9 Best Pitching Machines for Baseball and Softball
Whether you’re training with a backyard cage, gearing up in a professional facility, or need some new hardware to improve your team offensive and defensive drills, choosing the best pitching machines can transform your practice from average to elite. With the right unit, hitters can dial in their timing, improve hand-eye coordination, and face different pitches like fastballs and breaking balls at game speed. And let’s not forget how valuable they are for defense practice, too.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know before investing in a pitching machine and suggest a few models that offer the best value for different skill levels. I’ve used a lot of pitching machines over the years, and I’ll help you make the right choice.
Best Overall: Jugs BP1 Baseball/Softball Combo
Best Budget: Heater Sports Deuce
Best Upgrade: Junior Hack Attack Baseball
Best Lite Balls: Jugs Lite-Flite
Best for Baseball: Jugs BP2
Best for Softball: Junior Hack Attack Softball
Best for Baseball and Softball: Mound Yeti
Best Arm-Style: Louisville Slugger Blue Flame
Best Pitch Options: BATA Baseball Wheel Pitching Machine
Best Pitching Machines for Batting and Fielding Practice
Best Overall: Jugs BP1 Baseball/Softball Combo
Type: One-Wheel
Compatible with Real Balls: Yes (baseballs and softballs, including leather and dimpled training balls)
Sport: Baseball and Softball
Max Speed: 70 MPH
Find it on Amazon for $1,935.00
Set up for either baseball or softball, the JUGS BP1 Combo Pitching Machine delivers consistent strikes at speeds up to 70 mph, with a digital readout that makes fine-tuning easy. It throws from a realistic release height and includes both baseball and softball chutes and legs for proper setup for either sport.
The patented “always see the ball” design builds batter confidence, and its compatibility with nearly every type of training ball (Sting-Free, Lite-Flite, Bulldog, and more) makes it a favorite among coaches from youth leagues to college programs.
I also like that it’s incredibly portable. Weighing just 75 lbs, one person can break it down and fit it into a trunk (I put ours away myself at the end of practice). The swivel base offers 360° movement, letting you run fielding drills like fly balls, pop-ups, and grounders with ease. Pitch variety is limited due to the one-wheel design.
Pros:
- Works for both baseball and softball (11″ and 12″)
- Throws up to 70 mph with precise digital speed control
- Swivel base allows for fielding drills (fly balls, grounders, pop-ups)
- Lightweight (75 lbs) and easy for one person to transport
- Compatible with real balls and nearly every type of training ball
Cons:
- One-wheel design limits pitch variety compared to multi-wheel machines
- Requires leg swapping to switch between baseball and softball modes
Best Budget: Heater Sports Deuce
Type: Two-Wheel
Compatible with Real Balls: Yes (also compatible with Lite-Balls for higher speeds)
Sport: Baseball
Max Speed: 75 MPH (up to 85 MPH with Lite-Balls)
The Heater Sports Deuce 75 offers serious pitching performance at a price point most families and programs can actually afford. With a two-wheel design and pivoting head, it can throw fastballs, curveballs, sliders, and even simulate fielding drills with grounders or pop flies. Dual speed knobs allow for precise pitch tuning, and the included 12-ball automatic feeder adds value by enabling solo practice without extra cost.
At just 75 lbs, it’s light enough to transport in the backseat or trunk of most vehicles, yet it’s built tough with all-metal housing and steel legs. Whether you’re a backyard slugger or a youth coach running drills on a budget, the Deuce 75 punches above its weight with features normally found in far more expensive machines.
Honestly, it’s pretty hard to ignore the value this pitching machine offers. It might not be as versatile as some others (though it can throw curveballs), the ability to autofeed balls up to 75 miles an hour at half the price of competing machines is a major bonus. And, unfortunately, it doesn’t throw softballs (but you can find the model that does here).
