“There
is growing epidemic of injuries to the throwing arm and the number
one risk factor is year round baseball. Pitch count guidelines will
serve as the cornerstone of injury-prevention in youth baseball. The
goal is to educate parents and coaches." -- Dr. James R. Andrews, M.D.
Throwing Guidelines
• Develop
& maintain proper throwing mechanics. Improper throwing
mechanics increase force at shoulder & elbow.
• Do
NOT pitch with persistent shoulder or elbow pain. See medical
professional if pain not resolved within 5 days.
• Warm-Up
to throw. Do NOT throw to Warm-Up
• De-emphasize
winning. High pitch counts & early use of breaking pitches to
“win” increases injury risk.
• Avoid
year-round baseball. No throwing for 3 months between seasons to
allow throwing-arm to recover.
• Follow
rest guidelines between outings.
• Number
of pitches more important than number of innings for determining
rest.
• Proper
rest & recovery allows adaptation by muscles, tendons,
ligaments, connective tissue, cartilage, & bone.
• Follow
maximum pitch count guidelines. Direct correlation between high
pitch-counts & shoulder / elbow injuries.
• Avoid
throwing breaking pitches until 14-16 years old or until athlete
begins shaving.
• Ignore
radar gun readings. Young pitchers overthrow to impress scouts,
which increases risk of arm injuries.
• Overthrowing
pitches to gain velocity is mechanically inefficient &
predisposes arm to injury.
• Avoid
pitching in multiple leagues.
• Do
NOT practice pitching after pitched game.
• Do
NOT copy mechanics or conditioning programs of MLB players.
• Do
NOT throw overweight or underweight baseballs, which alter throwing
mechanics.
• Avoid
baseball pitching & football passing during same season.
Baseball pitching & football passing require different throwing
mechanics.
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