Average Pitch Speed by Age and Level

"Is my kid throwing hard for their age?" is the question Little League parents ask most. Velocity varies a lot with age, build, and years of training, so there's no single right answer, but there are ranges you commonly see at each level. The numbers below are rough ranges based on various public sources and figures often cited in the field, and individual players vary widely.

Fastball velocity by level (approximate)

What matters more than velocity

For young, growing players, velocity comes naturally as a result. Pushing too hard for speed at a young age raises the risk of elbow and shoulder injuries. That's why so many coaches stress sticking to pitch counts and rest days, and learning sound mechanics that use the legs and core first.

Things to watch when comparing velocity numbers

• Different methods give different numbers. Radar guns usually capture the fastest moment, right after the ball leaves the hand (release velocity), while video measures the average speed over a stretch. The ball slows down in flight, so the average comes in a few km/h below the release velocity.
• Get the distance right. When measuring from video, using the full rubber-to-plate distance (18.44m) makes the pitch look faster than it was. Measure from the release point instead.
• Look at an average, not a single pitch. Allowing for how a player feels that day and for measurement error, an average of 3–5 pitches better reflects true ability.

Keeping a steady log lets you see progress in actual numbers over a few months, which is great motivation to keep practicing.