Pros:
- Dual-wheel design offers fastballs and breaking pitches
- Built-in 12-ball automatic feeder (included)
- Pitches up to 75 MPH with real balls; 85 MPH with Lite-Balls
- Lightweight and portable at 75 lbs
- Excellent value for the features
Cons:
- Not compatible with softballs
- Not as versatile as high-end models
Best Upgrade: Junior Hack Attack Baseball
Type: Three-Wheel
Compatible with Real Balls: Yes (leather only, no synthetic; not compatible with softballs without conversion kit)
Sport: Baseball
Max Speed: 70+ MPH
Find it on Amazon for $2,599.00
The Junior Hack Attack is the go-to upgrade for serious programs and coaches who want elite-level versatility and precision. Its three-wheel design gives hitters full vision of the ball through the delivery, somewhat mimicking a live pitcher’s timing and release angle. This visibility trains hitters to react more like they would in a real game, making it a game-changer for developing batters of all ages. The machine can dial in fastballs, curves, sliders, splitters, and knuckleballs with quick pitch-to-pitch adjustments using three individual speed knobs.
Beyond hitting, the throwing head pivots instantly for fungo drills, launching deep 250 ft fly balls, grounders, and catcher’s pop-ups with ease. Weighing just 75 lbs and designed to fit into compact cars, it’s also surprisingly portable for its pro-grade performance. If you’re ready to make a long-term investment in your program’s training quality, the Junior Hack Attack is worth every penny.
I’ve used this machine at one of my teams’ facilities and I’ll be honest, it’s incredible. It’s easy to create the exact pitch you want, and you can easily use it for defense or catching drills.
Pros:
- Three-wheel design allows for true pitch variety and live-pitch visibility
- Incredibly accurate and consistent with near-instant recovery time
- Can throw all pitch types
- Pivoting head enables all types of fielding drills
- Compatible with automatic feeders
Cons:
- Softball use requires a separate conversion kit
Best Lite Balls: Jugs Lite-Flite
Type: One-Wheel
Compatible with Real Balls: No (Lite-Flite and JUGS Bulldog polyballs only)
Sport: Baseball and Softball
Max Speed: Simulates up to 85 MPH from 25 feet (actual dial speed: 30–50 MPH)
The JUGS Lite-Flite Machine is the ideal training tool for hitters who want to build confidence without risking injury. Designed specifically for use with lightweight training balls, this machine throws fastballs, curveballs, and sliders with realistic break while eliminating the fear of getting hit. It’s especially helpful for youth players learning to track pitches or more advanced hitters dialing in their timing on sharp-breaking balls.
The machine weighs just 35 lbs, making it highly portable and easy to set up on a field, in the gym, or in a backyard cage. Its 360-degree swivel base allows for full-field defensive drills as well, including fly balls, pop-ups, and grounders. It also includes a dozen Lite-Flite baseballs right out of the box, but will also work with Lite-Flite softballs and Bulldogs. If you’re looking for safe, affordable reps with advanced pitch options, the Lite-Flite is a great value.
Pros:
- Safely throws breaking pitches without risk of injury
- Compatible with Lite-Flite baseballs, softballs, and Bulldog polyballs
- Weighs only 35 lbs and easy to transport
- Great for both hitting and fielding drills
- Switches between baseball and softball in seconds
Cons:
- Not compatible with real baseballs or softballs
- Requires separate purchase for automatic feeder or battery pack
- Limited to 50 MPH real speed (though simulates faster from shorter distances)
Best for Baseball: Jugs BP2
Type: Two-Wheel
Compatible with Real Balls: Yes (baseballs only)
Sport: Baseball
Max Speed: 90 MPH
Find it on Amazon for $3,334.99
The JUGS BP2 is built for serious baseball programs that demand accuracy, variety, and efficiency. Its standout feature is the Select-A-Pitch dial, which instantly switches between eight different pitches, including fastballs, sliders, split-fingers, and left- or right-handed curveballs. Combined with the six pre-set arm slot positions and a realistic 64-inch delivery height, this machine mimics live pitching better than almost anything short of a human arm.
It’s also highly adjustable with digital speed control (45–90 MPH) and a pinpoint micro-adjustment system that lets coaches move pitch locations up/down and left/right with the twist of a wrist. Pitch adjustment does require pulling a peg and rotating the head, which means you should let the wheels stop (and that does take some time). But, it’s built from heavy-duty steel and cast aluminum, the BP2 is a true workhorse for high school, college, and pro-level batting practice.
