Abstract: A system and method for pitching balls, particularly round balls such as volleyballs. The system and method are flexibly designed to simulate different types of pitches including but not limited to setting, blocking, bumping, shooting, dinking, passing, tipping, digging, serving, killing and spiking. A stable base frame is configured with an integrated operator stand. A rack bar is affixed to a front portion of the frame at an inclined angle. Three wheels are mounted on an adjustable throwing head, each wheel being powered by a motor that is adjusted independently so that the relative speed of the wheels imparts different spin to a ball that is launched from the throwing head. The throwing head can be adjusted up and down on the rack bar to be as high as a jump serve release point or as low as a at floor level to simulate a dig. The apparatus is portable and fits through standard gymnasium doors.

Abstract: A system and method to pitch balls using one powered wheel. The system and method comprise a single powered wheel and at least two pinch pads configured with an aperture between them to allow a player to see the ball throughout the length of its descent into the aperture prior to being pitched.

Abstract: Practice balls may be presented to a person in need of hitting practice by using an apparatus for pitching practice balls that includes a support for a ball propelling head, high enough to raise the head to the approximate height of a pitcher's arm when he releases a pitched ball, three variable speed motor powered wheels forming a ball propelling chute to propel a ball dropped through the chute attached to the ball propelling head, the three wheels forming a chute through which the ball to be thrown is visible, and the three variable speed motor powered wheels attached to a motor plate held within and attached to a pivotable frame; a control panel attached to the support providing access to one speed control for each motor driving a ball propelling head; and at least one front wheel guard plate in front of at least one ball propelling head of sufficient strength to provide protection from pieces of the wheels if the at least one wheels should disintegrate.