SKLZ Hurricane Category 4 User manual

Hurricane Category 4 Instructions For Use
Storm the Plate with Confi dence
Category Category
INSTRUCTIONS
SOLO SWING TRAINING MACHINE

Hurricane Category 4 Instructions For Use
Hurricane Category 4 Safety Rules
Read each safety rule before assembling or
using your new Hurricane Machine
»The use of this product requires ADULT SUPERVISION AT ALL TIMES.
» Use of this product in a manner other than described in this manual can lead to
serious injury for which the manufacturer and/or distributor will not be held liable.
Only use a practice bat.
» Wear a batting helmet with a face guard at all times while using this product.
» Age Restrictions: 5 and up
1. Make sure no one is near the batter or the Hurricane ball’s circular path of
movement. Never hit the ball toward people. Always hit the ball toward an
open unoccupied area, a fence, a wall, etc. A “safety clearance zone” with a
radius of 24 feet is required while using this machine.
2. Make sure to maintain the 24 ft. clearance “safety zone” while using the
machine. No one except the batter should be inside the “safety zone”. Should
anyone else enter the “safety zone”, the batter must stop hitting the machine
immediately.
3. Never adjust the Hurricane Machines height without removing the powerbands.
When adjusting the machine’s height, hold the impact head component. Never
touch the machine’s rotational axle when adjusting the height.
4. When installing the Hurricane Machine’s powerbands, always hook the
powerband on the bottom hook first. Use your foot to hold the machine in place
when installing a powerband.
5. Batters should frequently check their distance and location in relation to the
ball to insure proper contact can be made. At no time should the batter make
contact with the shaft of the ball unit. The batter should hit only the ball at the
end of the rod. The shaft is made of an extremely durable material. However,
repeated contact with the shaft may cause breakage.
6. Before using the machine, the adult supervising should always do the following:
a. Inspect the ball unit for damage or signs of failure.
b. Make sure all knobs are tightened properly.
c. Make sure that no one is near the machine or the batter.
d. Make sure that the ball is not going to be hit toward anyone.
7. For indoor use, it is recommended that the machine be placed on a mat or rug
to protect the surface of the floor. Sandbags should be used to prevent the
machine from moving when it is used indoors. Ground pins should be used to
prevent the machine from moving when it is used outdoors.

Hurricane Category 4 Instructions For Use
1
Hurricane Category 4 Assembly Instructions
Before you begin assembly, check your inventory. Make sure that you
have received all required parts and components.
Parts and Hardware List
A
D
C
E
F
HI
G
B
Label Qty Name Label Qty Name
A1 Impact Head Component F1 Height Adjustment Collar
B1 Hurricane Support Column G6 Locking Knobs
C1 Hook-Bar H4 Ground Pins
D4 Hurricane Machine Legs I4 Powerbands
E1 Rotational Machine Axle 1 Carry Bag (not shown)

2
Hurricane Category 4 Instructions For Use
Know Your Hurricane Category 4 Components
Hitting Target
Impact head component
Top component powerband
connector hook
Hook-bar powerband
connector hooks
Leg locking knobs
Powerband ball-return
mechanism
(rubber sleeve up) Height adjusting collar
Support column
Ground pin anchor
Ground pin
receiver hole
Hook-bar locking knob
Rotational axle
Top component locking knob
Hurricane leg

Hurricane Category 4 Instructions For Use
3
Step-By-Step Assembly Instructions
Step 1 – Install each leg and lock it
into place by tightening the knob.
Make sure that you have a level surface to
assemble your machine. Place each leg (D)
onto a square leg receiver of the support
column (B) with the knob-nut on top. Slide
the leg as far onto the receiver as it will go.
Place a knob (G) into each leg and tighten
it until the leg is locked securely in place.
Check each leg to insure that it is tight and
does not move.
Step 2 – Put the height adjustment
collar onto the axle and tighten the
knob.
The axle (E) is shipped inside the support
column and must be pulled up to slide the
height adjustment collar (F) onto it. Place
two fingers inside the axle and pull it up at
least 6 inches. Slide the collar onto it and
tighten the adjustment knob locking the
collar securely into place.
**Consumer Notice – The Hurricane’s axle comes
greased; however, to extend the life of the product,
we suggest re-greasing after each season or when
necessary.
To lubricate the axle, grab the top component
and pull the axle up and out of the machine’s support
column. Apply grease to the axle below the height
adjustment collar. Spin the top component completely
around several times to evenly spread the grease.
Carefully slide the axle back into the support column.
Always leave your axle inside the column. The grease
used for this application is the heavy-duty wheel axle
grease that can be purchased at any auto parts store or
automotive section of any mass merchant store.

