Quick picks from our radar guide: Pocket Radar Smart Coach • Bushnell Velocity (budget) • Potent (hockey) • CRANKSHOOTER (lacrosse)
Radar guns are simple… until you use them wrong
Most “my radar gun is inaccurate” complaints aren’t actually about the device. They’re about geometry. Sports radar is extremely good at measuring speed—when the object is moving toward or away from the radar.
If you’re shopping, start with our ranked list: compare radar guns & speed sensors.
The Doppler effect in plain English
Doppler radar detects how the frequency of a signal changes when it bounces off a moving object. If the ball is moving toward the radar, the reflected signal shifts one way; if it’s moving away, it shifts the other way. The radar converts that shift into a speed reading.
That’s why position matters: the radar wants the motion to be “in its line of sight.”
Angle error: why side angles under-read speed
When you stand off to the side, the ball’s motion is partly sideways relative to the radar. Radar only measures the portion of motion directly toward/away from it. That means side angles produce lower readings—sometimes noticeably lower.
- Best: behind the pitcher/catcher line, aimed down the lane.
- Okay: slightly off-center, still mostly toward/away motion.
- Worst: perpendicular to ball flight (pure side view).
Other real-world factors that change readings
- Distance: too close or too far can increase missed reads depending on the unit.
- Background clutter: netting, poles, and people moving can interfere with the radar’s “view.”
- Battery level: low power can reduce reliability (misses) more than accuracy.
- Object size: baseballs are easier than smaller objects; pucks need clean lanes.
A simple “good setup” checklist
- Put the radar in line with flight.
- Stabilize it (tripod helps).
- Use a repeatable distance and write it down.
- Take sets and use averages (don’t chase one max).
Want to apply this immediately? Our guide links to the best options by sport: quick recommendations.
