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In this article, we will discuss how hard most fastpitch softball players throw. You’ll see an example of a very hard thrower and learn the common throwing velocity ranges across multiple ages. Improving a player’s overhand throwing speed in softball is critically important to get recruited to play college softball.
How Hard Should a Softball Player Be Throwing?
One young lady in my old baseball and softball training facility unleashed throws up to 70mph, averaging high-60s speeds. This is INCREDIBLE and not normal for any age, really. She’s a phenomenal athlete and an outlier.
Watch this videos below for a great rundown on softball throwing velocity by age.
Alright, so if 67-70mph is very, very fast, then what is normal? What should fastpitch players look to achieve when they’re training to improve their throwing mechanics?
Softball Throwing Speeds by Age
NOTE: The following velocities are for travel-level players who are serious about softball. To include casual player and recreational players would skew averages too much. It’s safe to assume that recreational players will throw 3+ mph slower than the speeds shown below.
Age 17-18
As a throwing coach, it’s my goal that every player reaches at least 55+mph by her junior year in high school. This is attainable if a player puts in consistent work. BUT…my goal for every player is 60mph or more.
- Goal Throwing Speed: 60-65 mph
- Average Throwing Speed: 54-57
Ages 15-16
When a softball player begins high school, the game speeds up dramatically. What this means is that players are all faster, beating out ground balls and turning more singles into doubles, scoring more often on singles from second base. Base stealers are better, and every position on the field requires more arm strength. It’s time to get serious.
- Goal Throwing Speed: 57-60 mph
- Average Throwing Speed: 50-54
Ages 13-14
At this age, most players are still barely breaking 50mph if they haven’t devoted significant time and effort to throwing instruction and/or strength training. This is where players with naturally good arms separate themselves significantly from the pack.
- Goal Throwing Speed: 54-57 mph
- Average Throwing Speed: 46-50
Ages 11-12
Most players I work with throw in the mid-40s at this age and need a lot of help. Fortunately, the game is also very slow and so many can still get by with loopy throws. But this will change drastically at 14U.
- Goal Throwing Speed: 52+ mph
- Average Throwing Speed: 42-46
Ages 10 and under
- Goal Throwing Speed: 48 mph
- Average Throwing Speed: 38-44
Why Do Some Softball Players Throw Harder Than Others?
Here are some of the biggest factors:
- Physical maturity and size
- Throwing mechanics
- Overall body strength
- Athleticism
- Fielding technique
- Footwork after fielding
- How often a player throws and her arm’s conditioning
- Intensity when throwing (how hard does a player try to throw it?)
- An arm strengthening regimen
- Other genetic factors like fast-twitch muscle fiber composition, etc.
Need to get bigger and stronger? Try my new strength training program for softball players, called Early Work
Try One of the Best Throwing Drills For Softball Players
Check out the video below for one of my go-to throwing drills for softball players. It’s called the Lawnmower drill and it’s really simple and effective.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, where I release new videos every single week. Look for the subscribe button at the end or click here.
No Matter How Hard a Player Throws Today, She Can Throw Harder
Make a change today. Download my free Softball Throwing eBook and webinar. In it you’ll learn common softball throwing mistakes and how to fix them.
I also offer two extensive online courses on throwing that will walk coaches, parents and players through a step-by-step plan.