Pros:
- Throws 8 pitch types at the turn of a dial
- Six preset arm slot angles for realistic release points
- Digital speed adjustment up to 90 MPH
- 64″ delivery height simulates live pitcher plane
- Ultra-precise pitch location adjustments
Cons:
- Should wait for the wheels to stop before changing pitches
- Heavier and less portable than entry-level machines
Best for Softball: Junior Hack Attack Softball
Type: Three-Wheel
Compatible with Real Balls: Yes (leather softballs only, no synthetics)
Sport: Softball
Max Speed: 60+ MPH
Find it on Amazon for $2,599.00
The Junior Hack Attack Softball Pitching Machine is the gold standard for fastpitch training, offering unmatched pitch variety, pinpoint accuracy, and a realistic hitter’s view of the release. It throws fastballs, risers, drops, and right- or left-handed screwballs with ease, making it an elite tool for simulating real-game scenarios. The complete ball visibility helps hitters develop timing and pitch recognition, which is especially useful at the high school, travel, and college levels.
Built for both offense and defense, the pivoting throwing head also allows for 250-foot fly balls, catcher’s pop-ups, line drives, and grounders. Weighing just 75 lbs, it’s surprisingly portable and fits into compact vehicles for teams on the go. If you’re serious about building confident, game-ready hitters, the Junior Hack Attack delivers pro-level performance in a portable package.
I mentioned earlier that I love the baseball Junior Hack Attack, and the softball is the exact same machine with the softball conversion. It offers a ton of adjustability and is perfect for batting or defense practice.
Pros:
- Three-wheel design for advanced pitch variety and realism
- Compatible with leather softballs and all training ball types
- Pivots instantly for defensive drills (fungo, pop-ups, fly balls)
- Complete pitch visibility improves hitter timing
Cons:
- Require a conversion kit for baseball
Best for Baseball and Softball: Mound Yeti 2
Type: Two-Wheel
Compatible with Real Balls: Yes (dimpled balls recommended; leather balls may cause wear)
Sport: Baseball and Softball
Max Speed: 95 MPH
Find it on Amazon for $1,749.00
The Mound Yeti 2 earns top marks for dual-sport versatility and high-performance training. With included baseball and softball conversion kits (legs and chutes), this two-wheel machine transitions seamlessly between disciplines. It can deliver fastballs, sliders, curveballs, and even knuckleballs at speeds ranging from 45–95 MPH. It’s ideal for youth players and adults alike, offering the flexibility to adjust pitch type and velocity based on skill level or practice goals.
With a durable steel frame and built-in transport kit, it’s surprisingly mobile for a 110-pound unit. The head can be angled to throw fly balls and grounders as well, making it useful for both offensive and defensive drills. It’s also auto-feeder compatible (sold separately), allowing for solo training sessions. If you want one reliable machine to serve your entire team’s needs, the Mound Yeti is up to the task.
Pros:
- Switches between baseball and softball with included kit
- Throws breaking balls and fastballs up to 95 MPH
- Durable steel build with polyurethane wheels
- Transport kit included for easier mobility
Cons:
- Heavier than most at 110 lbs
- Auto-feeder must be purchased separately
Best Arm-Style: Louisville Slugger Blue Flame Pitching Machine
Type: Arm-Style (Manual)
Compatible with Real Balls: Yes (plus dimple balls, softballs, light flight balls, plastic balls, even volleyballs and soccer balls)
Sport: Baseball and Softball
Max Speed: 45 MPH with hard balls (up to 60 MPH with light flight/plastic balls)
The Louisville Slugger Blue Flame is a budget-friendly, manually operated pitching machine that’s beloved by youth coaches and leagues nationwide. As the official machine of both Babe Ruth League and PONY Baseball and Softball, it’s a proven performer for batting practice, pop flies, grounders, and more. It requires no electricity or batteries, just a simple lever mechanism that delivers consistent strikes with real balls or training balls.
