What is the weight of the Aerial Attack broken down?
With legs included, it weighs 115lbs.
What is the size of the Aerial Attack broken down?
On tripod legs it is 36” (L) x 36” (W), 56” (H)
What type of assembly is necessary upon first receipt of my new Aerial Attack and are there any special tools required?
Minimal assembly is required as you will have to simply attach the tripod to the machine. No tools are required.
How is the Aerial Attack most commonly transported?
On tripod, tilt down, remove two front legs and use rear to transport and guide the machine.
How is the Aerial Attack moved around the football field?
The Aerial Attack is provided with two large, solid rolling wheels on which the machine is moved on and off the field. Throwing wheels never touch the ground.
Are there specifications for the balls that perform best with the Aerial Attack?
Both leather and composite balls work with the Aerial Attack. The machine will perform best with properly inflated balls (10 to 13 lbs.). The machine is designed for a standard football (high school level play and above), it will not throw a youth size ball.
Are there particular balls that will not perform well with the Aerial Attack?
Youth balls, undersize, or under-inflated balls will not perform well.
Does it throw wet balls?
No, balls need to be dry when using the machine. Wet balls will slip; the wheels will not grip the ball properly.
What is the height of the ball release point of the machine?
The ball release point on the tripod is 50″.
How accurate is this machine?
Extremely accurate. However, to insure you get the best accuracy, the balls used should be the same brand and equally inflated. This will provide the most consistent performance and accuracy.
What are the full load operating amps for the Aerial Attack?
1.5 continuous amps
What is an acceptable length for an extension cord and what type do I need?
Use a minimum of #14/3 grounded power cord up to 200 foot in length. A longer cord will require the opinion of a licensed electrician.
Why do you not offer a battery-powered machine?
Battery powered units have much longer recovery time and slowly diminish in power which can result in inconsistent performance. The need to make sure the unit is always charged and ready to use is also an issue. Batteries are very expensive to replace and are large and cumbersome to move around. As a result of these and many other concerns, we recommend generators; please see the next question.
Can the machine be operated with a generator?
Yes, however the generator must generate “clean electricity”. We recommend a minimum of 1000W, up to 2000W Honda generator with inverter technology. Weight of these generators is approximately 27 lbs, similar to the weight of a battery, but they are extremely portable.
What happens if the machine is used with a generator other than one that generates “clean electricity”?
Unless the generator provides “clean electricity”, the power surges from the generator will cause the Aerial Attack to surge and become erratic, causing the machine to deliver inconsistent snaps or passes. (This phenomenon exists with all machines currently on the market.) See question above for recommended generator to be used with the Aerial Attack.
What is the range of ball speeds the machine can deliver?
The Aerial Attack can up to a 70 MPH pass.
What adjustment is required to change the type of pass?
Velocity as well as the horizontal and vertical adjustments are necessary to change the type of pass.
What is the advantage of an Aerial Attack machine design as compared to competitive units?
The Aerial Attack does not scar balls. It is easily portable with no deflating wheels. The controller is easily accessible and extremely easy to use. Safety is important and the Aerial Attack has wheels that are guarded. The Aerial Attack also has much quicker recovery time, almost instant recovery as each wheel has its own much more powerful motor. The Aerial Attack wheels are polyurethane and are much lighter, faster, and more durable.
What makes the Aerial Attack machine wheels higher in quality?
Sports Attack uses the same polyurethane material for the wheels on all of our machines. There are no air pressure considerations with our solid design. Sports Attack has never replaced a ball throwing wheel on any of our machines due to wear.
Will the machine attach to a transport cart?
Yes, the machine will adapt to almost all carts using our universal cart clamp. Ask us for assistance if you have a cart on which the cart clamp will not work.
How is repair and service handled for the Aerial Attack?
Components are designed to be easily replaced in the field, local assistance is not required. Parts list is available in the manual (also available online on the football web page). Simply identify part needed, order part directly from Sports Attack and follow easy directions for repair. Only a few common tools are required to complete any repair.
What is the warranty on the Aerial Attack?
We stand behind the material and workmanship of our machines as well as all wear components (i.e., throwing wheels, controllers, and motors) for a period of two (2) years from the date of original purchase based on the serial number and date codes on the unit.
How long has Sports Attack been in business producing sports training machines?
Sports Attack was founded in 1995 and manufactures baseball, softball volleyball, American football, cricket, rugby, soccer and tennis ball machines. The founders and owners of Sports Attack combined have over 60+ years’ experience designing, manufacturing, marketing and distributing sports training equipment.
How long does it take to receive a machine?
Sports Attack, located in Reno, NV, can typically deliver a machine anywhere in the U.S. within 5-10 business days.
