How Much Does Pitching on Mound Add to Speed?

Micdsguy:
My guess based upon flat ground non game radar speeds is 2-4mph. Much depends on mechanics and how amped up the pitcher is for a particular game. Some variance is due to the type of radar gun used also. Stalker is 1-2mph slower than a Jugs gun from my experience.
W

I might add two points.

1. Flat ground throwing is recommended in the winter months vs mound throwing for the simple fact it is less stressful on the arm.

2. Live game situation creates adrenalin which most likely will play a role in how hard you throw as well, nothing like the real thing.

Take care of that throwing arm.

CV

I use a recent model Stalker Sport and followed the Stalker vs Jugs (Decatur) discussion on this board a few months ago.

Stalker says they've improved their guns' algorithm lately. Stalker is the gold standard for sports and police radar from what I've read. Still, any gun picks up some quirkly readings. I'm inclined to think Jugs are about as accurate, while being lighter weight and maybe easier to charge. Stalkers have a lot of range (300+ feet), but that means little unless you're clocking center fielders from cheap seats. Too much range can pick up erroneous readings.

They claim that Stalkers, especially the $1500 Pro Model, may be better when used around other radar guns. Jugs cost less.

Very true about the Stalker

I have mine calibrated regulary by the people who do the State Troopers radar guns in here Connecticut

usually about 4-5 mph increase from flat to mound, Depends on the height of mound too

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usually about 4-5 mph increase from flat to mound, Depends on the height of mound too

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If that's true, and it may be from what I've seen, then it should be discussed much more than it is. That would be one reason those pitching booth speeds always disappoint. (of course the lack of warmup is a huge factor).

It would also suggest that pitchers should practice more on mounds to get the hang of them. High schools should acquire indoor mounds. Getting the most from a mound would seem to require practice.

From following pitching training fads, I'm seeing more advice to practice on mounds. I think that Dick Mills has gone that way lately.

Even if the mound didn't change things, pitching 4-5 mph faster alone would require adjustments.

Pitching booths are some of the dumbest things to check your speed.

Does this make sense, 3 pitches no warms up as fast as you can.

2 years ago, we took our NCAA Summer Baseball Team to Veterns Stadium,we worked for the Phillies during the day time. the little kids wanted to throw against the radar gun most were 40-50 mph and got one of our players to throw on the gun. He threw maybe 10 pitches, no warm ups fastest 79 mph. During the games he was low 90's.

10 pitches --no warmups--- watch for an arm damage report !!!! when is it due??

Great coaching job by whomever--that is the way to look out for the arms of the young kids

Dibble you never cease to amaze with your tidbits

"WE" --you must have been a mouse in someones pocket !!!!

Darnest thing I ever saw: A guy --approaching 40 years old, with blood shot eyes and falling down drunk-- hands the booth guy a buck for three balls. All were heaved in the high 70s. He burps a few time and forks over another buck for three more. The guy tops out at 82mph and staggers off looking for another beer stand or a place to puke.

This was at a major league park. I felt like those guys in the Lone Raqnger who would ask: "Who was that masked man!"

TRHITS,

That was a player age 22 that threw on his own after much pleading by those insane and very dangerous 8-12 year olds.

A few crazy kids slide on the Astro Turf(Concrete like substance)in the infield at Veterns Stadium.

Who is TRHITS ???

Dibble keep going !!!!! I won't even try to explain your last post !!!

Sorry TRHIT (2,700 posts and counting)

Yea, booths do seem to dissapoint, although I don't think it's all warm up. At camp I actually warmed up before we left (knowing we were going to a minor league baseball game with a radar that night), bought 21 balls at the park (what a waste of 14 bucks, haha), warmed up with 15 of them, and in the remaining six I topped out at 72...that kinda sucked.

BTW TRHit, I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing this summer, but I definitely haven't forgotten about your showcase, and I'm really interested. My parents are supportive, but I don't know whether it will be the July or August one I would be attending. I'm going to try to find out within the month...how many spots are there, or is it just so long as you meet the deadline and have reasonable stats you can show up?

I have been using the stalker for several years and reports that I have read indicate that the Juggs is approx 4 or 5mph off. It actually reads higher than it should. I dont know if thats correct or not. One thing for sure throwing from a mound can actually decrease the velocity.I seen pitchers with poor mechanics fall forward and not be able to stay back causing a decrease in velocity

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I have been using the stalker for several years and reports that I have read indicate that the Juggs is approx 4 or 5mph off. It actually reads higher than it should.

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Are you saying the Stalker reads 4 or 5 mph higher than a Jugs from your experience? Most reports say a Jugs is a bit higher, or the same.

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Yes, I've read where some pitchers throw slower on a mound but I thinks that's their unique problem. Or the fault of a terrible rutted mound.

micdsguy,

I think you misunderstood algae. He is also saying the Juggs reads higher than the Stalker.

It all depends on the pitchers body mass, wingspan, and stride length off the mound. Most pitchers have a stride between 75 and 85% of their body length (meaning if you're 6 feet tall, you'd have a stride of about 5'8.) Some pitchers, however, have a stride up to 120% of their body length (so if your'e 6 feet tall your stride would be about 6'5). This allows a pitcher to not only generate more velocity, but also establish a release point further from the mound than normal (every 4 inches closer to the batter that the ball is released makes the pitched ball seem 1mph faster to the batter.

Let's use me for example. Throwing on a level surface, I throw a ball between 70 and 75mph. Throwing off the mound, I've been clocked consistantly between 82 and 86 mph. This is because while I am 6 feet tall, my stride length is just over 6'3, and my wingspan is also around 6'3ish. This means that the ball leaves my hand roughly 4 feet in front of the mound, making an 84 mph fastball seem like a 96 mph fastball to the batter.