Softball is a popular sport played across the world. In this game, the pitcher’s ability to throw the ball accurately and quickly is crucial. One of this sport’s key components is the pitch’s speed. From my experience giving pitching lessons to girls from 8 – 19+ years old, if your mechanics are efficient and correct, you will ultimately fall into the range of pitching speed averages listed below.
Factors Affecting Softball Pitch Speed
- Age and Gender
- Physical Strength and Body Structure
- Training and Practice
- Type of Pitch
- Equipment and Ball Type
Age and gender
The age and gender of the pitcher greatly affect the speed of the pitch. Young pitchers tend to throw slower compared to their older counterparts. Similarly, male pitchers generally have a higher average speed than female pitchers.
Physical Strength and Body Structure
A pitcher’s physical strength and body structure also play a crucial role in determining the speed of the pitch. A pitcher with a strong upper body and a flexible body will be able to generate more power, resulting in a faster pitch.
Training and Practice
Training and practice are essential to improving the speed of a softball pitch. A pitcher who regularly trains and practices will have improved control and speed compared to a pitcher who does not train regularly.
Type of pitch
There are different pitches in softball, each with a unique speed range. Some of the most common pitches are the screwball, changeup, and fastball. The speed of the pitch depends on the type of pitch being thrown.
Equipment and Ball
Type The equipment and ball type used can also affect the speed of the pitch. A heavier ball will result in a slower pitch, while a lighter ball will result in a faster pitch. Similarly, the type of glove and shoes used can also affect the speed of the pitch.
The average speed of a softball pitch varies depending on various factors such as age, gender, physical strength, type of pitch, and equipment used. On average, the speed for a softball pitch is around 40-50 miles per hour (mph). However, the speed can range from 30-55 mph and even higher for advanced and experienced pitchers.
The fastest recorded softball pitch by a male was thrown by Nathan Petti john, who was clocked at 94 mph (151.1 km/h) in 2012. It was recorded during a college game and is considered one of the fastest pitches in the sport’s history. Keep in mind that this is exceptional and not representative of the average speed for male softball pitchers.
Conclusion
The average speed of a softball pitch varies based on several factors, including age, gender, physical strength, type of pitch, and equipment used. Regular training and practice can help pitchers improve their pitch speed. The table above provides a rough estimate of the average speed by age group. Ultimately, the speed of the pitch will depend on the individual pitcher’s abilities and skills.
Not sure how he is measuring speeds, but as an instructor for women/girls fast pitch I can state that speeds are much higher than he states. MOST 17+female pitchers are well over 55…most of that group exceeds 60.
Not sure how he is measuring speeds, but as an instructor for women/girls fast pitch I can state that speeds are much higher than he states. MOST 17+female pitchers are well over 55…most of that group exceeds 60.
I use a retired police radar gun with matching serial number tuning fork to obtain speeds.