Weighing under 25 lbs, the Blue Flame is easy to move and set up anywhere, including fields without power. It’s also incredibly versatile, capable of throwing everything from fast-pitch softballs to plastic and foam balls. If you’re looking for an ultra-portable, game-ready pitching machine that works as hard as your coaching staff, this one hits the mark.
One word of caution: These are great machines, but their springs do wear out. I’ve used worn machines, and they’re incredibly frustrating, so be careful not to store your machine in the loaded position.
Pros:
- No electricity or batteries required
- Extremely lightweight and portable (under 25 lbs)
- Throws almost any type of ball, including softballs and plastic balls
- Very affordable for team or home use
Cons:
- Manual operation requires someone to feed and trigger each pitch
- Speed tops out at 45 MPH with hard balls
- No breaking pitches or advanced pitch options
Best Pitch Options: BATA Baseball Wheel Pitching Machine
Type: Two-Wheel
Compatible with Real Balls: Yes (including low seam and dimpled baseballs)
Sport: Baseball
Max Speed: 100 MPH
Find it on Amazon for $2,549.00
The BATA 2-Wheel Pitching Machine stands out for its high-end pitch variety and ultra-durable build, making it a top choice for programs that want every pitch in the book. With a max speed of 100 MPH and a 3-way swiveling head, this machine can deliver fastballs, sliders, knuckleballs, curveballs, grounders, and fly balls with precision. It’s fully adjustable and suitable for players of all levels.
Built in the USA with a powder-coated steel frame, the BATA is engineered to handle thousands of reps without breaking down. It’s compatible with regular, low seam, or dimpled balls and comes backed by a 10-year limited warranty. If you’re looking for one machine that can throw virtually every pitch with serious velocity, the BATA is as versatile as it gets.
Pros:
- Max speed of 100 MPH with wide pitch variety
- 3-way swivel head allows advanced angle and drill flexibility
- Heavy-duty steel frame with rust-resistant coating
- Works with real, low-seam, and dimpled baseballs
Cons:
- Baseball-only (no softball compatibility)
- Heavier and less portable than lighter models
What to Know Before You Buy a Pitching Machine
Not all pitching machines are created equal, and I believe you need to find the right one for your needs. From spin settings to portability, here are the key factors you should consider before making a purchase.
Pitching Machine Type: Wheel vs. Arm-Style
Most machines use one, two, or three spinning wheels to propel balls to the batter. A two-wheel pitching machine gives you more control over pitch types, while three-wheel designs (like the Hack Attack or Junior Hack Attack) provide even greater pinpoint accuracy and consistency. Arm-style machines are less expensive and less flexible, but very easy to use.
Ball Compatibility: Real vs. Dimpled Balls
Some softball and baseball pitching machines are designed to throw real baseballs or softballs, while others use dimpled practice balls. Machines that pitch real baseballs typically offer a more realistic experience, especially in a batting cage setup (they’re also better for the best USSSA bats, according o the manufacturers). Dimpled balls last longer but may not replicate the true feel of game play.
Tip: Be sure the machine is compatible with the balls your team regularly uses. Mixing can affect pitches and strike zone accuracy.
Speed and Pitch Variety
From slow tosses for kids to 90+ mph fastballs for college athletes, speed matters. The best machines feature variable speed control to allow for fine-tuning based on a player’s individual needs. This allows you or your players to grow into the machine’s speed. And, with enough speed, you can even hasten the glove break-in process.
Some models are even capable of simulating breaking pitches like curveballs, sliders, and even knuckleballs. They can also fire pop-ups or groundballs for defensive drills, or pitches for catchers’ receiving and blocking work.
Portability and Setup Time
If you’re training between your backyard, school field, or a shared batting cage, a portable machine with fast setup is essential. Look for lightweight options with built-in wheels or carrying handles. My softball team’s organization shares one and sets it up in drop-down cages in a local gym during the winter. Portability is a necessity.
A quick setup also matters in training facilities, where time is money and players rotate through reps quickly.
Durability and Build Quality
Invest in a high-quality pitching machine made from high-quality materials. This is especially important if you plan to use it heavily or outdoors. Powder-coated steel, tough motors, and weather-resistant components all matter. Many top-rated machines also come with warranties or free shipping, which adds great value.
