Are There Any Differences In Speed When Pitching A Softball At Different Times Of The Day?

Pitching a softball requires timing, coordination, strength and confidence. The best softball pitchers can throw the ball at speeds approaching 70 mph during the day or night. While some pitchers may prefer throwing during the day, most prefer throwing at night. It's not because they can throw harder at night, it's because most hitters have a harder time tracking the ball and can't see it as well under lights as they can when playing in sunlight.

Cooler Temperatures

Pitchers may throw harder at night when the temperatures are cooler. Many games played during the heat of summer can be debilitating when a pitcher has to go to the pitching circle inning after inning. According to Bill Hillhouse, a longtime pitching coach who has also pitched for Team USA, pitching in cooler temperatures will allow a pitcher to compete at a higher level for a longer period of time.

Hitting Difficulty

While the pitcher may throw a bit harder on a cooler and more comfortable night, it may be significantly more difficult for the hitter to make contact at night. There are wide variances in the quality of lights and a field that is not equipped with a top artificial light system will be a harder field for some hitters to make consistent contact with the ball. Pitches seem faster to the hitter at night because he doesn't see the ball as well when lights are not great.

Overall Speed

The pitcher uses the same motion whether he is pitching at night or day. Some pitchers may have a preference, but pitching during the day or night does not impact the speed imparted on the ball. The only thing that will impact the speed of the ball is the force the pitcher puts on it with her motion. According to pitching instructor Gerald Warner, this is not a function of pitching during the day or night.

Expert Opinion

There are advantages to pitching during both conditions. It is largely a matter of individual preference. Hillhouse believes that conditions may be more favorable at night for pitchers because of the inconsistent lighting but that doesn't mean the pitches are coming in faster. "An optic yellow ball will help the hitter, but it won't be enough if the lighting isn't great," Hillhouse said. "The pitcher's mechanics remain the same. They don't change during night games. Weather conditions may have a slight impact on velocity, but pitchers who throw hard during the day will throw hard at night. Pitchers who don't throw hard during the day won't throw harder at night."