Are you aspiring to enhance performance on the pitcher’s mound? A high-quality pitching platform can be instrumental in achieving that goal. This equipment can not only make practice sessions more engaging and efficient but also assist in developing superior skills and work ethics in both youth and seasoned players. However, the nuances of pitching platforms are not common knowledge among many coaches and players, making the right selection a daunting task.
At Victory Mounds, our expertise lies in crafting specialized baseball equipment tailored for both collegiate and high school pitchers. Whether your pursuit is to find a platform for pitching during batting practice or the finest platform catering to the needs of both adults and youth, this blog is designed to serve as a fundamental guide as you navigate your shopping journey.
Why Do You Need Pitching Platforms?
For those who are new to the world of pitching platforms, it’s helpful to start with the most basic question of all: why do you need one? There are several ways to answer this question, but let’s start with the most basic one—because your time is valuable.
- Unless you have hours on end to spend building a pitching mound at your practice facility, then spend even more hours restoring that mound after games and practices, you need a portable pitching platform.
- Unless you already happen to work as a groundskeeper and you have surveyor skills to boot, you need a pitching platform to make sure you’re practicing and playing the game the right way.
- Another reason pertains to the basic measurements of the game. Pitching mounds have to be an exact height, and they need to have a specified slope as well.
The Quality Question
Alright, so you’re totally sold on getting a top-notch pitching platform or pitching mound. Sweet! Now, let’s talk about this sneaky thing we call the “quality trap.” What’s that, you ask? Well, when you begin shopping for your platform, you’ll probably see some real price differences, and you might be tempted to go for a cheaper product. But hang on a second! These cheaper platforms are often made overseas from not-so-awesome materials. Some are even made from low-grade wood and styrofoam.
Imagine this: you go for one of these cheaper pitching platforms or pitchers mounds, feeling pretty good about the money you saved. But then you start using these platforms a bunch, especially for your pitchers’ practice. They begin falling apart pretty fast from the constant use. And this isn’t just for the little leaguers who use their equipment like they’re in the big leagues – this goes for everyone.
Remember those classic phrases, “buyer beware” and “you get what you pay for“? Yeah, they’re pretty spot on here. So, take your time to check out the materials used on these pitching platforms and read through the reviews. Do your homework about the best materials for your pitchers and have a good look at the level of baseball or pitching platform you’re really aiming for.
And when you check out reviews, pay attention to how long these platforms and pitchers mounds last. Over here at Victory Mounds, we’ve got loads of happy coaches and pitchers who absolutely swear by our products, and many are still using the same pitching platform or pitchers mound they bought from us years ago when they first started shopping. So, don’t rush it, and make a choice you’ll be happy with!
Get the Right Pitching Platform
Now let’s take a deeper dive into some of the things that you’re dealing with in a high-quality product. Are you buying a pitching platform for indoor use during off-season practices? If that’s the case, you need a platform that can grip the gym floor without scratching it, and you need to make sure it has enough grip to keep your pitchers safe when they’re working on their deliveries.
Grip is important on the platform itself, too. Many high-level pitching platforms have a strip of heavy-duty artificial turf on top of the platform, which prevents slipping or sliding when a pitcher’s front foot lands. That turf also serves a dual purpose. It helps the platform itself from getting scuffed up, and it also prevents marks that will eventually compromise performance, and the turf provides plenty of landing space for pitchers who are working out the kinks in their deliveries.
Does it Meet Your Needs: Price, Portability and Mound Size
There are various factors that you need to keep in mind when purchasing a pitching platform. Considering these factors will help you make the best choice for your game and will help you make sure that you’re practicing and playing the game the right way.
- Mound Size
- Portability
- Pricing
Mound Size
While pitching mounds come with standard sizes and dimensions, pitching platforms definitely aren’t a one-size-fits-all product. Pitching mounds can be 6, 8 or 10 inches tall, so you need to be able to adjust your pitching platform to give your pitchers the right height and the proper landing zone. Some are built specifically for youth baseball, while others are designed for college baseball, and there are even products for softball as well.
Portability
Another important requirement for your pitching mound is portability. Most pitching mounds are portable—that is part of the point of making them, after all—but some are better designed for portability than others. Some come in two-stage designs, which allows them to be taken apart to move them from field to field, and this also makes them easier to store as well. Keep in mind that you’re going to be carrying your pitching platform in all kinds of weather and conditions, and a well-built pitching platform that’s easy to carry will make your life exponentially easier over the life of the product.
Price
Now let’s talk about pricing. We’ve already discussed what happens when you buy a cheap pitching platform, but the reality is that every team, coach, and program has a budget. Look for a company that will work with you and offers discounts, and make sure they back up their product as well. That brings us to the warranty. Obviously, you want one that lasts for as long as possible, but you should also ask how long the pitching platform you’re buying is built to last, and what the tradeoffs are if you try to legitimately save a few bucks versus buying a high-end product.
Buy a Pitching Mound & Start Your Baseball Practice Today
A good company will give you an honest answer to these questions. At Victory Mounds, we’ve worked with a lot of different programs at all levels, and we always bend over backward to meet the needs of our clients when they come to us to buy a pitching platform.
Summary
In conclusion, if you aspire to enhance your performance on the pitcher’s mound, investing in a high-quality pitching platform can be a crucial step toward achieving that goal. Such equipment not only makes practice sessions more engaging and efficient but also aids in the development of superior skills and work ethics for both youth and seasoned players. However, selecting the right pitching platform can be a daunting task, as many coaches and players may lack knowledge about its nuances.
