PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Unique Softball Machine Features
The Junior Hack Attack softball pitching machine is designed to develop serious young players.
The Junior Hack Attack has a unique three-wheel design that allows you to see the ball clearly and fully all the way through the feeding motion, acceleration and release, just like a live pitcher. In developing hitters, especially at younger ages, there is nothing more important than timing and vision.
With this design, the hitter sees when to stride and the angle of release, giving you an actual live-arm sense of timing and location.
At a level where simplicity is imperative, with the Junior Hack Attack dials you can effortlessly throw fastballs, risers, drops, right- and left-handed screwballs up and into the hitters.
This exclusive three-wheel design changes the breaking pitch plane by simply adjusting wheel speed dials. (All two-wheel units require time consuming awkward throwing head adjustments to change from fastballs to curveballs or right to left handed breaking pitches.)
The Junior Hack Attack’s elevation adjustment handle will raise or lower the pitch. With a simple turn, you can even move the pitch up or down within the strike zone between pitches. (On two-wheel pitching 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. These are awkward time-consuming adjustments.)
The Throwing head of the Junior Hack Attack pivots instantly in any direction for all fungo work including deep fly balls, slicing line drives, catcher’s pop-ups with reverse spin, towering infield pop-ups, and grounders.
This effective training tool saves time in practice with limited throwing head adjustments needed and an almost instant recovery time. More strikes delivered at every practice!
The Junior Hack Attack pitching machine quickly moves on and off the field by just tilting it, un-socketing the legs and easily rolling it on two heavy-duty transporting wheels (not the throwing wheels).
The front wheel guards insure the throwing wheels never come in contact with the ground. (Some machines are moved using throwing wheels, picking up dangerous dirt and gravel that causes inaccuracy and wear.)
The Junior Hack Attack pitching machine is designed for use with regulation leather softballs, dimpled practice balls, Wiffle® balls and all softer practice balls. (Not synthetic leather balls as they wear quickly and will leave a residue on the wheel.)
Junior Hack Attack softball machine is the only pitching machine that will convert quickly to throw a special 7.5″ diameter vision training ball. This critical size forces centering and tracking while maintaining proper hitting mechanics. (see accessories for ball details)
No assembly is required; the Junior Hack Attack arrives fully assembled and ready for your immediate use.
The Hack Attack has an inside/outside adjustment that provides instant, minute ball location change at the plate. This feature will:
- Center the first pitch without having to shift the entire machine (no more kicking of back leg)
- Allow the operator to move the pitch inside or outside with a simply turn of a handle
- In combination with the elevation control, quickly move a pitch to any area of the strike zone between pitches
Exceptional Pitching Machine Quality
The Junior Hack Attack softball pitching machine is heavy enough to absorb recoil, ensuring accuracy, yet portable and easily moved by one person.
The tripod base insures real stability and safety on pitching mounds or softball playing surfaces.
High tensile, tough heat-treated alloy, weather-resistant aluminum casting throwing head, protects throwing mechanism.
Rugged powder-coated rust-proof steel frame ensures limitless seasons of use.
The throwing wheels out-last all other baseball pitching machine wheels and don’t melt in direct summer heat. Sports Attack has never replaced a wheel from wear or heat exposure.
Three powerful variable speed motors drive three indestructible concave 13″ throwing wheels.
Specifications:
Performance Comparison:
Advantage of Wheels:
Watch Junior Hack Attack Videos:
Junior Hack Attack Setup & Breakdown
Junior Hack Attack Portability
Junior Hack Attack Pitching – Fastball
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.
Download the Junior Hack Attack Brochure:
Download the Junior Hack Attack Manual:
Download Ball Protection Guard Kit Installation Instructions
Do you own a Junior Hack Attack pitching machine?
You can confirm by looking at the bottom of the speed control dial label where you will find the machine name.
