How to Throw a Max Amount of Velocity

The radar gun has become a fixture at baseball parks around the world. With that in mind, pitchers are trying to blow fastballs by batters at maximum velocity. Some professional pitchers top 100 mph. Young players learn the mechanics of pitching when they start playing baseball. Over time, they improve their skills and add more velocity to their fastballs. There are a number of tips to follow when trying to throw at maximum velocity.

Things You'll Need

  • Baseball
  • Radar gun
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your throwing arm fit and strong by performing muscle-strengthening exercises. A stronger arm will be able to reach higher velocity. Your upper body and core are important in the throwing motion. Push-ups, sit-ups and shoulder raises are three exercises that will generate higher throwing velocity.

    • 2

      Maintain proper throwing mechanics on every throw. For most pitchers, the throwing elbow should be at or above shoulder level. The wrist stays strong throughout the delivery, and the index and middle fingers stay on top of the ball. Your weight transfers from your back foot to your front foot as you throw the ball toward home plate.

    • 3

      Start a long-toss program that stretches out the arm and increases velocity. Long toss, which can be performed for 15 minutes multiple times per week, involves throwing the ball back and forth with a teammate. After starting at a short distance, you gradually increase the distance to near the maximum you can handle. When you reach that point, gradually begin closing the gap between you and your partner. You will find that your arm is loose and able to more easily reach maximum velocity at the shorter pitching distance.

    • 4

      Stay away from throwing curveballs, sliders or other pitches that take attention away from the fastball. When you are trying to reach maximum velocity, you will do this throwing fastballs. Fastballs keep your arm speed high while breaking balls slow down arm speed, leading to decreased velocity.

    • 5

      Monitor your results. Have a teammate or friend use a radar gun to track your pitch speed. Write down your fitness and throwing exercises, and see which ones produce better results.