How to Add Five MPH to a Fastball

Every baseball pitcher has dreamed of reaching 100 MHP on a radar gun but there are few pitchers who can throw that fast. Even if you can't throw 100 MPH, though, you can increase the velocity of your fastball five MPH according to Dr. John Bagonzi, a former professional baseball pitcher and college baseball coach. Dr. Bagonzi added that there are seven factors which affect your pitching velocity and the key to speed is doing enough of those factors correctly.

Things You'll Need

  • Baseball gloves
  • Baseballs
  • Weighted balls
  • Two people
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Instructions

  1. Drills to Increase Velocity

    • 1
      Weighted balls come in different sizes.

      Use weighted balls to develop your arm strength and arm speed. According to Dr. Bagonzi, using the weighted balls "is one of the fastest ways to increase arm speed and velocity. When it comes to overload training (a type of resistance training) there is no better tool. I've seen youngsters and young men add five MPH to their fastballs after 20 minutes of weighted ball work."

    • 2
      Long distance throwing will increase your arm strength.

      Throw long distances (90 to 100 feet or greater) with a normal baseball using your regular pitching motion. Long distance throwing can be done every day.

    • 3
      For maximum results, throw five or six days a week.

      The only way to develop arm strength and arm speed is to throw consistently. You don't have to throw every day, but you should throw for 20 to 30 minutes six times a week.

    • 4
      The knee drill helps increase your fastball speed.

      Perform the wrist, stride and knee drills. These drills enhance proper mechanics, the foundation to adding five miles per hour to a fastball. According to high school baseball coach Jerry Kreber, the wrist is a very important lever in the pitching motion and many pitching coaches believe that proper wrist movement helps the pitcher's control and command.

    • 5
      Lifting weights will help your arm strength.

      Lifting weights and stretching out your pitching arm will help limit injuries and also increase your flexibility. Additionally, lifting weights will also increase your stamina.

    Pitching Mechanics

    • 6
      To get the most velocity, use the 3/4 throwing motion.

      Stay behind the ball when throwing. That requires keeping your fingers behind the ball to apply direct force to the baseball, thus increasing your velocity. The best way to stay behind the ball is to use three-quarter mechanics, which also allow you to achieve full extension of the arm past your body.

    • 7
      Use your legs to push off the pitching rubber.

      Use your legs to launch yourself off the pitching rubber. The legs generate all of a pitcher's power.

    • 8
      Elbow extension is critical for high velocity pitchers.

      Extend your elbow when throwing. The authors of a 2001 study found that elbow extension was a major element in high velocity pitching.

    • 9
      Work hard to increase the speed of your fastball.

      Use your forearm during your pitching motion. According to Kreber, the forearm is a vital part of increasing your velocity. Kreber added, "During the acceleration, the pitcher's forearm will pronate, giving the ball its last bit of energy." Make sure that you extend your arm through the release.