How to Build a Wiffle Ball Machine

Pitching machines are a great way for baseball players young and old to practice their swing. However, they are specialized machines whose cost might be out of your reach. Fortunately, the underlying principles of the pitching machine make building a more simple version of it with implements found at any hardware store. With the use of a leaf blower, PVC piping, and a drill, you can be pitching Wiffle Balls to your youngster in a matter of hours.

Things You'll Need

  • Black & Decker BV4000 electric leaf blower
  • 3 feet of 3-inch PVC pipe
  • Door knob drill bit
  • Drill
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Extension cord
  • End table
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mark a point about 8 inches from the end of your PVC pipe with your pencil.

    • 2

      Attach the door knob drill bit to your drill and drill a hole into one side of the PVC pipe at the point you marked in Step 1. Do not drill all the way through the pipe.

    • 3

      Remove the nozzle from your leaf blower and insert the PVC pipe in its place with the hole facing upwards.

    • 4

      Take your end table outside and set up your leaf blower on top of it.

    • 5

      Plug the leaf blower into a power source with your extension cord and turn it on. Drop Wiffle Balls into the hole and they will be "pitched" to the batter.