How to Make a Pitching Machine
To make a pitching machine, gather wood, plywood, a motor, wheels, pipes, and bolts. Prepare the base by attaching posts to plywood to support the arm. Position it so more distance to release means higher speed. Add a motor or leaf blower to power the motion. Make adjustments to produce speeds and paths. With ingenuity, build an effective machine at home. This allows practice without high cost.
Pitching Machine Setup Guidelines
The pitching machine shall be set 46 feet from home plate and shall be set at 40 mph for baseball. The pitching machine shall be set 35 feet from home plate and shall be set at 35 mph for softball.
Pitching Distance Information
Distance from back point of home plate to center of second base: 99 feet. The front edge of the pitching rubber is 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate. The height of the pitching rubber is 10 inches.
Pitch Count Limits
- Ages 13-16: 95 pitches
- Ages 11-12: 85 pitches
- Ages 9-10: 75 pitches
- Ages 7-8: 50 pitches