Regarding shutting down, here's a thread for you:
https://community.hsbaseballwe...hutting-down-the-arm
As I posted there, I think Kyle Boddy has an interesting take:
www.drivelinebaseball.com/2012...aining-is-the-devil/
"Here is how I approach training youth pitchers (13+ years old):
1. Very little – if any – pitching off a mound during the winter months. Completely avoiding pitching off a mound for 4+ months is strongly preferred.
2. Pitchers should be on a regimented and structured throwing program year-round, including winter training. Pitchers should prioritize deceleration training in the off-season.
3. If pitchers want to take time off from throwing, it should be for psychological reasons, not for any perceived physical benefit. Time off should not exceed four weeks.
4. The intelligent use of radar guns to track progress and to diagnose mechanical flaws with weighted baseballs is encouraged.* * * *
However, the idea that you will get better at throwing a baseball by not throwing a baseball is insane."