PTONE-copy

Youth Baseball Injury Series, Part II: Reducing Injuries

Blog

Reducing youth baseball injuriesWhere do we go from here?

Being sensible and smart can go a long way in reducing injuries. There are many simple things coaches, parents, and players can do to combat the growing rate of youth baseball injuries:

 

  • Keep a pitch count and follow guidelines for days’ rest (they even have apps for this)
  • Do not pitch for more than one team during a season
  • Do not pitch more than 100 innings in a calendar year
  • Take time off during the year, at least two months off from throwing
  • Get rid of the radar gun
  • Perform an exercise program for shoulder and arm strength (try the Throwers Ten!)
  • Work with a qualified pitching instructor who can assess your mechanics
  • Be aware of fatigue and stop when you get to that point
  • Do not pitch if you are having arm pain

Many of the injuries sustained by professional and college athletes can be traced back to overuse in their youth and high school careers. If you are a parent, coach, or athlete, I encourage you to take your part in preventing injuries seriously.

Click here for a helpful resource for parents, players and coaches on avoiding overuse injuries and fostering long, healthy careers for youth pitchers.

AgeDaily Max (Pitches in Game)Required Rest (Pitches)
0 Days1 Day2 Days3 Days4 Days
7-8501-2021-3536-50N/AN/A
9-10751-2021-3536-5051-6566+
11-12851-2021-3536-5051-6566+
13-14951-2021-3536-5051-6566+
15-16951-3031-4546-6061-7576+
17-181051-3031-4546-6061-7576+
19-221201-3031-4546-6061-7576+
Share this article

Schedule an Appointment

You might also like

How to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis
Blog

How to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common orthopedic foot complaints reported to healthcare providers. One in 10 people will experience plantar heel pain and...

How to Treat and Heal a Pulled Groin
Blog

How to Treat a Pulled Groin

Tenderness and pain in the area where the abdomen meets the top of your legs can be signs of a pulled groin. Over-stretching or tearing...

Prevent an ACL Injury
Physical Therapy

How to Prevent an ACL Injury

Every year the U.S., nearly 250,000 people tear the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) located in the center of the knee. Some ACL injuries cause significant...