Realistic pitching speeds

[lefty97]

On our 12U team in Az, we have three good pitchers. We practiced at an academy this Sun. the 24th and clocked them on the gun. The first pitcher, a lefty did walk thru's at 57 mph. When she began pitching she threw her fastball in the range of 53 and 55 mph. The second pitcher, a righty thru her fastball between 52 to 55 mph. Her walk thru's were at 56mph. Our third pitcher, a righty did no walk thru's and threw 50- 51 mph.

Im only speaking of 12u's!!!

[Sftbll4ever]

Problem I have with any of this is, a girl will pitch faster when there is no one in the box and has a gun on her. The only real speed that I count is what she is throwing in a game. I have seen MANY girls say they throw 56 and then you get them in a game and they are lucky if they are hitting 50.

[SoCal Breakers]

Hotwheels and softball4ever i agree 100%. I'm happy with my daughters speed she throws 53 when she wants to bring it, but she's been taught to pitch not just to throw gas and she's done very well for herself. Speed will come later when there body grows and gets stronger, but if they know how to pitch before they get that speed look out when they get it.

[bring'nheat]

This spring/summer season should be interesting as have heard a handful of 12u's had played up in 18's in fall. Must have been a huge confidence booster. But rumors of their speeds is what I was questioning as to whether they were realistic.
Guess my question will be answered at Nationals.

[hotwheels]

This spring/summer season should be interesting as have heard a handful of 12u's had played up in 18's in fall. Must have been a huge confidence booster. But rumors of their speeds is what I was questioning as to whether they were realistic.
Guess my question will be answered at Nationals.

You've got to be kidding...12's playing in 18's...Must be a big EGO boost for their parents...Imagine what those 12's now know about things they didn't even know existed before their Mom and Dad needed to feel better about themselves and put them in 18's....

[Sftbll4ever]

This spring/summer season should be interesting as have heard a handful of 12u's had played up in 18's in fall. Must have been a huge confidence booster. But rumors of their speeds is what I was questioning as to whether they were realistic.
Guess my question will be answered at Nationals.

You've got to be kidding...12's playing in 18's...Must be a big EGO boost for their parents...Imagine what those 12's now know about things they didn't even know existed before their Mom and Dad needed to feel better about themselves and put them in 18's....

Exactly what I was thinking!!!

[SoCal Breakers]

Why would any parent let there Daughter play up in 18's when there 12. They might be able to play at that level, but high school girls with middle school girls come on.

[hotwheels]

Why would any parent let there Daughter play up in 18's when there 12. They might be able to play at that level, but high school girls with middle school girls come on.

Some parents need to feel good about themselves I guess....Playing up in the older ages is much different than in 12's....IMHO 12's belong in 12's no matter how good they are....Play up as a 2nd year 14 but not as a 12.....There are things spoken and things done that a 12 year old has no business being part of.....Sex, drugs, pills, sex, alcohol, pot, sex, etc....Things I know that I don't want my daughter to learn about from her shortstop who is 16 and knows it all....

[utility]

Why would any parent let there Daughter play up in 18's when there 12. They might be able to play at that level, but high school girls with middle school girls come on.

Some parents need to feel good about themselves I guess....Playing up in the older ages is much different than in 12's....IMHO 12's belong in 12's no matter how good they are....Play up as a 2nd year 14 but not as a 12.....There are things spoken and things done that a 12 year old has no business being part of.....Sex, drugs, pills, sex, alcohol, pot, sex, etc....Things I know that I don't want my daughter to learn about from her shortstop who is 16 and knows it all....

Couldn't agree more!!!! So many parents trying to push their kids too hard at too early of an age....wonder how many of these players will still want to play in 3 years, especially knowing what they learned from the 16 year old shortstop!

[Dropn N]

Back to the original question....our next door neighbors daughter second year 14U "A" ball South Orange County consistently throws 52-55mph. Throws fastball in and out consistently, very good change up, drop curve works 65% of the time, screw ball works 65% of the time, drop works about 50% of the time and is just starting to work on the rise ball mechanics.