Victory Mounds specializes in crafting specialized baseball equipment tailored for collegiate and high school pitchers. Whether you need a pitching platform for pitching during batting practice or a top-notch platform catering to the needs of adults and youth, their blog serves as a fundamental guide to navigating your shopping journey.
Pitching platforms are essential because they save valuable time. Instead of spending hours building and restoring a pitching mound, a portable platform offers convenience. Additionally, pitching mounds require precise measurements, and a pitching platform ensures that players are practicing and playing the game correctly.
When considering a pitching platform, it is important to be aware of the “quality trap.” Cheaper platforms often use subpar materials that lead to rapid deterioration. It is recommended to thoroughly research the materials used and read reviews to ensure durability and longevity. Taking the time to make an informed decision will result in a satisfying choice.
Various factors need to be considered when purchasing a pitching platform, including mound size, portability, and pricing. Platforms should be adjustable to accommodate different height requirements and landing zones. Portability is crucial for easy transportation and storage, particularly in different weather conditions. While budget is a consideration, it is essential to find a company that offers discounts, backs up its product, and provides a warranty.
Victory Mounds understands the diverse needs of baseball programs and strives to meet the requirements of its clients. By choosing a reputable company and investing in a high-quality pitching platform, you can kickstart your baseball practice and improve your skills on the mound.
The Victory Mounds Solution
We’re obviously proud of the pitching platforms we make, but we make a lot of other baseball-related products, too. We even make clay to help stabilize the soil used for the base paths and the mound, along with the machines and gear at indoor facilities that are used to enhance basic skills. We do consulting, too. If you’re having a problem with field issues related to poor condition, drainage, or other issues, we can help your fields look pristine. We can also outfit your program with whatever you need to improve performance, and we’ll work within your budget limits as well.
To up your game with us, call us at 800-835-9460, or email us at info@victorymounds.com. You can see our products at victorymounds.com, and we’ve got some great blogs to help you understand what they can do for you and your program.
FAQs: Best Choice For Pitching Platform for Both Adults and Youth Baseball Pitchers
1) Why do I need a pitching platform for my practice sessions?
A pitching platform is crucial for effective practice as it can help both young and adult players improve their performance and build better work habits. It can save your time in setting up and restoring a pitching mound at your practice facility and ensure that you are practicing and playing the game correctly. It also helps provide the right height and specified slope required for pitchers.
2) What constitutes a high-quality pitching platform?
A high-quality pitching platform should be durable and constructed from top-notch materials to withstand constant use. Many top-tier platforms come with a heavy-duty artificial turf on top to prevent slipping, scuffing, and performance compromising marks. Also, the platform should provide ample landing space for pitchers.
3) How can I ensure that I am buying the right pitching platform for my needs?
Consider factors such as mound size, portability, and price when making your purchase. Depending on your needs, you may require a platform pitching specifically designed for youth baseball, college baseball, or softball, or for use in cages or batting practice. Also, consider the portability of the platform as well as its grip on various surfaces, especially for indoor use.
4) What are the advantages of a portable pitching platform?
A portable pitching platform is versatile and can be easily transported to different fields in varying weather conditions. This design makes them easier to store, and their grip on surfaces ensures safety during practice sessions. It’s a perfect addition to your cart of training aids.
5) What should I consider when looking at the price of pitching platforms?
While pricing is an important factor, be aware of the ‘quality trap.’ Inexpensive platforms might be built with cheaper materials and fail to stand up to constant use. It is better to invest in a quality product from a reputable company that backs its product with a solid warranty.
6) Does Victory Mounds offer any other products apart from pitching platforms?
Yes, Victory Mounds offers a wide range of baseball-related products, including field equipment like batting cages, training aids, and protective screens. We also provide consulting services to help with field issues and improve performance within your budget.
7) How can I contact Victory Mounds to purchase a pitching platform?
To purchase a pitching platform, you can call us at 800-835-9460, email us at info@victorymounds.com, or visit our website and add the product to your cart. You can browse our shop now and checkout securely with your credit card information.
8) Does Victory Mounds have a return policy?
Please contact us for details about our return policy. We strive to work with our customers to ensure their satisfaction with our products and service.
9) Are there any special offers or discounts available at Victory Mounds?
Please check our website or contact our customer service for any specials or discounts that might be applicable to your purchase during checkout.
10) Can I request a custom-built pitching platform?
At Victory Mounds, we aim to meet the specific needs of our clients. For requests regarding custom-built pitching platforms, please get in touch with our customer service.
11) How durable are the pitching platforms from Victory Mounds?
Our pitching platforms are designed with high-quality materials for long-lasting use. Many of our customers, including coaches, have been using their original product for years, showcasing our product’s durability.
12) Are Victory Mounds products suitable for both indoor and outdoor use?
Yes, our pitching platforms and other products are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. We understand that practice conditions can vary, and our products are built to accommodate those needs.
13) Do Victory Mounds products cater to different age groups and levels of experience?
Yes, we offer products that cater to all age groups and levels of experience, from youth to collegiate players.
14) Do you provide a warranty on your pitching platforms?
We recommend customers to check the warranty details for each product, and we encourage reaching out to us if there are any concerns or questions.
15) Are your pitching platforms easy to set up and disassemble?
Yes, our pitching platforms are designed for convenience, meaning they are easy to set up and disassemble for portability and storage.