First, let me say that since they are both displayed on our site, they have been tested and coach-approved. You can't make a wrong decision. We offer the unusual & hard-to-find, but offer only what we test & see benefit in.

Simply put, we offer theses two similar machines because our customer's needs, players, ages and abilities are never identical.

After examining the following features and benefits of both machines, I am sure you will definitely be able to pick the correct model for your player or team needs! The one that you "think" will fit will be the one machine you should choose! I have never had one customer purchase one of these machines and then tell me they made a wrong decision!

Both come with good guarantees and frankly, we just don't get any returns on either. This tells me that customers are satisfied with their purchases.

The Personal Pitcher: (delivered via UPS in 7-10 days)
The real plus of this machine is its portability. It is rechargeable (you can use it plugged in as well), sets up quickly, is lightweight and fits in any back seat or trunk. It throws ventilated golf ball sized whiffle balls at one speed, straight and consistently to the same location.

It comes in two different models: the standard model for the younger player and the increased velocity, HS (High School) model for players around 12 years and up. To increase or decrease the level of difficulty, simply move the player between 17 and 22 feet from the machine.

As far as any disadvantages, I would say that some might regard the lack of variable speeds as being a negative. That's strictly a personal choice. After all, when you go to a commercial batting cage, it is the same velocity for each pitch, right? Other than that, it does require the use of a camera - type tripod as an additional expense. You can use one that you currently own, or we have reasonably priced packages that include a good-quality tripod. I do recommend you check out the money-saving packages!

The Grand Slam: (delivered via UPS in 7-10 days)
One of the things I like about this machine is that everything and more is included in one package. The machine is a complete kit with 60 hollow (not ventilated whiffle), golf ball - sized balls, a large rectangular net which can be used in basements, hung from a garage door opening or some other creative means, and a 1 inch diameter PVC stic-ball bat with a leather handle wrap. This bat can optionally be used instead of a baseball bat to increase the degree of difficulty and focus. It even includes an electrical power strip that many manufacturers would have simply said, "not included".

The Grand Slam throws at variable controlled speeds and the balls tend to "move", especially at higher speeds. This will simulate real pitchers who are of the age to throw with movement. Again, some regard this to be an advantage as it makes the player focus harder and learn to swing only at pitches that they can handle. Others might think this is a disadvantage.

The optional rheostat gives further speed adjustment and lowers the noise level, especially at the lower speed range. I highly recommend this option if the price is still within your budget.

I don't think of this machine as hard to breakdown and transport UNLESS I am comparing it with The Personal Pitcher. It will take you 2 to 3 minutes to put it together and plug it in. It will take half that long to break it down. (The Personal Pitcher takes all of 30 seconds when left attached to it's tripod.)

There is an increased capacity with the Grand Slam, which is an advantage. Remember, you must have access to electrical power, as it is not rechargeable.

HINTS AND COACHING TIPS:

For the Personal Pitcher:
Buy different balls: Buy a dozen colored balls, typically available in orange. Tell the hitter that every colored ball is to be bunted, or maybe to take the pitch or hit to the opposite field. This will keep the hitter more focused and help him avoid taking any lazy swings (thus defeating the purpose).

Batting practice takes more time than any other team drill. Why not use The Personal Pitcher as a warm up for your on-deck hitters during BP. Instead of giving every one of your hitters 20 swings, of which the first half dozen are warm ups and/or bunts, consider moving batting practice along a lot quicker by using the Personal Pitcher AND cutting down on the number of live swings each player gets. Believe me, the player will focus a lot more on the limited swings he now gets. and they are alot more likely to be better swings! You just need to figure the logistics of where to do this. If you have a portable backstop around your home plate area, simply have the on deck batter hitting balls from behind the screen, aiming halfway up the baseline between home and either first or third base.

For the Grand Slam:
Buy a dozen ventilated whiffle style golf-sized balls at a Wal-Mart or a similar place. They will act as a change-up when mixed in with the hollow balls that come with the machine.

After hitting a complete rack of balls there should always be a small amount of balls behind the batter, balls that were not hit as they were either out of the strike zone or simply not a good pitch to swing at. This is part of what this machine teaches.

Both Machines:
For the younger or more inexperienced player, Fat Albert bats are a great idea These bats are plastic and about 3 times the diameter of a normal sized bat. They are typically available at stores like Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Target for just a few dollars. If you feel that your player(s) might initially have trouble hitting a small ball, get their confidence sky high by simply starting them off with this "big target". The balls really fly off these big barrel bats and you'll find that your players can't get enough of it. Plus, they're great for a short game of home run derby at the end of practice!

Home Run Derby - Kids Love To Compete and it makes them better! Each Player hits 50 balls and counts how many they hit in fair territory. Got a fence or creative targets such as over the tree, in the neighbors' lawn etc? Create a "season or a 3-game series," writing down the scores for every "game they play" to see how they progress. Making a 9-inning game of 20 balls each.

Invent games like these. Remember how you did it as a kid!!! KIDS LOVE TO COMPETE whether by themselves or against other kids.

In Summary
Here's why these machines TRULY ARE EFFECTIVE!. Simply put, players love to do it. With either machine, it's just plain fun! And for that, I believe they are worth the money.

Players will absolutely become better hitters if they will just use these tools. And the only reason that I can think of where they won't use these machines is if they do not have fun and frankly, my players ask for these machines more than most of many of my other "toys" (I mean, training tools"). Initially you may want to help them to use their imaginations by finding an area to easily set up, have targets like fences or just suggest a convenient "playing field" in the backyard.then step back. and let 'em play!

Hope this helps, coach@baseballtips.com

Return to the Grand Slam  or  Personal Pitcher