Enter the pitching distance and the time it takes for the pitch to reach home plate to determine the pitch speed in miles per hour. This calculator helps players and coaches to analyze pitching performance.
Softball Pitch Speed Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the softball pitch speed:
PS = (D / T) * (3600 / 5280)
Variables:
- PS is the pitch speed (miles per hour)
- D is the pitching distance (feet)
- T is the pitch time (seconds)
To calculate the softball pitch speed, divide the pitching distance by the pitch time to get the speed in feet per second, then convert it to miles per hour by multiplying by the factor (3600 / 5280).
What is Softball Pitch Speed?
Softball pitch speed is the velocity at which a softball is thrown from the pitcher’s mound to home plate. It is an important metric for pitchers as it can affect the batter’s reaction time and the outcome of the pitch. Faster pitches are generally more challenging for batters to hit, but control and pitch variety are also crucial for effective pitching.
How to Calculate Softball Pitch Speed?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Softball Pitch Speed.
- First, measure the pitching distance (D) from the pitcher’s mound to home plate in feet.
- Next, use a stopwatch to measure the pitch time (T) in seconds from the moment the ball is released to when it crosses home plate.
- Use the formula PS = (D / T) * (3600 / 5280) to calculate the pitch speed.
- Finally, calculate the Softball Pitch Speed (PS) in miles per hour.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Pitching Distance (D) = 43 feet (typical distance in women’s softball)
Pitch Time (T) = 0.5 seconds