4
Hurricane Category 4 Instructions For Use
Step 3 – Install the impact head
component and tighten knob to lock it
onto the top end of the axle.
Slide the impact head component (A) down
onto the top end of the axle. Put an adjustment
knob into it and tighten the knob securing the
top component onto the axle.
Step 4 – Install the hook-bar and tighten
the knob to secure it.
The hook-bar (C) has four hooks on it. It serves
as the machines bottom connection for the
powerbands. Slide the hook-bar onto the
round receiver extending from the back of
your support column. The hooks should be on
top. Tighten the knob to secure it. Line up the
impact head component over the hook-bar, so
the top hook is directly over the bottom four
hooks of the hook-bar.
Step 5 – Install Powerbands – Adjust
length if necessary.
The powerbands (I) are the black bungee cords
with black plastic balls. The plastic balls connect
to the machine using the hooks on the impact
head component and hook-bar. Connect the
bottom of the powerband to the bottom of the
Hurricane on the hook bar. Then connect the
top ball to the top on the hook located on the
impact head component. If using the Hurricane
for the first time start with one powerband on
the machine.
Step-By-Step Assembly Instructions (continued)
To increase tension, knots can be tied on the powerbands to adjust the height. Slide the
bottom plastic ball on the cord and tie another knot. Now slide the ball over the knot.
NOTE
Top
Bottom

Hurricane Category 4 Instructions For Use
5
The Hurricane Machine’s energy source is the “wrapping and unwrapping” of
the powerbands. The powerbands must be allowed to unwrap before the batter
hits the ball. Failure to allow the powerbands to unwrap between swings will
continually stretch and stress the powerbands until they fail. Therefore, make
sure the batter understands that allowing the powerbands to unwrap is the only
way for this machine to work correctly. Misuse is not covered under the warranty
provisions. To extend the life of the powerbands, remove them from the Hurricane
when not in use.
NOTE
Step 6 – Anchoring your machine
during use.
Before setting your machine up for use,
choose a location indoors or outdoors that
has sufficient space to allow an adequate
“24 ft. Safety Zone” during use. To anchor
your machine on a hard surface, indoors or
outdoors, use sandbags filled with sand.
Outdoors you should use the Hurricane
Machine’s ground pins (H). The ground
pins are inserted through the holes in each
leg of the machine. You may have to use
a hammer to “drive” the ground pins into
the ground if the ground is hard. Using
sand bags and ground pins prevents your
machine from moving during use. Once
your machine has the sandbags or ground
pins in place, the machine is ready for use.
Make sure to read the safety rules before choosing a location for using your
machine. Make sure to follow all safety rules. Remember to always make
sure to clear your “safety zone” before using your machine.
Step-By-Step Assembly Instructions (continued)

6
Hurricane Category 4 Instructions For Use
How to Adjust Your Hurricane to Your Needs
Read all safety rules and the “Proper Batter Location and Angle” page before making
any of the adjustments below. Your new machine must be properly assembled before
any of the adjustments below are possible. Make sure to carefully read and follow each
step of your assembly instructions to make sure your machine is properly assembled.
STRIKE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
You can change the height of the ball in seconds.
First, remove the powerbands. (Unhook the
Powerband at the top first.) Next, with the
powerbands removed, holding the machine by
the back of impact head component loosen the
height-adjustment-collar knob with the other
hand. Slide the machine up or down to the desired
height and tighten the knob to secure the collar
and lock the machine at the height chosen. Install
the powerbands. (Connect the Powerband on the
bottom first.) If you need to change the tension on
a Powerband, slide the bottom plastic connector
ball up the cord and tie another knot.
SPEED ADJUSTMENT
The powerbands are the speed adjustment
mechanism for your machine. You add a Powerband
to increase speed and you remove a Powerband
to decrease speed. Always follow the safety rules
when adding or removing powerbands. Young and
beginner batters may need to begin with a single
Powerband to allow them to adapt to the speed of
the ball rotation.
STRIKE LOCATION ADJUSTMENT
Your machine allows you to practice hitting every
possible strike location. The machine is always
anchored and never moved. You should use ground
pins or sandbags to stabilize your machine. The
batter changes strike location by relocating and
repositioning to a different angle to the machines
ball. The batter should always strive to keep the
ball-rod directed at the batter’s back foot.

