes to work with people on a one-to-one basis – he just doesn’t get up at 5am to see clients anymore.