How fast is that softball pitch, really?
Youth softball pitchers throw from 35 to 40 feet. This calculator shows how much time your hitter has, and what that pitch equals in baseball speed.
Fastpitch speed → baseball speed
Results update as you change anything. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere.
Full speed chart
Parent questions
Why does a slow-sounding softball pitch feel so fast?
The pitcher lets go much closer to the plate than in baseball, so the hitter has less time. A 45 mph pitch from 35 feet gets there about as fast as a much faster baseball pitch.
What distance do young softball pitchers throw from?
Usually 35 feet at 8U and 10U and 40 feet at 12U. Check your league’s rules.
Is it free and safe for my child?
Yes. It’s free, it runs in a phone or computer browser, there’s no sign-up and nothing is shared. Scores stay on your device.
FOR PARENTS & COACHES
About How fast is that softball pitch, really?
What it trains
What youth fastpitch speeds feel like compared with baseball, and how little time hitters have.
Who it’s for
Parents and coaches of softball players.
How to help at home
- Use it to explain why timing matters so much in fastpitch.
- Practice getting ready earlier in soft toss.
- Pair with See It, Call It!