Coaches-what do you have pitchers do between starts?

BigHit15 we have them run distance after the game. Usually 5 or 6 poles. On day one we have them stretch alot upper and lower then run at least 8 poles. They toss light and then get on the bands. On day two the same as day one with the exception of the throwing. We have them go back a little ****her and throw a little more. On day three we have them do a short bull pen along with the stretching and running which is increased to around 10 poles. On day four we have them throw to a couple of batters around 40 pitches not all out but around 70 percent. We have them stretch alot and run around 4 poles. On day 5 they pitch. We dont like them to go 6 or 7 days without pitching if we can help it.

What I am asking is what do yo do if it is every 7 days. We only play 2 games per week. Right now it is Tuesday and Friday. He pitches Friday. Do you ever throw a hard bullpen or a hard long toss between outings?

the Florida Bombers
"I love the HSBBW"

Right now my HS team plays two games a week. Tuesday and Thursday. This is the routine we use.
This routine is assuming that the pitcher will throw agin the same day the next week.

T- Pitch, Run after finishing pitching
W- Depending on how the pitcher feels I do not make them play catch, but if they want they play light catch to stretch their arm out a little. Stretching, tubing, massage and ice. Followed by running. At least 20 minutes the day after.

Th - Stretch, tubing and catch. Longer and firmer catch than the preivious day. Conditioning = sprints and Abdominal work.

Depending on how the pitcher feels and the number of pitches thrown on Tueday, we will pen on either Fri. or Sat. If we pen on Friday then we can go harder and more pitches than if we pen on Saturday.

Here I will assume the pitcher wants to pen on Saturday.

Friday - Stretch, tubing, Warm-Up, Long Toss. Run = 20 minutes

Sat - Pen = 25-30 pitches (depending on the pitcher) at 75% or so. Conditioning = Sprints and Ab Work.

Sun = No practice. Most pitchers take the day off from throwing, but I ask them to run since they threw a pen the day before.

Mon = Warm-Up, light catch and light running on the day before throwing in a game.

Releivers are different as they never know when they will be throwing. All pitchers who do not throw in games during the week, will throw in an intrasquad game or a bullpen on Friday.

Hope this helps.

Big,
You are welcome for sending you my thoughts.....

Thank you, I got it.

the Florida Bombers
"I love the HSBBW"

quote:

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Originally posted by Gotaclue:
It is interesting that if someone complains about a coach, he/she gets jumped all over, but if one asks about a coaching strategy, no one (except Coach May) has a comment. Should it be assumed that most hs coaches don't really have a strategy for coaching/development between starts?

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I'll take a chance here and state what we do. We have a trainer and our kids go to him first on day 1 after he pitches. He gets a good stretch and then his flexibility is tested and he gets on those running shoes. He runs poles and then does band work. He does not throw although all of the pitching clinics I went to this past winter seem to suggest that playing catch is good. We do a plyoball workout and heavy rope. Then we do the band work again but work on stretching a lot. In fact, stretching is primary to what we do. Then, our pitchers go hit. They hit a few rounds, then get their hill work in. After this back to the trainer and ...

On day two, we play catch and depending upon what their pitchcount is with relations to 50 pitches, they may extend their catch. We do all of the other workout mentioned above.

Day 3 they do a bull pen and then do their long/short catch. As I posted earlier, they throw form 150 feet and 100 feet with different goals. In season the number of throws is limited to 15. Rest of the above.

Day 4, since we don't often throw more than 80 pitches in a game, we have the chance that this pitcher will throw in a game in relief. He will not throw if we have a game until after the game. In that way, if we have to have one or two outs, he can throw. we throw a "half workout" and do not do any plyoball or jump roper. We cut the number of Poles down to half and we run the hill. The trainer will assess the pitcher for the next day's start.

DAy 5, we are ready to pitch our next game.

BTW, we don't have the luxury of playing 2 times a week although I know many do. We play 5 games next week and a double header on Saturday. We have to go 6 deep all year long. Granted, 5 and 6 will get bumped a lot.

"There comes a time when you have to stop dreaming of the man you want to be and start being the man you have become." Bruce Springsteen

Coach25,

Very similar to what I am doing for the little guy - only difference being a bit more running.

What if the pitcher plays another position? Right now we play on back to back days both double headers. My son will pitch the first game, sit out the second. The next day he catches the first game and he usually plays SS for the second game. He runs about 10 poles right after pitching and 10 more the next day. On the third day all we do is stretch and run. I have even iced him down at the game right after pitching. We get in maybe one pen between starts. So much to work on (catching, pitching, fielding, hitting, running etc.) so little time for recovery. Thanks Rob

I would base it on how many pitches he throws per outing but a guideline I have used:

Day 1 - pitch
Day 2 - run, stretch, easy throw
Day 3 - stretch, long toss
Day 4 - stretch, long toss/flat land work
Day 5 - stretch, bullpen
Day 6 - stretch, medium toss
Day 7 - pitch

Do any of you incorporate weight training into you workout programs (other than band work)?

How do you feel about a 40 pitch full speed bull pen if you are on a 7 day schedule? Why?

Thanks for the responses.

the Florida Bombers
"I love the HSBBW"

Bighit,

My opinion...

If he has been weight training during the off season, he should have an in season routine of the weight room for maintenance.

I think a 40 pitch bullpen session on day 4 or 5 is a good idea.

Bighit,

Depending on his game performance and number of pitches - he throws a full bullpen - anywhere from 30-45 pitches - after 3 days rest.

He does not do weight training just yet - coming soon. He does band work 3-4 times per week - and runs almost every day.

Redbird,

Please send me your e-mail. I have something for you.

the Florida Bombers
"I love the HSBBW"

Here is an article that might give you some ideas

Bullpens



Play every game as if it were your last

BigHit,

You have a PM

We lift 2 days per week in season. We do a plyo workout 2 days. Pitchers are monitored in their lifting by the trainer who is in there holding their hands. Also, my assistant coach was a D1 player in a program that had a great weight room regiment. He monitors them closely as well. In the weight room, I get too gungho and so, I back off in there during the season.

"There comes a time when you have to stop dreaming of the man you want to be and start being the man you have become." Bruce Springsteen

CoachB25,

How do the players lift with the trainer holding their hands?

Coach B,

quote:

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I get too gungho and so, I back off in there during the season.

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Good for you for recognizing this and doing something about it!

_______________________
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." Rogers Hornsby, Hall of Famer

Coach B, u are the exception not the rule.

Redbird, Funny!

the Florida Bombers
"I love the HSBBW"