Wiffle Ball Pitching Machine
a Few things you Need to Know
Wiffle Ball pitching machines
are a little bit different than baseball pitching machines. First the ball is totally different. It is very light weight and you bat a little differently than you do with a softball or regulation baseball. Wiffle ball machines give a batter supreme practice on hitting all different types of curve balls.
Wiffle balls come in three different sizes. They can be the same size as a regulation baseball, the size of a soft ball and the smaller golf ball sized balls. They are made of plastic and are perforated with holes. They are much lighter than a regular ball so using them inside is a breeze. When you are looking for a wiffle ball pitching machine you need to decide which size ball you want. Some machines will throw a variety of sizes but some will only throw one size. If you play softball it is probably good to get a machine that throws the size of a softball. However, some say that learning to hit a smaller ball, like the golf ball size ball, enables players to hit better when they go to the real thing.
You can set up a Wiffle Ball pitching machine to throw a curve from either the left or right. Another adjustment is the speed at which the machine throws. Set it low if you are inside, in a tight area, or for young players. Set it higher when you have more room to play and for older, more experienced players. Most wiffle ball machines have a dial that will allow you to set the speed.
Most machines work off an electrical cord. You can purchase a battery for extra price if desired. However, a battery will allow you to take the wiffle ball machine anywhere you want to go. You can practice at the field or in someone’s back yard without fear of causing any damage to property. Take it to the park and practice in a field if you want with the added battery.
You will need a wiffle ball bat but they sometimes will come with the machine. Most wiffle ball machines use a ball that is smaller than a baseball; in fact it is more like a golf ball made of plastic. Some machines have a feeder that allows one player to use the machine at a time while others have to have the balls fed by a person each time. Speeds are various and can be from about 30 miles per hour up to about 80 miles per hour. Do not worry about the higher speeds. Wiffle balls are much lighter than even softballs and it is unlikely a player hit by the ball will experience any more than a slight sting and red mark.
Wiffle ball pitching machines can be used for field drills as well although because of the light weight of the ball they might not be as accurate. The great thing about this type of machine is that it is much less expensive than a regular pitching machine. You can pick a good, durable machine up for around USD $100 to $200. The balls are cheaper too and you can have many more of them. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. Players are less likely to get an injury because the balls are so light. A wiffle ball pitching machine might be just what your team or school needs to practice safely and make better players.
Here are a few interesting places to visit if you’d like to know more about the rules and some of the major wiffleball networks. Here is an online wiffleball game you can play.
Here is a must see video of some over the top Wiffle Ball Fans having the Time of their lives
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