Hurricane Category 4 Instructions For Use
7
REGULAR STRIKE CONTACT
The batter assumes a stance and position that allows
the batter to hit the ball over the middle third of the
plate.
The batter is at a proper distance from the ball to
insure that proper contact is made with the ball
component and not the shaft.
The batter should assess the quality of each swing by
observing the reaction of the ball upon contact. The
batter should be able to determine if a ground ball,
fly ball, or line drive was hit. The batter can also assess
the power by observing how many times the ball
rotates upon contact. Notice the angle of the batter’s
feet and body.
Each time the ball returns, the batter will hit the
ball. The ball may be hit while moving or from a still
position like a hitting off a tee.
INSIDE STRIKE CONTACT
The batter assumes a stance and position that allows
the batter to hit the ball on the inner third of the plate.
The batter will practice “pulling the ball”. The batter
makes sure to get maximum lower-body involvement
by using good hip rotation.
The batter is at a proper distance from the ball to
insure that proper contact is made with the ball
component and not the shaft.
The batter should assess the quality of each swing by
observing the reaction of the ball upon contact. The
batter should be able to determine if a ground ball,
fly ball, or line drive was hit. The batter can also assess
the power by observing how many times the ball
rotates upon contact. The angle of the batter’s feet
and body allow the batter to practice “turning on the
inside pitch”.
Each time the ball returns, the batter will hit the
ball. The ball may be hit while moving or from a still
position like a hitting off a tee.
Example of Various Strike Locations and Angles

8
Hurricane Category 4 Instructions For Use
AWAY STRIKE CONTACT
The batter assumes a stance and position that allows
the batter to hit the ball on the outer third of the
plate. The batter will practice “hitting the ball to the
opposite field”. This is the exact same location that
the batter should attack the off-speed pitch.
The batter is at a proper distance from the ball to
insure that proper contact is made with the ball
component and not the shaft.
The batter should assess the quality of each swing
by observing the reaction of the ball upon contact.
The batter should be able to determine if a ground
ball, fly ball, or line drive was hit. The batter can also
assess the power by observing how many times the
ball rotates upon contact. The angle of the batter’s
feet and body allow the batter to practice “hitting to
the opposite field”.
Each time the ball returns, the batter will hit the ball. The ball may
be hit while moving or from a still position like a hitting off a tee.
HIP-TURNER DRILL
“Hip-turn” is a vital part of power hitting. A hitter can generate
incredible power by learning to incorporate the lower-half of his or
her body into the swing.
The batter assumes a position that places the body
and feet at an angle facing away from the Hurricane
Machine. The ball unit is directed at the batter’s “hip
pocket”. Many people call this drill the “hip-pocket”
hitting drill. The batter must take a step, turn and drive
the hips through, in order to make strong contact with
the ball.
The batter is at a proper distance from the ball to
insure that proper contact is made with the ball
component and not the shaft.
The batter should assess the quality of each swing
by observing the reaction of the ball upon contact.
The batter should be able to determine if a ground
ball, fly ball, or line drive was hit. The batter can also
assess the power by observing how many times the ball rotates
upon contact.
Each time the ball returns, the batter will hit the ball. The ball may
be hit while moving or from a still position like a hitting off a tee.

