How hard do you throw in the bullpen?

Question

I am just getting back to pitching and wanted to know how people handle bullpen throwing, both on game day and between starts.

I have found that even after a couple days rest if I throw more than 75% I still have a bit of arm soreness.

Also, warming up for a game, is there any point to throwing 100% until you are actually throwing to a live batter? What about warm ups for each inning? What is your philosophy on this?

Answer 1

Before entering the game you would never want to throw full-on. On an off day you want to pitch at speeds even less but a routine of a full pitch count helps with muscle memory. Your arm will tell you what it can and can't do. Don't sweat the small stuff just do your thing and good luck. Remember that most pitchers well into college only throw 80-85, it's not until working with pitching coaches at the pro level are you going to obtain reasonable fireballs.

Answer 2

As far as throwing between starts, a lot is based on how the pitcher's arm feels but a lot of time we will throw 45' bullpens to work on mechanics, that way there isn't a lot of stress on the arm.
Also, the day after your start, you have to run long distance. This helps a lot. We typically have our pitchers either run like 3-5 miles or have them run 20 or so poles.
The best way not to have a sore arm after starts is working really hard on a long toss throwing program. It builds so much arm strength and really helps build a healthy arm.
Now as far as warming up in the bullpen before a start, that is definitely pitcher's preference. You should warm-up whatever way makes you the most comfortable going into a game. We also always have a stand-in hitter in the bullpen so its more gamelike. When i was catching, every pitcher had a different routine. Some would throw 40-50 pitches before a start, some would work up a huge sweat before going in, some would hardly throw at all. Just make a set routine that makes you comfortable and confident going into a game.

Answer 3

You loosen up by stretching etc. then you lob the ball a few times and gradually throw a little harder until it's almost time to be called and by then you should be throwing close to 100%.

Answer 4

at the end of the warm up 100%. to get a rythum

Answer 5

my name is mandy and my friend stephanie in softball can throw @ like 60 mph thats really fast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

heart,
~Mandy~ <333