FAQ's
What are the advantages of Sling Pitcher over conventional machines?
The Sling Pitcher is built of an ABS/Polycarbonate composite, the same type of material that is used in motorcycle helmets. This lightweight, durable material gives the Sling Pitcher an ideal combination of rigidity, flexibility, and strength. The Sling Pitcher bench system has been load tested to well over 1000#. The elastics are a quality latex rubber, and the pouch is made of high grade leather.
The Sling Pitcher is built of an ABS/Polycarbonate composite, the same type of material that is used in motorcycle helmets. This lightweight, durable material gives the Sling Pitcher an ideal combination of rigidity, flexibility, and strength. The Sling Pitcher bench system has been load tested to well over 1000#. The elastics are a quality latex rubber, and the pouch is made of high grade leather.
What is the Sling Pitcher made of?
The movement of the ball is determined by the seams on the ball as they spin, or don’t spin. To place enough spin on a regulation baseball or softball to get serious movement is pretty difficult, though some coaches claim they do. It requires quite a bit of skill and a lot of practice. However, the seamed foam balls will break a foot or more, since the seams have much more effect because the balls are lighter. They are easy to throw and are especially effective for high school level baseball. But the change up is still the most effective pitch in ether baseball or softball, and no machine on the market, at any price, better simulates this pitch.
The movement of the ball is determined by the seams on the ball as they spin, or don’t spin. To place enough spin on a regulation baseball or softball to get serious movement is pretty difficult, though some coaches claim they do. It requires quite a bit of skill and a lot of practice. However, the seamed foam balls will break a foot or more, since the seams have much more effect because the balls are lighter. They are easy to throw and are especially effective for high school level baseball. But the change up is still the most effective pitch in ether baseball or softball, and no machine on the market, at any price, better simulates this pitch.
How accurate is the Sling Pitcher? Does it require a great deal of skill?
The accuracy depends on the skill of the operator, and the type of ball that is used. Most catch on quickly, & can consistently hit the strike zone from 35 to 45 feet, even those that did not grow up with a sling shot in their hip pocket. The trick is to use a consistent, fluid, pull and release motion, and by following the operation instructions provided in the manual. Perforated plastic balls, tennis balls, and regulation baseball and softballs are the easiest to shoot accurately. The foam balls can pick up considerable movement, especially when shot as a knuckle ball. More experienced hitters like the challenge they present. Refer to “Sling Pitcher Shooting Tips in the Video Library
The accuracy depends on the skill of the operator, and the type of ball that is used. Most catch on quickly, & can consistently hit the strike zone from 35 to 45 feet, even those that did not grow up with a sling shot in their hip pocket. The trick is to use a consistent, fluid, pull and release motion, and by following the operation instructions provided in the manual. Perforated plastic balls, tennis balls, and regulation baseball and softballs are the easiest to shoot accurately. The foam balls can pick up considerable movement, especially when shot as a knuckle ball. More experienced hitters like the challenge they present. Refer to “Sling Pitcher Shooting Tips in the Video Library
Your website states that the Sling Pitcher will throw 80 mph. Is this affected by the type of ball you use?
The speed of the pitch depends on the strength of the operator. Most coaches can reach 80 mph with light weight foam, plastic, and tennis balls. Though some coaches can exceed the noted speeds of 70mph/50mph with baseballs & softballs, these are considered the upper limits.
The speed of the pitch depends on the strength of the operator. Most coaches can reach 80 mph with light weight foam, plastic, and tennis balls. Though some coaches can exceed the noted speeds of 70mph/50mph with baseballs & softballs, these are considered the upper limits.
What comes with a Sling Pitcher?
Every Sling Pitcher comes with a convenient storage/carry bag, a set of Fly Ball Arms, and an assortment of 12 plastic and foam practice balls.
Every Sling Pitcher comes with a convenient storage/carry bag, a set of Fly Ball Arms, and an assortment of 12 plastic and foam practice balls.
What are the fly ball arms, and what is their advantages?
If the Sling Pitcher is never used for pitching, it is well worth the price just for the Fly Ball option. The Fly Ball Arms slip into place in seconds and allows a coach or a parent to shoot fly balls accurately, to over 150′ high and 175′ out. This allows a coach to work on technique and positioning, since he knows within a few feet, where every ball will go. Even younger children can effectively throw outfield practice, or just blast away in the back yard. If the Sling Pitcher is never used for pitching, it is well worth the price just for the Fly Ball option. The Fly Ball Arms slip into place in seconds and allows a coach or a parent to shoot fly balls accurately, to over 150′ high and 175′ out. This allows a coach to work on technique and positioning, since he knows within a few feet, where every ball will go. Even younger children can effectively throw outfield practice, or just blast away in the back yard. Note: Temperature, humidity, and elevation from sea level all affect the travel of the fly balls. Maximum heights are reached on warm, dry days at higher elevations.