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Potential General Annual Maintenance
- Check all bolts that are accessible once a season for tightness.
- Check the set screw on the controller knob to make sure it is tight. Check that the knob is at zero, when turned fully counter-clockwise.
- Check the bronze bushings on the right motor tilt head (three total) to make sure they are in good shape, and replace any that are cracked, out of round, or have flat spots.
- Check the metal and nylon washers to make sure they are not worn.
- Lubricate (80w gearcase oil**) the right motor mounting bracket face to ensure ease of operation when changing tilt, for punt, kickoff, etc.
- Check throwing wheels for ball residue build-up. Wheel will not be a consistent color or appear to have a film on the ball throwing surface, or you may see slight peeling of material (this will be ball material, not the surface of the wheel peeling). For removal of ball residue build-up, click here for instructions.
- Also check the wheel throwing surface for any damage (cracks, cuts or small missing pieces). To use the machine safely and to ensure accuracy, the wheel should be clean (see #6) and have a smooth, consistent surface. If there is any visual damage to the wheel(s), call customer service for replacements or order online.
** Found at Walmart or any automotive supply store.
Note: Motors are sealed (sealed bearings) and require no lubrication
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Most Common Operating Errors
The equipment must be used with the proper power source and extension cord.
A 20-amp service is recommended for continuous operation of the machines. Use a minimum of at least #14/3 grounded power cord but preferable a #12/3 cord, limited to 100 feet if possible but no more than 200 ft. in length. A longer cord will require the opinion of a licensed electrician. Any generator that is used must generate “clean electricity”. We recommend a minimum of 1000 watt up to 2000 watt Honda generator with inverter technology. Weight of these generators is approximately 27 lbs., similar to the weight of a battery, and they are extremely portable. Unless the generator provides “clean electricity”, the power surges from the generator will cause a machine to surge and become erratic, it will deliver a ball very inconsistently.
Football machine must be used with the proper balls.
The Snap Attack will perform exceptionally well with leather balls. Balls must be properly inflated (10 to 13 lbs). The machine is designed for a standard football (high school level play and above,) it will not throw a youth size ball. Synthetic balls are not recommended as they will not only wear rapidly but will often leave a much heavier residue on the throwing wheels. Also note that a brand new football will not perform well in the machine, all balls have to be rounded and well broken in. WE RECOMMEND FULL GRAIN LEATHER BALLS.
Throwing wheels must be clean with no cracks or cuts.
See the manual for instructions on how to clean build-up off of a throwing wheel. Build-up may look like a discoloration on the wheel or even be material that is peeling off of the wheel. Any build-up or disrepair is unsafe and will cause erratic machine performance.
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Troubleshooting
Machine is throwing ball inconsistently.
- Check to make sure you are using the proper extension cord (can’t be too light or too long, see above for specifics).
- Check that the wheel and motor mount bolts (through bolts) are tight.
- Make sure the throwing head is stable and locked into place.
- Using mixed balls (types, brand or ages) will cause inconsistent ball delivery. Get one ball and throw it repeatedly, if inaccuracy disappears then this is the cause of your inaccuracy.
- Are the balls you are using wet? Balls have to be dry to throw accurately.
- Check wheels for ball build-up or damage. The surface of the wheel will not ever peel off. If you have material peeling off it is build-up on the wheel, not the wheel deteriorating. This build-up will cause inaccuracy. (Click here for instructions on wheel cleaning)
- Make sure the ball is properly seated in the cradle – cradle locating pin must be in the very end point of the ball.
- Be consistent as to where you place the ball seam when putting the ball into the cradle. Typically, the thick, often white ball seam should be facing up (in the 12 o’clock position.)
Wheels are peeling or coming apart.
- Check wheels for ball build-up or damage. The surface of the wheel will not peel off, if you have material peeling off it is build-up on the wheel, not the wheel deteriorating. (Click here for instructions on wheel cleaning)
One or more ball throwing wheels are not spinning.
- Possible motor or controller problem, call Sports Attack customer service.
Control knob will not stop at the “0” or “10” position.
- Check the set screw on the knob to make sure it is secure.
- If set screw is tight, the knob needs to be reset or controller replaced, call Sports Attack customer service.
Mounted on a cart there is a lot of vibration.
- Check to make sure it is level and the cart clamp is tight.
There is a lot of vibration/noise when the machine is running.
- Check all the motor bolts and wheel bolts to make sure they are securely tightened.
- Make sure machine is locked into place.
Machine will not turn on.
- Check power source by plugging a known good device into the machine end of the extension cord to ensure you have power to the machine.
Click here for instructions on replacing wheels, motors and controllers.
