My son is a 14U pitcher on a tournament team that plays 8 to 10 tournaments a year and has one practice a week. Otherwise there’s not a lot of throwing in between tournaments. Is there resource out there for a dad like me to try to design a midweek bullpen throwing plan to keep his arm loose and strong? Maybe a website or something like that? Any direction would be helpful.
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The key is to not overthrow him. Are they doing bullpens during this once a week practice?
Most kids don't throw enough. You will want to vary midweek workouts based on # pitches thrown the prior weekend but here is a rough guideline: Monday : running, conditioning, band work Tuesday : band work & throw flat ground (work all grips) Wednesday : band work, throw flat ground, 40 pitch bullpen Thursday : band work & throw flat ground Friday - Sunday : tournament play
My concern is my son is not throwing enough to stay healthy/sharp and what I should be doing with him between starts. Last year my son pitched 44 innings and averaged 15 pitches/inning. This year he has thrown 9 innings and 110 pitches (12 pitches/inning). His last tournament he pitched 4 innings (49 pitches) on Saturday , DHed for 1 game, played 1B for a game, and played 3B for a game. He is pretty efficent. But next practice isn't until Thursday and he will throw a 5 batter bullpen before pitching again this Saturday.
My son is 15u. His high school practices M-F with games on Saturday, as well as during the week some. He is a starter and they ONLY have him pitch a 25 pitch bullpen about 3 days before he starts.
Now, having said that, he long tosses EVERY DAY. There is a huge difference in mound throwing and long tossing. If you want your son to get/stay loose I suggest long toss in proper pitching form.
