Using Radar Guns for Smarter Throwing and Rehab

By Dr. Carmen Jansante, PT, DPT, CSCS

Over the last 10 years, it seems like every kid has a handheld radar gun in their bag. They pull it out during bullpens to see how hard they can throw. And while it’s fun to see the numbers climb, there’s a better way to use radar guns—a way that actually helps athletes get stronger, healthier, and more consistent.

It’s not about your max velocity on the mound or your fastest pull-down. The radar gun is a tool, not a trophy. Used properly, it can help with arm control, progression, and total development, rather than just showing off a number on Instagram.

The Pitfalls of Using Radar Guns the Wrong Way

As the “rehab guy,” I see a lot of players making the same mistakes:

• Pulling out the radar gun every bullpen day

• Chasing a max number when they feel good

• Posting personal records online without context

This can actually be detrimental. Max effort every day can overload the arm, increase injury risk, and mask consistency issues. Velocity is valuable, but only when used correctly. It’s not about how hard you throw once—it’s about being consistent on and off the field.

The Benefits of Using Radar Guns the Right Way

The radar gun provides an objective number. That number can help you:

1. Quantify stress on the arm – Velocity equals intensity.

2. Identify red flags – If your speed is down, fatigue might be affecting mechanics.

3. Guide return-to-throw programs – Track readiness after a start or injury.

4. Control intensity in training programs – Not just counting throws, but managing how hard each throw is.

Think of it like this: walking and running the same distance aren’t equal. Throwing at 60% effort is different than throwing at 90%. Radar guns give you a way to measure that objectively.

Using Radar Guns in Return-to-Throw Programs

We often use distance as an intensity marker and volume as a load marker in our programs. But the radar gun allows us to fine-tune intensity.

For example:

• If a player’s pre-injury velocity was 85 mph, we can prescribe throws at 80% effort.

• Using three throws at that target intensity, we calculate the average velocity—say 68–70 mph—and use that as the goal for the session.

• Each throw is monitored within a 5 mph range, and feedback is given as “up,” “down,” or “good” rather than micromanaging every mph.

This approach helps:

• Progress safely

• Maintain arm health

• Build control and consistency

Using Radar Guns in Performance Training

Radar guns aren’t just for baseball throws. They can be used in the weight room too:

• Measure medball throws or slams

• Control output and intensity

• Track CNS fatigue and recovery

By monitoring external output, we gain insight into how the athlete’s body is responding, not just how fast they can throw. It’s a powerful tool for both development and injury prevention.

A Better Approach to Radar Guns

The key takeaway: use velocity as a metric, not a goal. Properly used, radar guns provide:

• Objective feedback

• Consistency checks

• Insight into fatigue and recovery

• Controlled progression in rehab and performance programs

If you want to incorporate radar gun usage into your throwing programs or rehab, we’d love to help. Call or text us at 412-627-2131, or send us a message on Instagram at @undefeated_PT.

References

1. Fleisig, G. S., et al. (2011). Velocity and elbow stress in baseball pitchers: Implications for injury prevention. Sports Health, 3(5), 1–7.

2. Escamilla, R. F., et al. (2009). Throwing mechanics and injury prevention in baseball pitchers. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 31(2), 21–32.

3. Lyman, S., et al. (2002). Effect of pitch type and pitching mechanics on injury risk in youth baseball pitchers. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 30(4), 489–495.