Do young players throw harder when they are fielding?

Using my son as an example, he's been clocked at 83mph from SS but topped out at 75 on the mound. Nothing like the momentum of a running start!

Its the difference between throwing at a stationary 17 inch wide and 24 inch column at 90 feet versus throwing at a 5-6 foot tall target that can move left and right........

aim and accuracy can differ.......

piaa is on the right track. Some boys will, compared to their throws in the infield, take something off their pitches as they try to increase their control.

It doesn't have to be that way. But it is not unusual at the younger ages.

As a pitcher gains confidence, that differential should disappear.

The outfield throw, with a running crowhop, can be a different story.

I'd argue that the infield throw, with forward momentum towards first base, will also add mph.

That depends upon the individual play.

quote:

Originally posted by Holden Caulfield:
I'd argue that the infield throw, with forward momentum towards first base, will also add mph.

As Texan said, it may on some kids, but the mound and good mechanics should make up the difference of that forward momentum. The throw from the outfield with forward momentum and a crow hop, as Texan also said, "is a whole different story."

You guys are persuading me, slowly but surely.

Momentum and target are significant factors, but what I think he's talking about is whether there are any psychological factors involved. Some kids get up on the mound and can throw hard on every pitch. Others cannot, even though they may be bigger and stronger. Part of that is the presence of fast twitch muscle fibers, but aside from that, I have observed some real hesitation with some kids when they get up on the mound. They won't just let it go, but slow down the process by trying to aim it like a darts game. These are the kids who can do everything else well, but just don't want to be up on the pitching mound. Like Texan stated, it could disappear with time and as confidence grows, but it could also be a mental block which only an experienced pitching coach can cure.

I was trying to be polite & diplomatic, brod.

But you have been more direct. And you are correct.

I have coached some kids who were able to whip the problem and stop "aiming". A few could not.

This question has crossed my mind a few times as well. I remember one time when my boy was pitching and a hard grounder was hit back at him a little to the 3rd base side of the mound. He got his glove there but could not snag it. It kicked over towards 3rd base where he picked it up, wheeled and fired a strike to 1st and got the out. I thought to myself, "if only he would pitch like that".

Maybe it's reaction vs time to think about it.

quote:

Originally posted by total1096:
Have a 14 year old son who has a pretty good arm. Throws very well from the outfield having had some success throwing out a baserunner here and there.

My question is this. He seems to throw a lot harder playing the field than when pitching. He doesn't pitch much but he is consistently around the plate. It sure seems to me that when he fields a bunt or knocks down a comebacker to the mound his throw to first or appropriate base is much faster than his pitches.

Since I have not measured any of his throwing speed I suppose it could just be my perception. Anybody else see this in those they watch?

My son used to have the same problem at times. I believe it was 1) he just came up firing on a fielding play versus thinking on the mound, and 2) he had better throwing mechanics than pitching mechanics. His pitching mechanics could be inconsistant.

He worked it out this year at fourteen. All of a sudden he looks real smooth and comfortable on the mound.

I know for a fac that kids I have coached from ages 11-15 generally throw harder in the field, particularly the MIF's.

Thanks for the various answers. When I first created the post I was going to title it "Is it mental or what?" but changed my mind. Our situation is probably a combo of the answers.

My son has a very strong arm, but put him on the mound and he does the darts thing. He is now a catcher