Junior Hack FAQ’s
What is the weight of the Junior broken down?
Without the Junior legs – approx. 75 lbs, including the base. Without legs and base – 65 lbs.
What is the size of the Junior broken down?
With the base – approx. 25” long x 20” wide x 26” tall
Without the base – approx. 17” long x 20” wide x 24” tall
Which machine is best for younger players?
The Junior is perfect for young players up through high school and also for older players if used at a 50’ distance.
What type of assembly is necessary upon first receipt of my new Junior and are there any special tools required?
Your new pitching machine will arrive fully assembled and ready for your immediate use. No assembly or special tools are required.
How is the Junior most commonly transported?
One person can lift this compact unit. It fits in any vehicle, even a Mini Cooper.
How is the Junior moved around the softball field?
The Junior is provided with large rolling wheels for moving the machine on and off the field. (Other machines are positioned on the throwing wheels to roll them on and off the field. This can affect the surface of the throwing wheels and eventually affect the performance of the pitches.) The Junior’s throwing wheels come in contact with nothing other than a softball!
What type of balls will the Junior throw?
12 Inch softballs, regulation full grain leather, pitching machine leather balls, polyurethane pitching machine balls, whiffle balls or foam balls. Do not use synthetic leather balls under any circumstances as they will not only wear rapidly, but will often leave a ball material buildup on the throwing wheels. (Do not mix ball types.) Please see softball accessories
What is the height of the ball release point of the machine?
The release point for the Junior Hack Attack is 23″.
How accurate is these Junior?
The Junior has a unique three-wheel design, the ball is gripped in three locations (as opposed to two in other machines), providing tremendous control and accuracy.
What are the full load operating amps for the Junior?
The machine draws up to 12 amps when running; a 15-20-amp service is recommended for operation.
What is an acceptable length for an extension cord and what type do I need?
Use a minimum of #14/3 grounded power cord up to 200 ft in length. A longer cord will require the opinion of a licensed electrician.
Why do you not offer a battery-powered pitching machine?
Battery powered units have much longer recovery time between pitches which will slow the pace of practice considerably. These units also slowly diminish in power which can result in constantly changing pitch locations. The need to make sure the unit is always charged and ready to use is an issue. Batteries are also very expensive to replace. As a result of these and many other concerns, we recommend generators; please see the next question.
Can the machines be operated with a generator?
Yes, however the generator must generate “clean electricity”. We recommend a minimum of 1000W up to 2000W Honda generator with inverter technology. Weight of these generators is approximately 27 lbs, similar to the weight of a battery, and they are extremely portable.
What happens if the machine is used with a generator other than one that generates “clean electricity”?
Unless the generator provides “clean electricity”, the power surges from the generator will cause the Junior to surge and become erratic, causing the machine to deliver inconsistent pitches. (This phenomenon exists with all pitching machines currently on the market.) See question above for recommended generator to be used with the Junior.
What is the range of ball speeds the machine can deliver?
The Junior can deliver a pitch at any speed from 30 to 60 mph.
What type of pitches can the Junior deliver?
Any pitch can be delivered, including, but not limited to fastballs, risers, drops, both right and left hand screwballs, etc. (Note that all of these can be accomplished by simply changing the speed of the wheels unlike all two-wheel machines that need to tilt the throwing head to deliver a curve ball.)
What adjustments need to be made to change speed and curves on the machine?
Simply adjust the relative speed of each of the throwing wheels. A pitch selection chart is provided on both machines as a reference for setting various pitches. No tilting of the throwing head is ever required for curve balls, sliders, etc.
What adjustment is required to change the elevation of a pitch on the machines?
An elevation adjustment handle is provided that will raise or lower the pitch 4-6 inches (depending on ball speed) for each revolution of the handle. (On other machines it may be necessary to release a locking mechanism, reposition the entire throwing head by tilting it manually and then re-locking the locking mechanism. Given the variability of this method, several test pitches are often required to set the desired pitching height.)
What is the recovery time between pitches for the machine?
The Junior has a recovery time of 3-5 seconds; because of the three wheels, it is almost instant.
What is the advantage of a three-wheel machine as compared to other designs?
Vision/Timing: The design of the Junior, with three throwing wheels, ensures that the batter never loses sight of the ball. A batter will lose sight of the ball on a 2-wheel machine because of the location of the top throwing wheel. The most common complaint from coaches and hitters of a 2-wheel machine is the fact that the loss of vision affects the batters timing.
Ball Control: The Junior, with three throwing wheels, provides greater accuracy than any other pitching machine.
Wheel and Ball Wear: Since less gripping is required, both wear on the throwing wheels and wear on the ball is greatly reduced.
What makes the Sports Attack pitching machine wheels higher in quality?
Careful testing of quality components builds a better product. No air pressure considerations with our solid design. We have never replaced a throwing wheel due to wear, weather or melting!
What happens when a ball is hit back into the machine?
The Junior is virtually indestructible. The machine has both front and rear guards that protect the throwing wheels.
The Junior is heavier than competitive machines, why is heavier better?
More mass absorbs recoil resulting in extreme accuracy. This machine is stable and does not move around from recoil. All weight is centered over mid-point, no cantilevering like with other machines. Regardless of weight, due to the unique design, this machine is more portable than other lighter units.
How long and complicated is the process to convert the softball machine to a baseball machine?
It is extremely uncomplicated. The Junior takes about 5-10 minutes. For details see our manual Junior Hack Attack (pdf)).
How is repair and service handled for the Junior?
Components parts are designed to be easily replaced in the field, local assistance is not required. Parts list is available in the manual Junior Hack Attack manual (pdf)) simply identify part needed, order part directly from Sports Attack and follow easy directions for repair. Only a few common tools are required to complete any repair.
What is the warranty on the Junior pitching machine?
We stand behind the material and workmanship of our machines as well as all wear components (i.e., throwing wheels, controllers, and motors) for a period of two (2) years from the date of original purchase based on the serial number and date codes on the unit.
How long has Sports Attack been in business producing pitching machines?
Sports Attack has been in business since 1995 producing baseball, softball volleyball, football, soccer, and cricket machines. The founders and owners of Sports Attack have over 45 years experience designing, manufacturing, marketing and distributing pitching machines. The lead design engineer for Sports Attack helped to develop some of the first pitching machines ever produced.
How long does it take to receive a pitching machine?
Sports Attack, located in Reno, NV, can typically ship within 3-5 business days and deliver a machine in the U.S. within 5-10 business days.
How many pitching machines has Sports Attack sold?
The Junior is currently being used at all levels, high school, youth league and backyard, as well as college level, hundreds of teams across the country.