Juggs Lite Flite machine.

[Mike Alwine]

I have come across one to use, but it seems when it is windy, the balls are very affected by the wind. My question, what would be the downside to throwing actual balls thru it? Would it ruin the motor, or just the wheel (easily replaceable)

 

[FiveFrameSwing]

Even indoors the flight of machine pitched lite-flite balls can be non-representative of the flight of a regularly pitched ball. The use of the lite-flite machine builds a false database.

 

[RichK]

Even indoors the flight of machine pitched lite-flite balls can be non-representative of the flight of a regularly pitched ball.

Including rise balls that actually rise!

 

[sb03dad]

I use it mostly to shoot balls at my DD for catching, blocking and fielding drills. On occasion to work on bunting. Never for hitting.

Sometimes I just use it to shoot balls at her for the heck of it... when she's not looking...

 

[smddad]

They work inside at close distance for hitting. Also work if you do not have a cage to hit in. I would not use outside.

 

[Cannonball]

One of the best tools you can use to teach bunting. We use ours exclusively for bunting work.

 

[Eric F]

+1 on blocking work for catchers and bunting.

 

[redhack]

Blocking and bunting. I have proven over time it is a sure fire tool to drop a batting average by 150 points.

 

[Ken B]

Agree with all of the above. Timing is critical to a good swing and it is difficult to adjust to the timing of a machine. The high back spin of the light ball makes the trajectory very unrealistic. A good operator using a simulated but well timed pitching motion and a two wheeled rig would be the best machine option for hitting. Otherwise, its really tough to beat front toss with a full circle.

 

[Mike Alwine]

I want to use it for the fielders, and was thinking the real balls would let them throw them back. As it is, I do not really want to see them throw the lite flites, I would think the potential for injury would be to high. My reasoning behind the fielders, would be for a consistent grounder for forehand and backhand work, starting with the lite balls, then moving to the real ones without changing machines. I also want to be able to consistently reproduce line drives for the outfielders (one hops and ground ball work from the grass) to be able to get better as well. I just do not want to trash the machine. I was a Track guy in School, so my hitting really does suck.