Hurricane Category 4 Instructions For Use
9
Right-Handed Batters (left-handed batters do the reverse)
» Shown are the proper angles and positions for each of the various drills. Batters
should always locate at an angle that directs the ball rod toward the batter’s
back leg. This angle ensures proper ball contact without hitting the shaft.
» Special attention should always be given to making sure each practice swing is
performed correctly. The batter should read each swing’s contact to access the
swing quality and power. Correction should be made when needed. It is better
to work at a slower pace with quality swings than to work too fast and to have
poor swing quality.
» The batter should always take the time to assume a proper stance and use
correct mechanics.
» Batters should practice hitting all possible strike locations. The hurricane allows
you to choose a precise location to practice hitting.
» The machine rotates in an 7 ft. circle. Make sure your safety zone is clear.
» Always check each component of the machine before use to assure each is in
proper working condition
» Before using the Hurricane read the safety rules. Always follow those rules during
assembly and use.
Proper “Batter-to-Machine” Positioning
is Vital when Using the Hurricane.
Hip-Turner
Drill
Middle Strike
Location
Middle Away
Strike
Away Strike
Location
Inside Pull
Drill
NOTICE

10
Hurricane Category 4 Instructions For Use
The Highly Acclaimed 20-Minute
Hurricane™Batting Practice Workout
This workout is the absolute best batting practice available today! The
workout covers all mechanics and skills required for hitting success. The
batter spends just 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week, to become a hitter
that dominates at the plate!
For these and more SKLZ DRILLS, visit our website: www.SKLZ.com
NOTICE
Batters should always stretch and warm-up adequately before hitting the
Hurricane Machine.
DIRECTIONS: Each drill targets a specific part of the body to build
strength. See Drills Section for complete instructions for each drill.
» DRILL #1 – TOP HAND DRILL – 10 SWINGS –
Batter should work fast
taking swings as quickly as possible. Each swing counts whether the bat
hits the ball or not.
» DRILL #2 – BOTTOM HAND DRILL – 10 SWINGS – Batter should work fast
taking swings as quickly as possible. Each swing counts whether the bat
hits the ball or not.
» DRILL #3 – HIP TURNER DRILL – 10 SWINGS – Batter should make sure
that the ball is directed at the front side back hip pocket. The batter
should take a swing every 10 seconds.
» DRILL #4 – INSIDE CONTACT DRILL - 15 SWINGS – Batter should make
sure the ball is directed at the batter’s back foot in the INSIDE
CONTACT POSITION. A swing is taken every 10 seconds.
» DRILL #5 – REGULAR CONTACT DRILL - 15 SWINGS – Batter should make
sure the ball is directed at the batter’s back foot in the REGULAR
CONTACT POSITION. A swing is taken every 10 seconds.
» DRILL #6 – AWAY CONTACT DRILL - 15 SWINGS – Batter should make
sure the ball is directed at the batter’s back foot in the AWAY
CONTACT POSITION. A swing is taken every 10 seconds.

Hurricane Category 4 Instructions For Use
11
NOTE
The balance of the remaining time should be used to perform these three drills:
» DRILL #7 – HURRICANE HITTER “BP” DRILL
» DRILL #8 – HITTING STREAK DRILL
» DRILL #9 – STEP-IN-AND-HIT DRILL
Hurricane “High Speed” Movement Drills
The Hurricane Machine uses specially designed powerbands to return the
ball after each swing. The machine’s action is a “wrapping and unwrapping”
process. The batter must allow the machine to unwind between swings to allow
the tension on the bands to release. If the batter hits the ball without allowing
the machine to “unwrap,” the powerbands will stretch too tight, fatigue, and
break.
DRILL: Hurricane “BP”
The most common and frequently used drill
Directions:
1. The batter assumes a position with the ball-rod directed at the middle of the
batter’s body. The batter starts the drill by hitting the ball the first time from
the “still” position.
2. After the first swing the batter will take one step to the right or left.
Right-handers move right and left-handers move left. This puts the batter in a
position to insure proper contact is made with the ball component.
3. The batter continues to hit the ball as it comes by every third pass.
4. The batter must take the time to reset after each swing to insure proper
hitting mechanics and fundamentals are being practiced.
5. When the ball is hit hard with a level swing, the ball will return level at a good
speed.
6. If the ball is missed or miss-hit, the ball will “bounce or bobble” up and down.
7. When the ball is bouncing, the batter may wish to stop and start the drill
over. The batter may choose to hit the ball as it bounces. This is a difficult and
challenging task.