Machine Manual
Click here for machine manual
General Annual Maintenance
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- Lubricate with lithium grease*elevation control
- Lubricate with lithium grease* the inside/outside control
- Lubricate with lithium grease* horizontal control
- Check all bolts once a season for tightness
- Check wheels for ball material build-up and visual damage. For removal of ball build-up, click here for instructions. For any visual damage, call customer service.
*Found at Home Depot or Lowes
Motors are sealed (sealed bearings) and require no lubrication.
Troubleshooting
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Machine is pitching inaccurately.
- Check to make sure you are using the proper extension cord (can’t be too light or too long), check product manual for specifications.
- Using mixed balls (types or ages) will cause inconsistent pitching. Get one ball and throw it repeatedly, if inaccuracy disappears then this is the cause of your inaccuracy.
- Check dial settings against recommended settings on machine or manual. It could be incorrect wheel speed settings.
- Are the balls you are using wet? Balls have to be dry to throw accurately.
- Check wheels for ball build-up or damage. The surface of the wheel will not ever peal off. If you have material peeling off it is build-up on the wheel, not the wheel deteriorating. This build-up will cause inaccuracy. (Click here for instructions to clean).
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Wheels are peeling or coming apart.
- Check wheels for ball build-up or damage. The surface of the wheel will not peal off, if you have material peeling off it is build-up on the wheel, not the wheel deteriorating. (Click here for instructions to clean).
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There is a decrease in speed when pitching a ball.
- Are the balls you are using wet? They have to be dry to throw accurately.
- Check to make sure you are using the proper extension cord (can’t be too light or too long), check product manual for specifications.
- Check wheels for ball build-up or damage. The surface of the wheel will not peal off, if you have material peeling off it is build-up on the wheel, not the wheel deteriorating. (Click here for instructions to clean)
- Speed control knob will not stop at the “0” or “10” position, indicating the knob is set improperly. Call Sports Attack for service procedures.
- Using mixed balls (types or ages) will cause inconsistent pitching. Get one ball and throw it repeatedly, if decrease in speed disappears, then mixing of the balls you are using is your problem.
- Possible motor or controller problem, call Sports Attack customer service.
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One or more ball throwing wheels are not spinning.
- Possible motor or controller problem, call Sports Attack customer service
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The circuit breaker is tripping.
- Possible motor or controller problem, call Sports Attack customer service
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Control knob will not stop at the “0” or “10” position.
- The knob needs to be reset, call Sports Attack customer service
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There is a lot of vibration/noise when the machine is running.
- Check all the motor bolts and wheel bolts to make sure they are securely tightened.
- Turn all three dials to “0”, increase one wheel at a time to max speed until you find which wheel is causing the noise. When wheel is isolated, turn machine off, set all three dials to “0.” Then remove suspected wheel but don’t lose keyway key. Turn the power back on, increase the speed of the motor where the wheel is now missing. If the noise still persists, you have a bad motor. If it is no longer making noise, then the wheel needs to be replaced.
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One or more ball throwing wheels are not spinning.
- Machine will not turn on
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- Check power source by plugging a known good device into the machine end of the extension cord to ensure you have power to the machine.
- Push in on circuit breaker to see if it will reset. If it breaks again, call Sports Attack customer service.
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Parts Purchase, Installation & Replacement – See our NEW How-To Videos!
To purchase a Junior Hack Attack pitching machine motor – Please call our office at 800.717.4251 and have a serial number of the machine available.
To purchase a Junior Hack Attack pitching machine controller – Please call our office at 800.717.4251 and have a serial number of the machine available.
To purchase a Junior Hack Attack pitching machine wheel, click here
Instruction Documents
Click here for instructions on replacing wheels, motors and controllers.
Click here for instructions how to install fungo legs.
NEW How-To Videos:
How to: Clean Wheels
How to replace: Motor 1
How to replace:Motor 2
How to replace:Motor 3
How to replace:Top Wheels
How to replace:Bottom Wheel
How to replace: Controller
How to Convert Junior Hack Attack softball to baseball – Click Here
