It’s a new year, but you have the same goal: you wanna throw harder. Good.
From tons of college camp experience, I can tell you that serious D1 college coaches won’t give a second look if you’re not throwing 60+ MPH on the Pocket Radar. If you want to increase your speed this year, you must work! There is no simple answer, but I will give you a few key areas to focus on.
To increase speed as a softball pitcher, you will want to
- Focus on generating power from the ground up.
- Maximize your arm speed during the pitch delivery.
- Get yourself into a targeted, balanced strength training routine focusing on hip and core strength.
Mechanics matter also, don’t forget. Even more important than speed, proper mechanics equal long-term health and the ability to go extra innings with even more fluid motion as the game goes on.
Generate power from the ground up
The lower body is essential for maximum velocity. This involves explosively driving off of the mound. When your coach yells, “Use your legs,” they just mean push hard off the mound and engage the glutes and the quads. Drive off the mound like a sprinter. Understand that this initial force can generate an additional 10 MPH when done with correct intent.
Arm speed matters
Arm speed by itself can generate up to 50 MPH when done efficiently. Follow that with a strong, powerful wrist snap to take the velocity up another notch on release. And don’t hold back. Ensure your arm fully extends the whip through the release for optimal power transfer.
Build core strength
Now let’s circle back to the hard work part. This includes proper strength training, especially in the core. Sit-ups, 6-inch leg lifts, and plank variations strengthen the core muscles so you can stay tall and prevent energy leaks. And keep in mind, targeted dynamic exercises for the rotator cuff are also vital. Keeping this collection of muscles that work together to perform complex arm and shoulder motions is key to maintaining velocity and shoulder health.
So in summary, if you want to increase your velocity as a fastpitch softball pitcher in 2025, it’s not rocket science. You have to put in the work and reps. I recommend you focus on lower body strength and leg drive, arm speed and whip, along with balanced strength training, because naturally, getting stronger means you will throw harder, and when done right, you will stay healthier. Good luck and enjoy the pitching journey!