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Hurricane Category 4 Instructions For Use
DRILL: “STREAK DRILL”
Build skill and entertains at the same time.
Directions:
1. The STREAK DRILL is a competitive drill that allows a batter to compete
against the best previous score or against other batters.
2. The object of the drill is to hit the ball as many times as possible, in
succession, without a clean miss. The number of times the batter makes
contact with the ball, without a clean miss, is the batter’s STREAK NUMBER
for the competition.
3. If the batter cleanly misses, the batter’s “time to hit” is over. It is now time for
another batter to hit.
4. When two batters compete, the players take turns batting and competing to
see who can build the longest hitting streak. Any bat contact with the ball
keeps the “batter’s streak” alive.
5. If a batter touches the ball with a hand, a non-swung bat, or stops the ball in
any other way, that batter’s streak is stopped. It is now the next batter’s turn
to hit.
6. The batter should make sure to make contact with the ball component and
not the shaft.
7. The batter must allow the machine to unwind between swings to allow the
tension on the bands to release. If the batter hits the ball without allowing
the machine to “unwrap” the powerbands will stretch too tight, fatigue, and
break.
Hurricane Specialty Drills
DRILL: “TOP-HAND”
“One-handed drill builds strength and skill.”
Objective: The “Top-Hand” drill builds and develops arm strength in the
wrist, forearms and biceps. The drill is used to improve hand-eye coordination
of the top hand.
Procedure: The batter will hit the ball using only the batter’s top hand. The
batter may “step into the ball” and use the lower body, hips and legs to help
generate more power with these one-handed swings.
Recommended Number of Swings: Beginners should begin with 10
swings. Each week the batter should add 10 more swings until the batter can
take 60 swings with a bat of normal weight. Advanced hitters may wish to use a
weighted bat and increase the number of swings taken.

Hurricane Category 4 Instructions For Use
13
Coaching Point: The bat will always go where the top hand takes it with
the power generated by the bottom-hand. Players perform the “Top-Hand”
drill with the top hand in its normal position on the bat grip. There should
be an effort made to take a short, compact, and deliberate swing that
perfectly hits the “bulb” of the ball. This drill can be performed with a still
or moving ball. The batter may wish to kneel and perform this drill on one
knee to make the arms muscle work above the shoulder thus building more
strength.
DRILL: “BOTTOM-HAND”
“One-handed drill improves bat speed and power.”
Objective: To build and develop wrist, forearm, and muscle strength in the
batter’s “bottom or pull hand”. The bottom hand generates most of the swings
power and bat-speed.
Procedure: The batter will hit the ball using the batter’s bottom hand on the
bat grip. The batter may “step into the ball” and use the lower body, hips and
legs to help generate a more powerful swing.
Recommended Number of Swings: Beginners should begin with 10
swings. Each week the batter should add 10 more swings until the batter can
take 60 swings with a bat of normal weight. Advanced hitters may wish to use a
weighted bat and increase the number of swings taken.
Coaching Point: The batter should perform this drill with the “pull
or bottom hand” in its normal position on the bats grip. There should be
an effort made to take a short, compact, and deliberate swing that perfectly
hits the “bulb” of the ball. This drill can be performed with a still or moving
ball. It is recommended that this drill be performed with the ball set at its
highest level possible to make the batter utilize the muscles of the arm
rather than using gravity to move the bat.
The ball must be chest high to the batter to maximize the benefits received.
Very tall batters may have to kneel on a knee to perform the drill.
DRILL: “SWITCH HITTING”
“Develops a batter’s ability to switch hit from both sides of the plate.”
Objective: The batter practices batting from both sides of the plate without
having to stop, reset, or adjust the machine. This repetitive practice helps
develop a solid swing from both sides of the plate.

