Average Throwing Velocity by Age
Position-player arm strength is measured on a crow-hop throw, not off a mound, and it usually reads a few miles per hour higher than the same athlete's pitching velocity. Here is what average and elite look like by age.
Throwing velocity by age chart (7-18)
Average throwing velocity by age table
| Age | Average | Elite (90th) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 33 mph | 41 mph |
| 8 | 36 mph | 45 mph |
| 9 | 40 mph | 49 mph |
| 10 | 44 mph | 53 mph |
| 11 | 48 mph | 57 mph |
| 12 | 52 mph | 62 mph |
| 13 | 57 mph | 67 mph |
| 14 | 62 mph | 72 mph |
| 15 | 67 mph | 78 mph |
| 16 | 72 mph | 83 mph |
| 17 | 76 mph | 87 mph |
| 18 | 79 mph | 90 mph |
How to measure it correctly
Measured on a flat-ground crow-hop throw from the outfield or infield position, best of 3-5 throws.
Reading the numbers the right way
Averages describe a population, not a ceiling. Two players at the same age can be a full year apart in physical maturity, so treat these numbers as a starting reference point and focus on your own rate of improvement.
How to improve
Run a real throwing program
Long toss two to three times per week with a structured build-up and pull-down phase is the most reliable way to add arm speed.
Use the lower half
A strong, directional crow hop transfers ground force into the throw. Many players leave 5 mph on the field with a lazy footwork pattern.
Protect the arm
Daily arm care, shoulder and scap work, and honest rest days keep arm speed available all season.
Check your own percentile
Frequently asked questions
What is a good outfield throwing velocity in high school?+
Around 78-82 mph is solid at the varsity level, and 85+ mph is a college-level arm from the outfield.
Why is my throwing velocity higher than my pitching velocity?+
A crow hop lets you build momentum before release, while pitching starts from a controlled position on a mound.
How often should I test arm strength?+
Every six to eight weeks, always fully warmed up and never on a day you are already fatigued.
More baseball benchmarks
Track your numbers month over month
Diamond Development logs every test, charts your trend, and builds your weekly plan.
Start free