roothog66 posted:Not a fan of this philosophy. Shut down from competitive throwing? Yes. Lighten the load? Sure. A complete shutdown - no throwing? I know of no other athletic activity or motion where this would be considered a good idea. Muscles and proprioception simply don't work like that. I think this notion causes more harm than good.
Other activities aren't as harmfull as throwing,every pitcher gets hurt or is at least having pain with no exception. Throwing is not a healthy activity and causes inflammation in the arm.
Now I think you could do just 4 weeks off and then 4 weeks throwing 45 mph and it would give the arm the same kind of recuperation but who really throws that soft for a month when he can throw 80?
Now if the kid has the discipline to do it go for it but most kids will probably throw harder soon.