how to gain percieved velocity?

[jamesh23]

I just sean jonathan papelbon pitch and they said his 96 mph fastball looks like its 102 mph because he hides the ball well and can add percieved velocity to it? how can I hide the ball better and seem like im throwing harder? I throw about 70 and it would be nice if it looked like I threw 75-80

[Goo64]

Now I am not very knowledgeable about pitching...BUT I will give this one a shot. You already pointed out that Papelbon hides the ball well. The hitter's are unable to see the ball right out of his hand so they have less time to adjust when they do see it. This gives the same effect as if you were throwing a bit harder. I would not recommend trying to do this if you don't already do it. He hides the ball as a part of his pitching mechanics...if you're a pitcher and throw fairly well already I wouldn't try to work around my mechanics just for perceived velocity. I would just worry about being more of a Jamie Moyer and hit my spots and keep hitters off balance. As I said before though, I'm not claiming to know much about pitching.

[devilsadvocate]

Early momentum toward the plate and good timing leading to late rotation will lengthen the stride and move your release point closer to home plate. That will increase perceived velocity.

[korp]

Perceived velocity can be a few things. These include: arm circle if its small or long, height of pitcher since the taller they are the closer to home plate the ball is realeased and of course hiding the ball. How long you hide the ball has to do basically with mechanics so I would say if you want to hide it longer tape yourself and tweak little things like how much you torque your body ect and see how it affects the ball.

[TG Coach]

Emulating a MLB player isn't necessarily going to improve your pitching. My son wrote to a MLB pitcher about his change. The player was nice enough to respond explaining how he throws it. But he added, you're not my size, weight, build and have the same size hands so I can't say you'll have the same results.

[baseballz20]

I just sean jonathan papelbon pitch and they said his 96 mph fastball looks like its 102 mph because he hides the ball well and can add percieved velocity to it? how can I hide the ball better and seem like im throwing harder? I throw about 70 and it would be nice if it looked like I threw 75-80

If i were you I would do a lot of long tossing to gain arm strenght and I would try to generate a lot of torque by seperating you hands as late as possible when you are on the mound.