How to Choose the Right Pitching Machine for Your Needs
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick breakdown based on your player level and goals:
- Tee Ball / Youth Players (5–10 years): Prioritize safety and repetition. Go with an arm-style or lightweight machine like the Louisville Slugger Blue Flame or JUGS Lite-Flite.
- Travel/High School Programs: You’ll want something that mimics real pitching, with pitch variety. Consider the Heater Sports Deuce, Junior Hack Attack, or Mound Yeti 2.
- College/Elite Programs: Look for multi-wheel machines with precise pitch control like the JUGS BP2, Junior Hack Attack, or BATA 2-Wheel.
- Backyard Reps for All Ages: Machines like the BP1 Combo or Heater Sports Deuce offer reliable, affordable ways to get work in at home.
Best Accessories for Pitching Machines
A pitching machine can be a game-changer on its own, but the right accessories will make your practices more efficient, safer, and even more fun. Here are the most useful add-ons to consider:
Automatic Ball Feeders
If you’re practicing solo or coaching multiple players at once, an automatic feeder is a must-have. Feeders can hold anywhere from 12 to 150 balls and release them every 6–10 seconds. Many models are compatible with optional feeders that turn your machine into a self-operating station, making them perfect for hitting reps without a coach present.
Protective Screens and L-Screens
Use an L-screen to protect the machine operator or an A-frame protective screen to shield the unit itself. Some screens are even designed to fit snugly around the machine without affecting pitch angles.
Dimpled or Sting-Free Balls
Designed specifically for pitching machines, dimpled balls are more durable than regular game balls. They minimize wear on wheels, produce more predictable trajectories, and are often more cost-effective long-term. They’re not recommended by bat manufacturers, though.
Portable Power Options
Not every field has a power outlet. Investing in a generator or battery pack with inverter technology ensures your practice won’t be limited by cords. Inverter-style generators or portable power stations are the perfect solution. Inverter generators are generally pretty quiet, but portable power stations are silent.
Transport Wheels or Carts
Heavy-duty machines like the Mound Yeti and BATA 2-Wheel can weigh over 100 lbs. If you plan to move the machine regularly, look for a wheel kit or transport cart made specifically for your model. Some machines come with them pre-installed, but others offer them as upgrades.
Softball/Baseball Conversion Kits
For combo machines, these kits let you quickly switch between sports. Most include alternate legs and chutes designed to match the size and trajectory of softballs or baseballs.
Pitching Machine Maintenance & Safety Tips
Your pitching machine is an investment, and like any good piece of training equipment, it will last much longer with proper care. Here are some tips to keep it operating safely and efficiently season after season:
- Use the Right Balls: Only use the balls the manufacturer recommends. If it’s important to you to use real balls, make sure the machine is compatible.
- Clean the Wheels Often: Pitching wheels naturally accumulate grime from leather or dirty baseballs. Wipe them down with a damp cloth after each session to maintain friction and accuracy.
- Check Tire Pressure or Tension (on pneumatic wheels): If your machine has inflatable wheels (like many JUGS models), be sure to maintain the recommended PSI. Under-inflated tires can affect pitch consistency and increase wear on internal components.
- Store It Properly: Don’t leave your machine outside, especially in wet conditions. If you’re storing it in a shed or dugout, use a weatherproof cover to protect it from humidity and dust.
- Inspect Bolts and Adjustments Monthly: Machines with pivoting heads or leg kits may loosen slightly over time. Check all fasteners periodically to ensure they’re tight and safe before practice.
- Use a Protective Screen or Net: This isn’t just about protecting players—it also extends the life of your machine. A simple L-screen can prevent impact damage to the machine’s housing, wheels, or control panels from line drives or foul tips.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pitching machine depends on your specific needs, budget, and where (and how) you’ll be using it. Whether you’re setting up in a backyard cage or fine-tuning skills for college ball, the market has plenty of options that offer great value, durability, and performance. If you’re looking for a versatile machine with pinpoint accuracy, or something portable and affordable for home practice, the right fit is out there.
