Is Pitching 85 MPH Good? Understanding Velocity In Baseball And Softball
Pitching speed, you know, it's often the talk of the field, isn't it? Everyone seems to wonder just how fast a pitcher throws. When someone brings up a speed like 85 miles per hour, it certainly catches attention. But what does that number really mean in the big picture of baseball or softball? It's a question that has a few different answers, and, in a way, it depends a lot on who is asking and who is throwing.
For beginners, getting a grip on pitching, well, it can feel a little like trying to put together a tricky puzzle, honestly. There are so many moving parts, from how you stand to how you release the ball. The speed you throw is just one piece of that puzzle. We're going to explore what 85 mph means for different players and what truly makes a pitcher effective, not just fast. You'll find that there's more to it than just a number on the radar gun.
This article will help you understand the whole story behind pitching velocity. We'll talk about how speed fits into the game, what helps a pitcher throw harder, and how to keep that arm healthy while you're at it. You see, pitching is at the heart of the game, and knowing what makes a good throw is pretty important for anyone involved, whether you play or just watch. So, let's look at what 85 mph means for a pitcher.
Table of Contents
- What Does 85 MPH Really Mean?
- The Science Behind Pitching Velocity
- How to Build Pitching Speed Safely
- Beyond Velocity: What Else Makes a Great Pitcher?
- Staying Healthy as a Pitcher
- Frequently Asked Questions About Pitching Velocity
What Does 85 MPH Really Mean?
When we talk about a pitcher throwing 85 mph, it's a number that can spark a lot of different thoughts. For some, it sounds incredibly fast, and for others, it might seem pretty standard. The truth is, that number's goodness, well, it really changes depending on the situation. It's not a one-size-fits-all answer, you know?
Age and League Matter
Consider a young player, perhaps someone just starting out in high school baseball. For them, throwing 85 mph would be, honestly, quite exceptional. It would put them in a very strong position compared to their peers. But if we're talking about a seasoned professional pitcher in a top league, 85 mph might be a bit on the lower side for a fastball, though it could be a very effective speed for a breaking ball or off-speed pitch. So, it's almost like comparing apples and oranges in some respects.
The context is everything here. A pitcher's age, the league they play in, and even their specific role on the team all play a part in deciding if 85 mph is a good speed. A younger player with that kind of velocity definitely shows a lot of promise, and that's something to be very proud of. It indicates strong arm talent and potential for growth, you see.
High School and College Levels
At the high school level, an 85 mph fastball is, generally speaking, very good. It's the kind of speed that gets college scouts to pay attention. Many high school pitchers throw in the 70s, so 85 mph puts a pitcher well above average. It suggests they have a good chance to play at the next level, perhaps even at a Division I college program, which is a pretty big deal.
For college pitchers, 85 mph is still a respectable speed, especially if it's combined with good control and a variety of other pitches. While many college pitchers might throw a bit harder, 85 mph can still be effective if the pitcher understands how to use it. It's not always about the highest speed, but how you use what you have, you know?
The Professional Stage
When you get to the professional ranks, the expectations for velocity go up quite a bit. Major League Baseball pitchers often throw fastballs in the low to mid-90s, and sometimes even higher. So, an 85 mph fastball for a pro pitcher would be considered on the slower side. However, it's not unheard of for pitchers to have success with lower velocities if they have exceptional command, movement on their pitches, and a deep understanding of hitters. Jamie Moyer, for example, had a long and successful career pitching in the low 80s, which is pretty amazing, if you think about it. It just goes to show that speed isn't the only thing that matters.
The Science Behind Pitching Velocity
Throwing a baseball or softball at a high speed isn't just about having a strong arm. There's a lot more to it, really. It involves a complex chain of movements that starts from your feet and goes all the way through your fingertips. It's a very coordinated effort, you know, almost like a dance that has to be just right.
Mechanics Are the Secret
The provided text mentions that "pitching is one of the most exciting yet technically challenging skills in baseball and softball." It also says, "For beginners, mastering the pitching motion can feel like trying to solve a puzzle." This is so true. Proper pitching mechanics are, frankly, the biggest factor in how fast you can throw and how healthy your arm stays. It's about getting your whole body to work together efficiently.
If your mechanics are off, you're not using your body's full potential, and you're also putting extra stress on your arm. Think about it: if one part of the puzzle isn't in the right spot, the whole picture just doesn't come together properly. So, learning how to pitch like a pro really means focusing on the technique, which is shown in steps with tons of photos, videos, and tips, and more, as our resources explain. It's a continuous learning process, you know.
The Body as a System
Velocity comes from a kinetic chain, which is basically how energy moves from one part of your body to another. It starts with your legs and hips, then moves through your core, your shoulders, and finally to your arm and hand. Each part contributes to the overall speed. If one link in that chain is weak or out of sync, the whole system loses speed and efficiency. So, a strong lower body and core are just as important as a strong arm, which is kind of interesting, isn't it?
Understanding Pitching Motions
Our resources talk about learning "about the two legal pitching motions in baseball: The windup and the stretch, also known as the set position." Each of these techniques has its own benefits and shortcomings, as the text says. The windup allows for a longer, more fluid motion, which can help generate more momentum and, therefore, more velocity. It's a bit like taking a bigger run-up before a jump, if that makes sense.
