2017LHPscrewball posted:Steve A. posted:13U is the extreme danger zone for young arms. First year on the big field so now he is pumping 60' vs 46'. Many play travel, Rec & School ball. This is insane & a formula for disaster. It's compounded if the kid features on the mound vs just a position player.
Read this post and started thinking about what, if any, changes should be made between 12U and 13U once they move to the big field. My oldest was fortunate to have been on a team where lots of kids pitched. He was a decent size and threw with little effort, so these first outings on the big field were never an issue. I do have a younger son who will be moving to the big field next year and I am sure he will want to continue pitching. This will be high effort for him, so any suggestions or observations would be appreciated.
Told my youngest that 2B may be the most contested position next year. I suspect there will be several wannabe SS's (including my son) that struggle with the increased distance that first year and will no longer be able to deliver the ball via a frozen rope - but will have to incorporate a little extra altitude or end up with the dreaded bounce.
Having been through it & watching just about all (I'm not exaggerating) of my kids pals come up lame at 13-14 I can with absolute certainly tell you this for a fact. At 13, first taste of the big field, less is more. What I mean is this: They are now suddenly throwing longer & probably more volume than ever. Everyone wants to show they can handle the jump & air it out. Young, developing plates in the arms. Trying to make the Middle School Team. Still playing travel & perhaps Rec. Slow it down. Guard against any overlap. DO NOT, under any circumstances, play on multiple teams simultaneously (Middle School all week / 19 Travel Ball Games on Sat & Sunday) A few weeks of this & a grown man's arm would fall off. But hey, they want to do it & he may lose his spot on the travel team & etc etc. = your kid is down for the count. Arm is toast & you are making Dr. appointments. Saw it over & over.
Think long term. Look big picture. Your kid will benefit by default by staying sound.