Long Tossing Question (Jaeger)

Hello:

You will find, especially in HS and Older Age Select Programs that coaches pretty much have thier plan or routine you are expected to follow.  And thats OK, as long as it is productive and involves sounds principles and mechanics.  My suggestion to you is not to worry too much about being able to follow the Jaeger program line for line during practice.  The tubing serves a couple purposes including stretching and increasing bloodflow to the small muscles of the shoulder and elbow areas (most commonly injured) and it also helps some with strengthing of these areas too.  Make your best effort to do these exercises (or throwers 10) a few times a week even if its not right when you throw, just for good general Maintenance and health of your shoulder and elbow.  As long as you are getting some warm up time at practice and throwing at closer distances with GOOD mechanics before backing up you should be OK.  As you move back keep in mind it is not necessary to throw from 300 feet to stretch your arm out.  I have found that when my son gets back to about 180-200 feet he is getting plenty of stretch in (and he has a very above average arm).  We then work it back in from there throwing on a line (pull down phase) as we shorten it up in 5-10 yard increments.  I make him run a lap after throwing to get his blood flowing (you guys probably get some running in at practice anyway), and then he ices down that night.  Honestly, focus on making good mechanically sound throws and take your time moving back on your wrm ups and you will do fine.  Also, one more note.  make absolutely sure you are careful not to sacrifice mechanics for distance when doing the Jaeger program.  The program works, but you have to work your way up slowly and most folks go too fast.  I personally experienced this when my son threw a ball 315 feet as a 14 year old and spent the next 4 months recovering from a UCL strain.  Scary stuff.  You only get one arm, treat it right at all times.  Hope this helps.

Good luck!

Sorry I messed the one before up.  5 tool 315 feet as a 14 year old is equivalent to over 90mph your son is truly an elite player.  I agree with most of what you said except you sound like distance isn't important.  It is a key factor of the program.  Throw as far as you can with a loose smooth delivery then do the pull down Phase.  I do agree you work up to it.  

I agree with you throw'n bb's.  Distance is important, but not all kids are ready to take it out to 300+ and I a fear too many are worried about a "magic number", Its a case by case basis, and so each player must be realistic and pick a good appropriate distance for thier own abilities until they get further into thier arm development.

Good point though, I didnt communicate that real well.

Thanks guys this has been a real help.  Appreciate it.  I do the bands everyday after practice, just making sure I wasn't doing anything wrong!  Thanks a lot!