The stretch, or set position, is quicker and often used with runners on base to prevent them from stealing. While it might feel like it limits velocity a little, a pitcher with good mechanics can still generate plenty of speed from the stretch. Understanding these different techniques and knowing when to use each one is a big part of becoming a complete pitcher, you know. It's about strategy as much as pure strength.
How to Build Pitching Speed Safely
If you're looking to increase your pitching velocity, doing it the right way is, honestly, super important. Just trying to throw harder without proper guidance can lead to injuries, and nobody wants that. It's about smart training and building up your body over time, you know. There's a process to it.
Focus on Proper Technique
As our guide explains, "learn how to pitch like a pro" by focusing on technique. This means working with a qualified coach who can help you refine your pitching motion. They can spot small flaws in your mechanics that might be holding back your speed or, more importantly, putting your arm at risk. It's about efficiency, making sure every movement contributes to the throw, and that's something a good coach can really help with. So, getting professional guidance is a very good idea.
Drills that isolate specific parts of the pitching motion can be really helpful too. These drills help you feel what proper movement is like and build muscle memory. Over time, these small adjustments add up to significant gains in velocity and, just as important, consistency. It's a slow and steady kind of progress, but it really pays off.
Strength and Conditioning for Pitchers
Beyond just pitching practice, a pitcher needs to be strong and athletic. This means working on your whole body, not just your arm. Exercises that build strength in your legs, core, and back are just as important as exercises for your shoulder and arm. This kind of full-body strength helps you generate more force and transfer it efficiently through the kinetic chain we talked about earlier. It's about building a solid foundation, basically.
A good conditioning program also includes flexibility and mobility work. Being flexible allows your body to move through the full range of motion needed for pitching without strain. It helps prevent injuries and can even add a little extra pop to your pitches. So, don't skip the stretching and mobility drills, they're pretty vital, actually.
Consistent Practice and Drills
Like any skill, pitching gets better with consistent practice. This doesn't mean throwing as hard as you can every single day. It means regular, structured practice sessions where you focus on your mechanics, throw at different intensities, and work on your control. Drills that help with balance, timing, and arm path are really beneficial. It's about quality over quantity, you know?
Incorporating specific drills designed to increase velocity, like long toss or weighted ball programs (under strict supervision, of course), can be effective. However, these should always be part of a well-rounded program that prioritizes arm health. You can find more general information on athletic training on a reputable sports science website, for example, to get a broader view of how athletes train.
Beyond Velocity: What Else Makes a Great Pitcher?
While throwing 85 mph is certainly impressive, it's just one piece of the puzzle that makes a great pitcher. As the saying goes, "speed kills," but without other skills, it can also kill your effectiveness. A pitcher with amazing velocity but no control, for instance, won't last long on the mound. It's about the whole package, you know.
Control and Accuracy Are Key
Imagine a pitcher who throws 95 mph but can't consistently hit the strike zone. That pitcher will walk a lot of batters, throw a lot of pitches, and likely get pulled from the game pretty quickly. Control, or the ability to throw strikes consistently, is arguably more important than pure velocity. A pitcher who throws 85 mph with pinpoint accuracy can be much more effective than a wilder, faster pitcher. It's about hitting your spots, basically.
Accuracy means being able to throw the ball exactly where you want it, whether it's on the corners of the plate, high, low, or inside. This makes it much harder for hitters to make solid contact. It's a skill that takes a lot of practice and repetition, and it's what separates good pitchers from truly great ones, honestly.
The Art of Pitch Variety
Our text mentions that "Pitchers throw a variety of pitches, each of which has a slightly different velocity, trajectory, movement, hand position, wrist position and/or arm angle." This is a big deal. A pitcher who can throw an 85 mph fastball is good, but a pitcher who can throw an 85 mph fastball, a 70 mph curveball, and a 78 mph changeup is much, much better. This variety keeps hitters guessing and makes it harder for them to time their swings. It's about deception, you see.
Each pitch type serves a different purpose. A fastball might be used to get ahead in the count or blow a hitter away. A curveball might be used to get a swing and miss or to throw off a hitter's timing. A changeup makes a fastball look even faster by comparison. Learning to throw these different pitches and understanding their benefits and shortcomings, as our guide explains, is a huge part of being a complete pitcher. It's a bit like having different tools for different jobs, you know?
The Mental Side of Pitching
Pitching is not just a physical challenge; it's a mental one too. A pitcher needs to be able to stay calm under pressure, make smart decisions, and bounce back from mistakes. Understanding hitters, knowing their strengths and weaknesses, and having a game plan for each batter are all part of the mental game. It's what stands in the way between your vision and the financing needed, as our text somewhat broadly puts it, meaning it's the barrier to success. A strong mental approach can elevate a pitcher's performance, even if their velocity isn't the highest. It's about thinking the game, basically.
Staying Healthy as a Pitcher
All this talk about velocity and technique, it leads to a very important point: staying healthy. Pitching puts a lot of stress on the arm and shoulder, and injuries are, sadly
PPT - How an 85 mph pitcher PowerPoint Presentation, free download - ID
PPT - How an 85 mph pitcher PowerPoint Presentation, free download - ID
PPT - How an 85 mph pitcher PowerPoint Presentation, free download - ID
