Average Pitching Velocity by Age
Fastball velocity is one of the most tracked metrics in baseball. But raw MPH means very little without context — a 70 mph fastball is dominant at 12U and average at 15U. Use the ranges below as a reference, not a target.
Fastball velocity by age
Typical fastball velocity ranges for youth and high school pitchers.
8U
Average: 40–45 mph. Advanced: 50+ mph.
10U
Average: 45–55 mph. Advanced: 60+ mph.
12U
Average: 55–65 mph. Advanced: 70+ mph.
14U
Average: 65–75 mph. Advanced: 80+ mph.
High school (JV)
Average: 72–80 mph.
High school (Varsity)
Average: 78–85 mph. D1 recruits: 88–95 mph.
College
Average: 87–92 mph. Elite: 95+ mph.
Safe ways to add velocity
Long-toss programs, weighted ball throwing (with proper supervision), and lower body strength work all correlate with added fastball velocity. But arm health comes first — no player under 14 should throw weighted balls without a qualified coach.
Pitch count and rest
Follow Pitch Smart guidelines. A 12 year old should throw a maximum of 85 pitches per game and needs 4 days of rest after 66+ pitches. Ignoring rest is the fastest path to Tommy John surgery.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good fastball for a 13 year old?+
A typical 13U pitcher throws 60–70 mph. Advanced 13U pitchers sit in the mid 70s.
How can I add velocity as a high schooler?+
Consistent long toss (3x per week), lower body strength training, and improved mechanics deliver the biggest gains. Most high schoolers can add 3–6 mph in an off-season with a structured plan.
Are radar guns accurate?+
Modern radar devices (Pocket Radar, Stalker) are accurate within 1 mph. Older Bushnell units can be off by 2–3 mph and should not be trusted for recruiting numbers.
Related resources
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