Offseason throwing program?

Why do you feel that your 14 year old needs an off season throwing program?

Others may feel differently, but bodies need rest, and so do young arms (see the guidelines from ASMI).

JMO

Good question, and maybe he doesn't need one. But he is not playing travel ball (or other sports) this fall, and we were both thinking that he would still hit and throw a good bit in addition to running and working out at the gym (he will just be starting with weights). I know from prior posts that you have a pro pitcher son - may I ask you what kind of workouts or program he followed in HS offseasons?  Thanks

OldSouth,

I think that 14 is a great age to introduce a throwing program to your son.  From this point on, as long as he is playing baseball, there will be some sort of program to follow. Part of that program definitely needs to be rest.  There is nothing wrong with shutting down the throwing for a few weeks or a month before getting into a program.  One of the most important things about any program is to be consistent with it and don't go into just looking for one thing (velocity).  Two other important things that you can add to a program is self competition.  Set goals and try to push yourself to reach them, you're training your inner voice too!  The second important thing is to think about building up to perform.  Example, If you're doing a Mon, Wed, Fri workout routine, the week should build up to perform/peak on Friday.  The entire program should work in the same manner from start to finish.  Work effectively and get better every week. Your in season workouts should be similar, obviously not with the same intensity.  As pitchers, we train and prepare for game days.  Don't look at it as training at maximum effort to throw at maximum effort for the duration of the season. Build up and be consistent.

Good Luck!

I may have misunderstood, you said that plans were not to take off this fall from travel ball.

ASMI recommends no overhead throwing for 2-3 months, I would follow that recommendation if he has not had significant rest from pitching.  

Velocity should not be the primary concern at this age,but rather proper mechanics first and foremost. 

When son was your sons age, he was still playing other positions (in moderation in addition to pitching), so no specific throwing program for  pitcher only and he did not become one until he was half way through HS. He also took summers off until HS and played other sports, but no overhead throwing and significant rest.  

I think that BOF gave you some good info in the other thread, personally I think at this age that I would leave out a specific throwing program or specific routine until his HS coach gives him one.  And keep in mind that it is important to avoid burnout, let your son explore other possibilities in the off season, dont push.

Thats why bb players have an off season!

JMO

http://www.asmi.org/research.p...on=positionStatement

Do not pay any attention to what BaseballInstructor50 has to say, he has shown he is impervious to facts, logic, evidence and science.

ASMI, Kyle at Driveline Baseball, Ron Wolforth, Alan Jaeger, Eric Cressey all are logic and fact based people to get information from, especially for 14 year olds.

Yes I had a typo in the original post - son is NOT playing travel ball this fall.

Thats ok, got it.

BTW, skip the long distance run, not necessary. 

I copied this over from the other thread. I would go ahead and delete it so there is some continuity. 

-----------------------------------------------------

I would make sure you schedule in some down time now or in the fall. I would consider either Ron Wolforth's program or Kyle Boddy's.

http://www.theathleticpitcher.com/

http://www.drivelinebaseball.com/

The thrive on throwing program is all about long toss and band/warm up work and I would consider it augmentative to the above programs. 

http://www.jaegersports.com/

Looking back on it I would have got my son in a very good weight lifting program. Cressey or GymJones could help with this.

http://www.cresseyperformance.com/

http://www.gymjones.com/gym/

There are others but this is a good start.

Good luck.

I would add that I think 14 is a good time to start lifting, but would make sure that it is developed for a 14 YO and there is a HEAVY emphasis on technique, in fact as I type this I think you really need to find a local trainer or someone who knows what they are doing, as he can hurt himself. The best are ones who are experienced in Olympic style lifts, which is what he should be focused on and they are very very technical.

Good luck!