If the Sling Pitcher is never used for pitching, it is well worth the price just for the Fly Ball option. The Fly Ball Arms slip into place in seconds and allows a coach or a parent to shoot fly balls accurately, to over 150′ high and 175′ out. This allows a coach to work on technique and positioning, since he knows within a few feet, where every ball will go. Even younger children can effectively throw outfield practice, or just blast away in the back yard. If the Sling Pitcher is never used for pitching, it is well worth the price just for the Fly Ball option. The Fly Ball Arms slip into place in seconds and allows a coach or a parent to shoot fly balls accurately, to over 150′ high and 175′ out. This allows a coach to work on technique and positioning, since he knows within a few feet, where every ball will go. Even younger children can effectively throw outfield practice, or just blast away in the back yard. Note: Temperature, humidity, and elevation from sea level all affect the travel of the fly balls. Maximum heights are reached on warm, dry days at higher elevations.
How was the Sling Pitcher used for catcher training and referenced in the video?
The Sling Pitcher allows the operator to position every pitch, including balls in the dirt. For younger catchers, or those still intimidated by the ball, plastic or foam balls allow young players to get the technique down, and learn to trust their equipment, before moving up to regulation balls. The Sling Pitcher can also throw effective pop-ups for catcher or infield practice.
The Sling Pitcher allows the operator to position every pitch, including balls in the dirt. For younger catchers, or those still intimidated by the ball, plastic or foam balls allow young players to get the technique down, and learn to trust their equipment, before moving up to regulation balls. The Sling Pitcher can also throw effective pop-ups for catcher or infield practice.
How long will the elastic band pouches last?
When shooting regulation baseballs at maximum speeds continuously, you can expect at least a couple thousand pitches. Regulation softballs wear the elastics faster. Under lighter use, the bands will typically last several weeks, if not months. Replacement elastics can be ordered on this website in bulk, at a very fair price. The pouch, just like a good ball glove, should last multiple seasons. The elastics and pouch should be store in a warm dry place, out of sun light, for maximum life. If you run out of elastics, standard ¼” surgical tubing, 3/16” inside diameter with 3/32” wall thickness, will work and can be purchased at most medical supply stores. If an elastic breaks, it can be trimmed and re-connected to the barbed for continued use. Though shorter both in length and usable life, it will work until a new elastics can be obtained. See the video, “Sling Pitcher-Replacing Elastics”, in the Video Library under How It Works.
When shooting regulation baseballs at maximum speeds continuously, you can expect at least a couple thousand pitches. Regulation softballs wear the elastics faster. Under lighter use, the bands will typically last several weeks, if not months. Replacement elastics can be ordered on this website in bulk, at a very fair price. The pouch, just like a good ball glove, should last multiple seasons. The elastics and pouch should be store in a warm dry place, out of sun light, for maximum life. If you run out of elastics, standard ¼” surgical tubing, 3/16” inside diameter with 3/32” wall thickness, will work and can be purchased at most medical supply stores. If an elastic breaks, it can be trimmed and re-connected to the barbed for continued use. Though shorter both in length and usable life, it will work until a new elastics can be obtained. See the video, “Sling Pitcher-Replacing Elastics”, in the Video Library under How It Works.
How critical is it to use the sling guard?
When throwing perforated plastic or foam balls, especially to younger hitters, the Sling Guard may be optional, though even these balls can sting, especially if the operator is hit in the face. It is always recommended the operator use at least eye protection. When throwing regulation balls, it is highly recommended a Sling Guard be used. Other screen protection can be used, but eventually, a ball will come through any opening that is not protected, such as the Sling Guard is. Sling Pitcher, Inc., can not be liable for any injury to an operator who does not protect himself. Even with the Sling Guard, the operator should always use protective head and face gear, especially when using in a batting cage, where balls can come off the top of the cage and hit the Sling Pitcher operator.
When throwing perforated plastic or foam balls, especially to younger hitters, the Sling Guard may be optional, though even these balls can sting, especially if the operator is hit in the face. It is always recommended the operator use at least eye protection. When throwing regulation balls, it is highly recommended a Sling Guard be used. Other screen protection can be used, but eventually, a ball will come through any opening that is not protected, such as the Sling Guard is. Sling Pitcher, Inc., can not be liable for any injury to an operator who does not protect himself. Even with the Sling Guard, the operator should always use protective head and face gear, especially when using in a batting cage, where balls can come off the top of the cage and hit the Sling Pitcher operator.