Want to know more about the ZS740 pitching machine? You've come to the right place. Browse the frequently asked questions below. If you don't find what you're looking for, contact us at 425-861-0111 or email us at info@zooka.com.

How long has Zooka Sports been selling pitching machines?

We have been helping parents develop talented young baseball players for over ten years.

What type of balls will the pitching machines throw?

Zookas are designed to throw any ball with a 9 inch circumference or smaller:
Regulation baseballs Machine-pitch dimple balls Safety baseballs Rubber sponge baseballs Soft-core baseballs Tennis balls

How safe are the pitching machines?

Operation of the machines is Access Code protected to prevent unauthorized operation. It has no external moving parts. It can be shut down safely in the middle of a pitch by pressing any button on the keypad. No AC outlet, extension cord, or gasoline-powered generator is needed.

How does the pitching machine work?

The operator rolls the ball into the barrel. The machine detects the ball, pumps up to pressure, beeps and flashes a pitch alert, and throws the ball. A 50 mph pitch takes less than 5 seconds.

How accurate are the pitching machines?

They are very accurate. With real baseballs, pitches typically scatter within the strike zone. With machine-pitch dimple balls, pitches can be placed within a few inches. A key element in the accuracy of all pitching machines is the quality and consistency of the ball being thrown.

How long do I need to wait between pitches?

You can load the next ball as soon as the previous ball has been thrown.

Does it require electricity?

NO, like most modern power tools, it's compact, rugged, and battery powered!

How many pitches will I get per charge?

The number of pitches per charge varies with the speed and the weight of the ball. With real baseballs, the machine will throw over 700 pitches at 40 mph, over 600 pitches at 50 mph, and over 500 pitches at 70 mph before recharging.

What if I need to throw more pitches than the battery can provide?

We offer an external battery pack that doubles the capacity of the machines. Just flip a switch and keep on pitching.

Can I use the machines with the charger plugged in?

Yes, by having the machine plugged into the charger you will benefit from charging between pitches and also between batters. This significantly increases the number of pitches prior to recharging.

My battery is dead; will the machine run off the charger?

NO, the battery must be at least partially charged in order to run the compressor.

What is the life of the battery?

With proper care, the expected life of the battery is 4-6 years.

How long does it take to charge the battery?

The battery requires about 10 hours for a full charge. The battery does not need to be fully charged to use the machine.

How often should I charge the battery?

You should charge the battery overnight after every use. During the off-season you can leave the unit on the charger and the pitching machine will monitor the battery and keep it at a proper state of charge. If this is not an option at your location, the battery should be charged overnight at least once every 3 months. NEVER put the unit away with a discharged or partially charged battery as this may seriously reduce the battery life.

Would you recommend this unit for a youth machine-pitch league?

The Zooka Portable Pitching Machines are perfect for youth machine-pitch leagues. They are portable, accurate, and safe. They have provision for an additional external battery. Unlike other machines, they do not require extension cords or a generator at the playfield.

How do you know the speed of the pitch?

The machines measure and display the speed of each pitch in MPH as the ball leaves the barrel.

How high does it throw balls?

It throws pop-ups over 12 stories high!

How do you know when the ball is being pitched?

When a ball is rolled into the machine, it pumps up to pressure for a few seconds, beeps and flashes a pitch alert, and then throws the ball. Most batters quickly learn to anticipate the pitch. If necessary, the operator can help by synchronizing a throwing motion with each pitch.

What kinds of pitches can it throw?

The machine throws fastballs and changeups at speeds from 10 to 70 mph. The ZS740 has 5 levels of changeup mode. Within each level the computer randomly varies 3 pitch speeds. This will move the pitch up and down in the strike zone for more "game realistic" pitching.

Will the machine throw curve balls?

No.

Who can use the ZS740?

The machine helps players of all ages to improve their hitting and fielding.

How much does it weigh?

The Zooka weighs 25 pounds including the internal battery. The tripod weighs 5 pounds. It's the lightest full-featured pitching machine available. It was designed for true portability and ease of use, anywhere you want to play.

Will they throw softballs?

They will not throw softballs. Some softball teams use our machine with our short tripod for a realistic fast pitch release height of 23 inches.

How durable is the unit?

Our machine is designed and built to last. We use a 1/8 inch thick steel inner chassis, high-strength aluminum alloys for light weight structural elements, and high-impact polycarbonate for the housing.

How do I adjust the Zooka so that it hits the strike zone?

Our machine is much easier to aim and adjust than other designs. A calibrated pitch height adjustment scale on the tripod lets the user quickly and precisely adjust pitch placement.

Can you use the Zooka for fielding practice?

Yes. The ZS740 quickly adjusts for pop-ups, fly balls, line drives and outfield grounders. Because of its pinpoint accuracy and repeatability, it is ideal for a wide variety of fielding drills. Players rapidly gain skill through repetition. Many users say that pop-ups are what Zookas do best!

What other products or accessories are you going to offer?

Zooka also offers an external battery pack, various types of balls, a short tripod, and service parts. See our products page for additional information and prices.

Can you use this indoors?

Yes. We recommend the use of soft-core baseballs or tennis balls for indoor practice.

What is your warranty?

The machines are covered by a 12-month warranty. Over the past decade, millions & millions of quality pitches have proven the machine's unique design and rugged construction to be extremely reliable.

Where can I buy this pitching machine?

You can purchase it directly from our web site, or our toll free phone number at 1-877-854-9319.

How long does it take to set up the ZS740?

Setup takes less than one minute. No tools are required.

What do I do if I have a problem with my Zooka?

With proper care, the Zooka pitching machine should give years of trouble-free use. Simple cleaning and battery charging after each use will prevent most problems. The pitching machines have built-in self-diagnostics and will display error codes when error conditions occur. Users should then refer to the troubleshooting section of the owner's manual for advice on clearing common problems. If you need additional assistance, please contact our Customer Service Department at 425-861-0111.