As I try to improve my own velocity for pitching and coach up my players, I continually go back to long toss as one of the great methods for improving arm strength. I always hunt down this tweet for the handy guide to distance for long toss.

For anyone who thinks 120 ft is “Long Toss”, this chart (approximation) hopefully puts into perspective how well tour truly “developing” your arm:

Long Toss Distance based on above Avg Arm Strength:

6 years old = 75 ft
8: 100 ft
* 10: 120 ft
12: 150
14: 225
16: 275
18: 300+

— Jaeger Sports (@jaegersports) June 13, 2019

On the practice field, I try to visualize this, but am usually wrong. So, I wanted to work out what these distances would be in quick field dimension terms.

We play on 50/70 diamonds, so home to second is just short of 100 feet. That’s how far an EIGHT YEAR OLD should use for long toss (with above average arm strength). So, on my team of 12 and 13 year olds, every player ought to easily throw unencumbered from home to second. The 12 year olds should be able to back off 50 feet into shallow center, which would be the same distance from second as the rubber on the mound is. If you’re using the first or third base line instead, go down the line a little further than the distance from home to the bag. At the end of the spring, my 13 year olds should be able to throw long toss from nearly three times the distance between bases. Throwing from the fence to the infield fringe is around 200 feet, so that will be the goal….

I haven’t paid serious attention to other teams throwing programs before games, but mine sure as heck isn’t throwing this far yet. At least I am starting to understand the scope….