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Trackman: Guide

How do I calibrate Trackman and run hitting or pitching sessions for BASE assessments?

Written by Drew Pomeroy

Overview

This guide outlines procedures for performing pitching, throwing, and hitting assessments using the Trackman system. It details the required actions for position players, pitchers, and two-way players, as well as the necessary equipment and step-by-step set-up instructions for both hitting and pitching sessions.

Assessment Requirements

POSITION PLAYERS

  • Take at least 12 swings on the Trackman for the Hitting Assessment. Swings may be performed using front toss, flips, live arm, or a machine.

PITCHERS

  • Throw a minimum of 12 pitches in a bullpen session, mixing all pitch types.

  • For each pitch type, alternate between Stretch and Windup.

TWO-WAY PLAYERS

  • Take at least 12 swings on the Trackman for the Hitting Assessment, using front toss, flips, live arm, or a machine.

  • Throw a minimum of 12 pitches in a bullpen session, mixing all pitch types.

  • For each pitch type, alternate between Stretch and Windup.


Required Equipment

  • TRACKMAN

  • TRACKMAN TRIPOD

  • IPAD

  • MEASURING TAPE


Hitting Session Setup and Execution

Staff Required: One coach or instructor


Step 1: Clear the Hitting Cage Remove all equipment and ensure the cage is clear before setting up Trackman.


Step 2: Power On and Calibrate Trackman

  1. Press and hold the power button until the device turns on. Wait for the blue Wi-Fi light to appear

    • If the blue light does not appear, check the battery and plug in the device

  2. While waiting, open the Trackman app on the iPad and confirm players, groups, and software are up to date

  3. Once the blue light is on, switch the iPad Wi-Fi to the Trackman network (TMBP)

    • Wi-Fi password: password

  4. Open the Trackman app and select the Trackman unit displayed — the unit serial number appears below the image

  5. Tap the Trackman icon in the upper right corner, scroll down, and select Calibrate Trackman

  6. Choose Hitting

  7. Place the Trackman behind home plate with only a perimeter net or 10x10 net in front of the unit — do not place both nets in front

  8. Enter the following measurements:

    • Distance — measure from the tip of home plate to the center of the tripod

    • Height — measure from the ground to the center of the Trackman unit

    • Offset — use only if there are obstacles that cannot be moved

  9. Follow the slider guidelines for acceptable ranges, then select Next

  10. Position the Trackman so the tip of home plate and roll behind the plate are inside the square

  11. Drag the bullseye to each corner of home plate — use the arrows for precise adjustments

  12. Drag the line so it runs directly straight up the middle

  13. If calibration is successful, the screen will display "Success" and return to the capture page


Step 3: Create a New Session

  1. Select New Session and choose Hitting as the session type

  2. Select the athletes or lineup for the session

  3. Tap Start Session

  4. To switch between athletes during the session, select the athlete name in the top left corner, choose from the list, and select the new athlete

  5. Pause the session during ball pickups or instruction to reduce interference

    • Athletes should avoid touching the tripod or unit at all times


Step 4: Upload the Session

Complete this step after all sessions are finished for the day.

  1. Switch the iPad Wi-Fi from the Trackman network back to a standard Wi-Fi network

  2. Open the Trackman app and select History

  3. Sessions that need uploading will begin automatically

  4. If an upload error occurs, select the session, navigate to Sync Status, and choose Force Upload


⚠️ Do not upload mid-session. Always complete all data capture before switching networks and uploading.


Pitching & Throwing Execution

Trackman Pitching/Throwing Session — Setup & Execution Guide

Staff Required: One coach or instructor


Step 1: Clear the Pitching Area Remove all equipment and ensure the pitching area is clear before setting up Trackman.


Step 2: Power On and Calibrate Trackman

  1. Press and hold the power button until the device turns on. Wait for the blue Wi-Fi light to appear

    • If the blue light does not appear, check the battery and plug in the device

  2. While waiting, open the Trackman app on the iPad and confirm all software updates are installed

  3. Once the blue light is on, switch the iPad Wi-Fi to the Trackman network (TMBP)

    • Wi-Fi password: password

  4. Open the Trackman app and select the Trackman unit displayed — the serial number appears below the image

  5. Tap the Trackman icon in the upper right corner, scroll down, and select Calibrate Trackman

  6. Choose Pitching Practice

  7. On the Select Trackman Location page:

    • If athletes are throwing from 54 or 50-foot mounds, select Custom Pitching Distance or Height

    • For position players' shuffle throws, set mound height to 0

  8. Place the Trackman behind home plate with only a perimeter net or 10x10 net in front of the unit — do not place both nets in front

  9. Enter the following measurements:

    • Distance — measure from the tip of home plate to the center of the tripod

    • Height — measure from the ground to the center of the Trackman unit

    • Offset — use only if there are obstacles that cannot be moved

  10. Follow the slider guidelines for acceptable ranges, then select Next

  11. Position the Trackman so:

    • The tip of home plate and roll behind the plate are inside the lower square

    • The pitching rubber is in view of the upper square

  12. Drag the bullseye to each corner of home plate and to the center of the pitching rubber — use the arrows for precise adjustments

  13. If calibration is successful, the screen will display "Success" and return to the capture page

    • If using a pitching target or 9-pocket, place it after calibration is complete


Step 3: Create a New Session

  1. Select New Session and choose Pitching Practice as the session type

  2. Select the athletes or lineup for the session

  3. Tap Start Session

  4. To switch between athletes during the session, select the athlete name in the top left corner, choose from the list, and select the new athlete

  5. Pause the session during ball pickups or instruction to reduce interference

    • Athletes should avoid touching the tripod or unit at all times


Step 4: Upload the Session

Complete this step after all sessions are finished for the day.

  1. Switch the iPad Wi-Fi from the Trackman network back to a standard Wi-Fi network

  2. Open the Trackman app and select History

  3. Sessions that need uploading will begin automatically

  4. If an upload error occurs, select the session, navigate to Sync Status, and choose Force Upload


⚠️ Do not upload mid-session. Always complete all data capture before switching networks and uploading.


Login Credentials

To maintain data security, login credentials for the Trackman app are restricted to authorized personnel.

  • Login Required: If you are not signed in or do not have the credentials for your facility, please reach out to your 1845 Support Representative or your Facility Admin.


⚠️ Operational Notes

  • Obstacles: Use the "Offset" feature during calibration if there are permanent fixtures that cannot be moved.

  • Interference: Instruct athletes and staff to avoid touching the tripod or unit once calibration is set.

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