Do It Yourself Homemade Pitching Machine

Batters who fail to practice their swing risk falling into a slump. Those who keep their swing grooved can aspire to winning a league batting title, and can help their teams compete for a championship. Players can construct a homemade pitching machine using items they can find in the garage or the tool shed. With a consistent swing, young players can take their first step toward youth baseball success.

Things You'll Need

  • PVC pole
  • Pitching machine operator
  • Slingshot
  • Elbow pad
  • Baseballs
  • Super glue
  • Home plate
  • Baseball bat
  • Bucket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate an area of soft dirt in a vacant lot or a grass field. Insert a PVC pole six inches into the dirt. Pack dirt along the sides of the pole so that it is firmly embedded in the ground. Choose a lot that is large enough to allow plenty of room for batted balls to roll or fly without leaving the lot and endangering passing cars.

    • 2

      Insert the handle of a slingshot into the opening at the top of the pole. Choose a slingshot with a handle that is thin enough to fit into the pole, yet wide enough to prevent the handle from wiggling. The slingshot handle should fit securely inside the pole. Direct the pitching machine operator to push the slingshot handle downward into the pole to create lower pitches. The slingshot will release the ball closer to the ground. For higher pitches, have your pitching machine operator pull the handle of the slingshot upward. The slingshot will release the ball higher in the strike zone.

    • 3

      Place an elbow pad at the middle of the band of the sling shot. Super glue the elbow pad to the band. Once the glue is dry, place a baseball into the elbow pad. Twist the slingshot handle slightly to the left to aim pitches toward the right corner of home plate. Twist the handle slightly to the right to aim pitches toward the left corner of home plate.

    • 4

      Pull the slingshot band back and release it. This will propel the baseball toward home plate. If the baseball does not reach home plate, pull the band back farther before releasing it. Place a bucket behind the batter. The batter can collect baseballs that are not hit and deposit them into the bucket.