Why a Radar Gun Is a Tool, Not a Test
The first time I brought a radar gun to the field, I could see my son tense up. Every pitch, he snapped his head around to look at the number. Mechanics flew out the window. That’s when I realized: if we treat the radar gun like a test, it adds pressure. If we treat it like a feedback tool, it actually helps.
So before anything else, decide what role the baseball radar gun is going to play in your practices:
- To track long-term progress (month-to-month, not pitch-to-pitch).
- To give feedback on how different mechanics affect velocity.
- To add a little competition and fun to otherwise boring bullpens.
Step 1: Set Ground Rules Before You Turn the Radar Gun On
Whether you’re a coach or a parent, talk through a few ground rules before you ever point the radar gun at a pitcher:
- Mechanics and command first, velocity second.
- No yelling numbers across the field. Keep readings calm and private.
- We care about averages, not one “hero” pitch.
- Velocity doesn’t define a player—it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
This alone takes a lot of pressure off. Now the radar gun becomes a coach, not a judge.
Step 2: Know Where to Stand and How to Use the Radar Gun
The two biggest factors in getting good readings are angle and distance. Here’s a simple, repeatable setup for most youth and high school practices:
- Stand directly behind the catcher or just off to the side, outside the net or backstop.
- Hold the radar gun so it’s roughly in line with the flight of the ball.
- Use continuous mode (on Pocket Radar and similar devices) so you’re not chasing the trigger every throw.
- Stay close enough that the ball is in the gun’s “sweet spot” without putting yourself in danger.
If your radar gun allows it, use the same distance and angle every practice. Consistent setup = consistent readings = better data.
Step 3: Build Radar Gun Check-Ins into Practice (Instead of Every Pitch)
One of the worst things you can do is point the radar gun at every single pitch in a youth bullpen. That’s when kids start overthrowing, flying open, and ignoring location. Instead, try this:
- Warm up with no radar gun at all.
- Turn it on for a short “velo block” of 5–10 pitches in the middle of the bullpen.
- Turn it off again and finish with command work or off-speed pitches.
You still get data, but you’re not turning the entire session into a velocity contest.
Step 4: Track Trends, Not Just Top Velocity
When you use a baseball radar gun consistently, the trend is way more important than the single-session high. I like to track:
- Starting velocity of a bullpen (first velo block).
- Ending velocity of a bullpen (last velo block).
- Average velocity for that day’s session.
Over weeks and months, you want to see average velocity slowly climb as strength, mechanics, and confidence improve. This gives players something encouraging to look back on: “Hey, back in March, my average was 52 mph. Now it’s 57 mph.”
Simple Radar Gun Drills for Practice
Here are a few low-stress ways to use radar in baseball practice so it helps players instead of overwhelming them.
Drill 1: Comfortable Max Velocity Set
- After warm-up, pick 8–10 fastballs to measure.
- Ask the pitcher to throw at a strong but comfortable effort level—not max effort.
- Record all readings and circle the average.
This builds a baseline without turning every pitch into a “redline” effort.
Drill 2: Mechanics Change A/B Test
- Measure a set of 5–6 pitches with normal mechanics.
- Introduce one small change (like better hip rotation or a stronger front side).
- Measure another 5–6 pitches and compare averages.
This keeps the focus on mechanical quality with the radar gun as proof, instead of the other way around.
Drill 3: Command + Velo Challenge
- Set a small zone (glove on the corner, or a target on the net).
- Only count pitches that hit the zone.
- Track the velocity of those “good” pitches.
This teaches pitchers that strikes at good velocity matter more than wild 3–4 mph “max effort” throws.
Best Radar Guns for Practice Setups
Some radar guns are better suited for practice and bullpens than others. I like:
- Pocket Radar Smart Coach – For pairing with video and saving sessions over time.
- Pocket Radar Ball Coach – For quick, no-frills readings during practice.
- Stalker Pro II+ – For advanced setups, multi-pitch tracking, and teams that want pro-level detail.
You can see my favorite options all in one place here: Radar Guns & Speed Sensors Collection.
Final Thoughts: Let the Radar Gun Support the Player, Not Define Them
A radar gun can be one of the most helpful tools in baseball practice if you use it with a plan. When you focus on mechanics, health, and long-term progress, velocity naturally finds its way into the picture.
Use the radar gun to:
- Encourage, not embarrass.
- Measure progress, not worth.
- Support smarter training, not reckless max-effort throwing.
Do that, and you’ll get the best of both worlds: stronger arms, smarter pitchers, and a healthier relationship with that little number on the screen.