by rbi » Sat Dec 07, 2013 1:58 pm
First off I dont know too many kids who even like machines, i know my kid avoids them like the plague, so many variables, type of machine, condition of the balls, the person feeding, is it easy to pick up out of machine, My experience with machines especially softball , baseball not so much, you spend a lot of time just jacking with them, especially the high dollar ones (three wheels), that nobody seems to know how to use as they are very touchy, just a pain in the butt IMO. Now i know some of you will come on and say they have a great machine, well I have not seen one yet that i like and/or will use, hmmm maybe thats why my kid hates them as she hears me complain all the damn time,...
IMO, practice or tryouts, set up nice size screen or two at home plate, two hitters swinging at same time, both front toss and live hitting (at different times), and a couple screens to protect front tossers/pitchers. you get a hell of lot more swings in (which helps both the kids get better, and coachs look at a swing longer), vs some crazy machine. Ideally you pay for a local ex college kid likes a little spending money to come throw live, and if your blessed you have a coach who can sling it, or have your own throw, but im not a real fan of that as these kids arms are falling off as it is. Finally keep it fast paced, just a few shaggers in the OF treating hit balls like its live and rotating with partner, nothing better than a live ball off the bat for fielder. Others can be taking ground balls or fly balls in between pitchs, and/or in cage hitting off tee with supervision. Bottom line is I HATE with a passion kids standing around as there is ALWAYS something to be doing to get better. For instance set up another screen (Large) in front of 2nd base, working with Middles on footwork/glove work around the bag. Another screen at 1st (large), having your 1st basemen take throws, all kinds of stuff you can do, you just have to be creative. Once the kids get used to the pace it works great but at 1st it can be a little cray cray, but if you have a knowledgeable staff and a Manager who can sit back and orchestrate (watch to keep on time and make sure done right), it works great and the kids go home feeling like they got just a little better that day, and IMO thats what its all about!