How to Figure Throwing Speed

Baseball is a popular sport in the United States and in many places around the world. To measure the ability of a pitcher, people often refer to the speed of their fastball. Technology makes it possible to accurately measure the velocity of a fastball with a radar gun. These radar guns give a digital readout of the speed of a pitch. You can learn to use a radar gun with ease by following a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Radar gun
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position yourself properly. Any angles can distort the accuracy of the radar. You should be directly behind the catcher. If the pitcher throws a fastball down the middle of the plate, your readout will be as accurate as possible.

    • 2

      Prepare for the pitch. Keep an eye out for visual cues from the pitcher that indicate the ball is about to be thrown, such as a windup or slide-step. Once the pitcher goes into the delivery, hold the button on the radar gun. Models vary in terms of the length of time necessary to hold the button down. Most models need to be held down until the speed displays. Some models allow you to press the button once and wait for a speed to display.

    • 3

      Read the speed. After the pitch strikes the catcher's glove, the radar gun will digitally display the speed of the pitch.