quote:Glenn Fleisig, Ph.D.
ASMI Team
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position statement
« Reply #2 Today at 9:42am »
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Position Statement for Youth Baseball Pitchers
August 2009
With the rise in elbow and shoulder injuries in youth baseball pitchers, the adult community needs to take steps to prevent these injuries. Research points to overuse as the principle risk factor. Poor pitching mechanics also contribute to injury risk. Another suggested risk factor is poor physical fitness.
Throwing curveballs has been suggested as a risk factor, but the existing research does not support this concern. However, a youth pitcher may not have enough physical development, neuromuscular control, and proper coaching instruction to throw a curve ball with good mechanics. Throwing curveballs too early may be counter-productive, leading to arm fatigue as well as limiting the youth's ability to master fastball mechanics.
Thus, the recommendations for preventing injuries in youth baseball pitchers are:
1. Watch and respond to signs of fatigue. If a youth pitcher complains of fatigue or looks fatigued, let him rest from pitching and other throwing.
2. No overhead throwing of any kind for at least 2-3 months per year (4 months is preferred). No competitive baseball pitching for at least 4 months per year.
3. Follow limits for pitch counts and days rest.
4. Avoid pitching on multiple teams with overlapping seasons.
5. Learn good throwing mechanics as soon as possible. The first steps should be to learn, in order: 1) basic throwing, 2) fastball pitching, 3) change-up pitching.
6. Avoid using radar guns.
7. A pitcher should not also be a catcher for his team. The pitcher-catcher combination results in many throws and may increase the risk of injury.
8. If a pitcher complains of pain in his elbow or shoulder, get an evaluation from a sports medicine physician.
9. Inspire youth pitchers to have fun playing baseball and other sports. Participation and enjoyment of various physical activities will increase the youth's athleticism and interest in sports.
References:
* Dun S, Loftice J, Fleisig GS, Kingsley D, Andrews JR. A biomechanical comparison of youth baseball pitches: is the curveball potentially harmful? Am J Sports Med. 2008; 36(4):686-692.
* Fleisig GS, Andrews JR, Dillman CJ, Escamilla RF. Kinetics of baseball pitching with implications about injury mechanisms. Am J Sports Med. 1995; 23:233-239.
* Lyman S, Fleisig GS, Andrews JR, Osinski ED. Effect of Pitch Type, Pitch Count, and Pitching Mechanics on Risk of Elbow and Shoulder Pain in Youth Baseball Pitchers. Am J Sports Med. 2002; 30(4):463-468.
* Matsuo T, Fleisig GS, Zheng N, Andrews JR. Influence of shoulder abduction and lateral trunk tilt on peak elbow varus torque for college baseball pitchers during simulated pitching. J Appl Biomech. 2006; 22(2): 93-102.
* Nissen CW, Westwell M, Õunpuu S, Patel M, Solomito M, Tate J. A Biomechanical Comparison of the Fastball and Curveball in Adolescent Baseball Pitchers. Am J Sports Med. 2009 37(8):1492-1498.
* Olsen SJ, Fleisig GS, Dun S, Loftice J, Andrews JR. Risk Factors for Shoulder and Elbow Injuries in Adolescent Baseball Pitchers. Am J Sports Med. 2006; 34(6):905-912.
* Petty DH, Andrews JR, Fleisig GS, et al. Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in high school baseball players: clinical results and injury risk factors. Am J Sports Med 2004; 32:1158-1164.
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Food for thought. If you have a question about pitch counts here is what they had recommended:
quote:Glenn Fleisig, Ph.D.
ASMI Team
member is offline
Joined: May 2005
Gender: Male
Posts: 785
Location: Birmingham, AL
Discussion about Pitch Counts for Youth Pitchers
« Thread Started on May 11, 2005, 2:36pm »
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A lot of you have ask whether your child is pitching too much. I thought I would post the recommendations here, and open it up for your feedback or questions.
The current USA Baseball recommended limits are:
9-10 year old pitchers
50 pitches per game
75 pitches per week
1000 pitches per season
2000 pitches per year
11-12 year old pitchers
75 pitches per game
100 pitches per week
1000 pitches per season
3000 pitches per year
13-14 year old pitchers
75 pitches per game
125 pitches per week
1000 pitches per season
3000 pitches per year
These guidelines are from the USA Baseball Medical & Safety Committee and based on ASMI's research.
For the full recommendations, click here: USA Baseball Recommendations
« Last Edit: May 1, 2007, 9:06am by Glenn Fleisig, Ph.D. »