Throwing Heavy: Why Some Fastballs Feel Like a Brick—Even at Lower Velocity

Throwing Heavy: Why Some Fastballs Feel Like a Brick—Even at Lower Velocity

The Problem: Everyone’s Chasing Velocity, But Few Understand Force

In modern baseball, radar guns rule everything.
College scouts, parents, and players obsess over one thing: MPH.
But there’s something most people don’t understand until they try to catch it…

“Some guys throw 92 and you could catch it barehanded.
But catching your fastball? It felt like a bowling ball.”

That’s the difference between throwing hard and throwing heavy.

Have you ever caught someone who throws “heavy”? Tell us in the comments—what did it feel like?

The Catcher’s Test: You Know It When You Feel It

In this story, a former catcher describes stepping in during bullpens and realizing one thing fast:

“You were 88–90, but it was harder to catch than guys throwing 93.”

That’s not about radar numbers. That’s about:

• Late movement

• Ball weight off the fingers

• Spin efficiency

• Downhill plane and body sync

A heavy fastball doesn’t “float.” It drives through the glove.
And hitters feel it just like catchers do—on the handle.

Physics Over Hype: What Actually Creates a Heavy Fastball

✅ It’s not just velocity
✅ It’s not just arm strength
✅ It’s the combination of:

• Clean mechanics

• Spin axis and tilt

• Vertical approach angle

• Intent through the zone

• Body strength behind the pitch

A true heavy ball feels like it doubles in weight at the end.
That’s not magic. That’s physics and body sequencing.

Why Some Guys With Velo Get Hit—and Others Don’t

“I’ve seen guys throwing 95, and when you hit it—it goes.”
“But some guys at 90? You hit it and it’s like hitting a mailbox.”

That’s the deception and force behind heavy fastballs.
They’re hard to square. Hard to lift.
And even if you do make contact—it doesn’t go anywhere.

The Shift: Stop Obsessing Over the Radar Gun

Throwing heavy is teach-able.
But not if all you chase is numbers.

Parents, if your kid is only chasing 90+ but has no command, no late movement, and no strength behind the pitch, they’re building a fragile future.

Pitchers need to train:
✅ Lower half drive
✅ Efficient release
✅ Proper spin
✅ Intent through the zone
✅ Repeatable mechanics with downhill force

Key Takeaways for Pitchers, Parents, and Coaches

✅ Velocity ≠ effectiveness—especially if the pitch is flat
✅ “Heavy” fastballs are real—and incredibly hard to square up
✅ Pitchers with lower velo but better force application can dominate
✅ Catchers know the difference between radar velocity and real pain
✅ If you want to pitch at higher levels, stop chasing speed—and start learning how to throw heavy

How Sore to Soaring Builds Real Pitchers, Not Radar Guns

At Sore to Soaring, we train pitchers to be dangerous—even without 95 on the gun.

We teach:

• Body sequencing

• Efficient spin

• Ball intent

• Mechanical repeatability

• Situational pitch command

Because when the velo obsession fades, the guys who know how to pitch will still be on the mound.

🌍 Support our mission at:
👉 www.SoreToSoaring.org

Disclaimer

The views shared in this article are for informational purposes only and do not represent an endorsement by Lupos Initiative Inc., DBA Sore to Soaring. Always consult a qualified coach or professional before implementing any training program. No affiliation or compensation exists between Sore to Soaring and any for-profit entity mentioned.

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