A fast pitch can challenge batters, making it harder for them to hit the ball. As young athletes grow and improve their skills, their pitch speeds tend to increase. Knowing these benchmarks can help coaches, players, and parents set realistic goals and track progress over time.
In this article, I'll break down the average pitch speeds for different age groups, from Little League to professional baseball. This will give you a clear picture of how pitchers evolve as they mature and gain experience.
Let's dive into the specifics and see what you can expect at each stage of a player's journey.
Little League Pitch Speeds (Ages 9-12)
In Little League, players are just starting to develop their pitching skills. At this stage, their arm strength and mechanics are still in the early stages of growth. You'll see a wide range of abilities as kids begin to understand the fundamentals of pitching.
Speed Breakdown by Age
- 9-10 years old: At this age, players typically throw at speeds between 40 and 45 mph.
- 11-12 years old: As they get older, their pitch speeds generally increase to between 45 and 50 mph.
Pitching in Middle School (Ages 13-14)
As they grow stronger and refine their pitching mechanics, their ability to throw faster pitches improves. Middle schoolers often experience rapid improvements in their athletic abilities, which translates into higher pitch velocities.
Detailed Speed Ranges
- 13-14 years old: At this stage, players will usually throw between 60 and 70 mph.
High School Pitching Progression (Ages 14-18)
This stage is marked by rapid physical growth, enhanced strength, and refined pitching mechanics.
Specific Speed Ranges
- Freshmen (14-15 years old): At this stage, your high schooler typically throws between 65 and 75 mph.
- Sophomores (15-16 years old): With another year of experience and training, their pitch speeds usually increase to 70-80 mph.
- Juniors (16-17 years old): By now, your pitcher can throw between 75 and 85 mph.
- Seniors (17-18 years old): In their final high school year, pitchers can reach speeds of 80-90 mph.
College Pitchers: What to Expect
At this level, athletes are more mature physically and have honed their skills through years of dedicated practice.
Speed Ranges by Division
- NCAA Division I: Pitchers in Division I typically throw between 85 and 95 mph.
- NCAA Division II: In Division II, pitch speeds usually range from 80 to 90 mph.
- NCAA Division III: Division III pitchers generally throw between 75 and 85 mph.
The Pros: Professional Pitch Speeds
Professional players have undergone extensive training and development, allowing them to achieve peak velocities.
Average Pitch Speeds
- Minor League: In the minor leagues, pitchers typically throw between 85 and 95 mph.
- Major League: Major league pitchers usually throw between 90 and 100+ mph. Some pitchers, like Aroldis Chapman, even surpass the 100 mph mark, showcasing extraordinary talent and strength.
Different Pitches, Different Speeds
Fastball
The fastball is a staple pitch for many players, known for its speed and power. Here's what you can expect for fastball speeds at various stages:
Age Group | Fastball Speed |
---|---|
8-10 years old | 40-50 mph |
11-12 years old | 50-60 mph |
13-14 years old | 60-70 mph |
15-16 years old | 70-80 mph |
High school | 75-85 mph |
College/professional | 85-95+ mph |
Curveball
The curveball is a pitch that relies on spin and movement rather than pure speed. As your player develops, their curveball speed will also change. Here's how curveball speeds vary by age:
Age Group | Curveball Speed |
---|---|
11-12 years old | 45-55 mph |
13-14 years old | 55-65 mph |
15-16 years old | 65-75 mph |
High school | 70-80 mph |
College/professional | 75-85 mph |
Slider
It's typically thrown with a similar arm action to a fastball but with a different grip. Here's how slider speeds vary at different stages:
Age Group | Slider Speed |
---|---|
13-14 years old | 55-65 mph |
15-16 years old | 65-75 mph |
High school | 70-80 mph |
College/professional | 80-90 mph |
ChangeUp
The changeup is an off-speed pitch designed to deceive batters by appearing like a fastball but arriving at a slower speed. Understanding changeup speeds at different ages is key to mastering this pitch:
Age Group | Changeup Speed |
---|---|
11-12 years old | 40-50 mph |
13-14 years old | 50-60 mph |
15-16 years old | 60-70 mph |
High school | 65-75 mph |
College/professional | 75-85 mph |
Boosting Your Pitching Velocity
Training for Speed
To increase your pitch speed, it's essential to incorporate specific exercises into your routine. Here are some effective training tips:
Long Toss Drills: These help improve arm strength and endurance. Start close and gradually increase the distance between you and your throwing partner.
Weighted Ball Programs: Using slightly heavier or lighter balls can help develop arm speed and strength. Be sure to follow a structured program to avoid injury.
Plyometric Exercises: Incorporate exercises like medicine ball throws and box jumps to develop explosive power.
Consistent Practice: Regularly practice your pitching to build muscle memory and improve your technique.
Perfecting Your Mechanics
Refining your pitching mechanics is crucial for maximizing speed and accuracy. Focus on the following areas:
Foot Positioning: Ensure your feet are properly aligned with the target.
Weight Transfer: Shift your weight smoothly from your back foot to your front foot during the pitch.
Arm Angle: Maintain a consistent arm angle to ensure accuracy and reduce strain on your arm.
Follow-Through: Complete your pitching motion with a strong follow-through to maximize power and control.
Building Power
Building overall body strength is essential for pitching. Focus on exercises that target your legs, core, and upper body:
Squats: Improve leg strength, which is crucial for generating power in your pitches.
Deadlifts: Build overall body strength and stability.
Core Exercises: Planks, Russian twists, and leg raises help strengthen your core, providing better balance and power transfer.
Plyometric Exercises: Incorporate box jumps and medicine ball throws to develop explosive strength.
Tracking Pitch Speeds
Monitoring your pitch speed is essential for tracking progress and making adjustments to your training. Use the following tools:
Radar Guns: These provide accurate, real-time measurements of your pitch speed. Set up behind the pitcher or catcher for best results.
Smartphone Apps: Many apps can measure pitch speed using your phone's camera. Some popular options include Pocket Radar and Smart Pitch.
Regular Testing: Consistently measure your pitch speed during practice sessions to monitor improvements and identify trends.
Staying Safe While Pitching
Preventing injuries is crucial for long-term success. Here are some tips to stay safe:
Limit Pitch Count: Especially for younger pitchers, adhere to recommended pitch count limits to avoid overuse injuries.
Proper Warm-Up: Always warm up thoroughly before pitching. This can include dynamic stretching, light throwing, and mobility exercises.
Listen to Your Body: Never ignore pain. If you experience discomfort, rest and seek medical advice if necessary.
Use Proper Technique: Focus on maintaining good mechanics to reduce the risk of injury.
Rest and Recovery: Ensure you get adequate rest between pitching sessions and prioritize sleep for muscle recovery.
Remember, while speed is important, proper technique and health are paramount. Focus on refining your mechanics, building strength, and maintaining good health. Use tools to track your progress and ensure you're training smartly and safely.