14
Hurricane Category 4 Instructions For Use
Procedure: The batter assumes the regular contact position. The batter takes
5 swings right-handed and then takes 5 swings left-handed. The batter can
practice hitting a still or moving ball.
Recommended Number of Swings: Beginners: 3 sets of 5 swings from
each side allowing 15 swings from both sides (30 swings total). Advanced
Players should double or triple this workout as their strength and skill improves.
Coaching Point: The batter must allow the ball to stop and reverse
directions when the batter switches sides. “FRONT-SIDE CLOSURE” and
“TRIGGERING MECHANISM” should be given special attention when
practicing switch hitting. This is a simple closing movement of the batter’s
front side prior to each swing. This “closing” action helps the batter keep
the front side in and insures that solid contact is made with total plate
coverage. A batter may find it easy and natural to “trigger” from the
batter’s natural swing side. That same batter may need high numbers of
practice swings from the “adopted side” of the plate to make “triggering”
from that side to feel natural and comfortable.
DRILL: “STEP-IN-AND-HIT”
Helps correct the “Stepping Out” hitting flaw.
Objective: This drill emphasizes “stepping into” the ball to generate power
and bat speed. This is an excellent drill to help young hitters eliminate the bad
habit of “stepping out” during the swing.
Procedure: The batter starts the drill by standing farther away from the
machine than normal. This starting position allows the batter to take two steps
inward before swinging the bat.
The batter will step first with the back foot and then with the front foot. When
the front foot “lands” the batter attacks the ball.
The drill may be performed with a still or moving ball. The batter should take
the time to set and observe all body movement before and after each swing. It
is sometimes good to have the batter freeze after the swing to see if the proper
finish position is reached after each swing.
The batter should make sure to make contact with the ball component and not
the shaft.
Recommended Number of Swings: 10 Swings

Hurricane Category 4 Instructions For Use
Check out the entire line of
SKLZ Baseball trainers
online at
www.SKLZ.com
Coaching Point: The “STEP-IN-AND-HIT” drill is a drill that every coach
and parent should be familiar with and know about. At young levels of play
we often see a batter “step-out”. The batter may have a fear of being hit.
This drill works great in helping break this bad habit.
Coaching Point: If you observe a batter that is popping the ball up or
missing the ball completely, chances are good that the batter is “flying
open” or “losing the front-side” during the swing. The batter should use
a closed stance and make a special effort to keep the toes, knees, belly
bottom, and shoulders square to the plate until contact is made with the
ball.
Coaching Point: If you observe a batter that is hitting everything into the
dirt with a weak ground ball, chances are good that the batter is attacking
the ball too soon. The batter should never have to reach or move the back
foot to make contact with the ball. The batter should allow the ball to
“come-inside” the batter’s front foot before attacking the ball to insure that
proper contact can be made. This attack timing allows the batter to use the
front leg as leverage to generate maximum power. The bat makes contact
with the ball on a level plane rather than after the bat starts “arching
upward”. This level contact allows the batter to hit line drives.

90-DAY LIMITED WARRANTY
HURRICANE CATEGORY 4
Pro Performance Sports (PPS) warrants to the original consumer purchaser
of any PPS product it manufactures that the product will be free of defects
in materials or workmanship for 90 days (unless specified in alternate
warranties) from the date of purchase. If defective, and purchased from a
retail store, return the product along with receipt to the retail store where
the product was purchased. If the item was purchased from PPS, return
the product along with proof of the date of purchase (i.e. the packing slip),
postage prepaid to the address below for replacement consideration:
Pro Performance Sports
5823 Newton Drive :: Suite 200 :: Carlsbad, CA 92008
Attn: Returns
This warranty does not cover damages resulting from accident, misuse,
abuse or lost merchandise. Only valid in the USA. All returns sent to Pro
Performance Sports require a Return Merchandise Authorization number
(RMA). For returns to Pro Performance Sports and for all other Customer
Service inquiries, please call toll free: 1-877-225-7275.
REGISTER YOUR PRODUCT ONLINE TO ENSURE
WARRANTY COVERAGE
DO YOU HAVE A WINNING SPORTS PRODUCT OR IDEA?
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©2010 Pro Performance Sports.
All rights reserved.
Unauthorized duplication is
a violation of applicable laws.
U.S. Patent 6,458,037
MADE IN CHINA