Pitching Machine Instructions
Please click here for a video on using Louisville Slugger's Blue Flame Ultimate Pitching Machine.
Place the pitching machine 40 feet from home plate.
1) To raise or lower a pitch in the strike zone, turn the screw on the micro adjustment.
2) To raise or lower a pitch that is out of the strike zone, reposition the micro adjustment and/or the release block. (Start with settings listed on the speed chart.)
Set the pitch speed at about 32-34 miles per hour. Speed is controlled by the spring setting on the power pedal and the use of the height adjustments on the micro adjustment and release block. Set the power pedal at about 4-6 and the height micro adjustments at about 3-4. Adjust as appropriate.
Accurate and consistent pitches
- Pull throwing arm back.
- Push release handle forward to lock the throwing arm into position.
- Hold the release handle forward and place the ball on the throwing arml.
- Step on the foot pedal (power pedal) down with even weight across the pedal.
- Hold the power pedal down until the ball is thrown.
- Slowly pull the release handle with a smooth motion. (Do not jerk.)
- Start with the following settings: Micro Adjust: 1: Release Block: Ground Ball; Power Pedal: 11/12.
- Adjust as desired.
- Start with the following settings: Micro Adjust: 5: Release Block: Fly Ball; Power Pedal: 11/12
- Adjust as desired.
- Never load or pitch the ball if a person is standing near the machine or in the party of any moving parts of the machine.
- Never adjust the power pedal when the throwing arm is pulled back and locked into position.
- To extend the life of the spring, do not store the machine with the throwing arm pulled back and locked into position. It is recommended that you replace the spring at the beginning of each season to ensure consistent throwing.
- Replacement springs are available at many sporting goods outlets or online.