Does anyone know of any articles or information on the internet about what age a kid should be before he starts throwing a curve?
Thanks.
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You'll probably hear different ages. Some say 16, some say 14, some say 18. Truth his many will learn when they're around 12 or 13, but now kids are learning even earlier than that. Can't be too careful with a curve though.
It all depends on how you look at it.
Most of the Little Leaguers throwing curves (ages 10-12) are having fun now, and why not let them? Most of them won't play into their teens.
But if you think you have potential to play into HS or beyond, you should lay off the curves at least until 14 and later if you can. The fact is, if you master the sinker and a good change, you won't need a curve until HS JV ball at least. And you might be surprised how many successful HS players don't use, or hardly use them.
When you do start, get good instruction on how to throw it. Another thread on this site pointed out that you aren't really supposed to "snap" a curve. Hand position and proper arm action get the job done right without the hard elbow/forearm stress of the "snap" curve that so many kids are taught out of ignorance.
Most of the Little Leaguers throwing curves (ages 10-12) are having fun now, and why not let them? Most of them won't play into their teens.
But if you think you have potential to play into HS or beyond, you should lay off the curves at least until 14 and later if you can. The fact is, if you master the sinker and a good change, you won't need a curve until HS JV ball at least. And you might be surprised how many successful HS players don't use, or hardly use them.
When you do start, get good instruction on how to throw it. Another thread on this site pointed out that you aren't really supposed to "snap" a curve. Hand position and proper arm action get the job done right without the hard elbow/forearm stress of the "snap" curve that so many kids are taught out of ignorance.
Good question. I heard the age of 14 gets thrown around because of the growth plate development in the young players --- the only problem ----- the young players don't read that type of information. Even if the parents and the youth coaches tell the player they shouldn't be throwing a curve doesn't necessarily mean they will heed the warnings. I was just reading a newspaper article they did on my son’s curveball and in that article he said:
The reason I taught my son to throw a curveball when he was eleven was because I knew he and his friends were throwing the curve and I wanted him to throw it properly and not get into the “twisting” his wrist and elbow and create arm problems. Most young players twist their arms and end up developing a “slurve” instead of the 12 to 6 curveball. While I know nothing about the anatomy of the throwing arm I was told this twisting motion is what puts dangerous stress on the developing elbow. I think it’s best NOT to throw the curve until you become high school age BUT if a player is throwing the curve he need to throw it properly.
Fungo
quote:"I learned it from my dad when I was about 11 years old and have just been throwing it ever since," Bell said. "It started getting pretty good about my sophomore year in high school
The reason I taught my son to throw a curveball when he was eleven was because I knew he and his friends were throwing the curve and I wanted him to throw it properly and not get into the “twisting” his wrist and elbow and create arm problems. Most young players twist their arms and end up developing a “slurve” instead of the 12 to 6 curveball. While I know nothing about the anatomy of the throwing arm I was told this twisting motion is what puts dangerous stress on the developing elbow. I think it’s best NOT to throw the curve until you become high school age BUT if a player is throwing the curve he need to throw it properly.
Fungo
That's what I've always thought was funny. The adults argue about when to start, and make a point of not allowing curves in games. But during the afternoons after school, while we're still at work, they're in the back yard experimenting and throwing 50 of them per day!
The most important thing with a curve ball is to make sure your throwing it the right way with good form. If you do this you can start at a younger age, thats the biggest thing with younger pitchers. I started when I was 13 i think.
An important factor, in addition to learning the proper curve mechanics, is not to overuse the curve.
Throwing the curve too much will inhibit the progress of your fastball. And of course will increase the wear & tear on your arm. And it will also hurt your development as a pitcher. Learn to get batters out with your fastball & change. The curve is gravy.
When to start learning? IMHO 14YO is fine. But go easy.
One or two an inning is plenty. Don't become a "curveball pitcher".
Throwing the curve too much will inhibit the progress of your fastball. And of course will increase the wear & tear on your arm. And it will also hurt your development as a pitcher. Learn to get batters out with your fastball & change. The curve is gravy.
When to start learning? IMHO 14YO is fine. But go easy.
One or two an inning is plenty. Don't become a "curveball pitcher".
grateful,
Good article!
Good article!
We have several "big sticks" on our Dixie Ozone team (12U). We are pretty stacked. Any of our 1-6 batters are capable of taking it out on any given swing. We see A LOT of curve balls!!
One team we played had their pitcher throw nothing but CB's to our top six hitters. He threw ONLY CB's. He threw 116 pitches in 5 innings and at least 70%-80% CB's.
His dad is the head coach. After the game I asked him why in the world would he let his son throw that long and throw so many CB's. He said that the odds of his son making it to MLB is 1-in-a-million so why not let him have fun now.
We have 4 pitchers on this team and we have taught them all (with parent's permission) how to throw a CB properly. We call their pitches in the game and we call very few if any CB's. We emphasize the use of location with the FB and a CU. We will call an occasional CB just to show it but never more than once or twice an inning.
I agree with Fungo that the boys should be taught how to throw a CB so that they don't hurt their arms. Parents that tell their sons to not throw CB's are too often surprised to learn that they still do regardless.
One team we played had their pitcher throw nothing but CB's to our top six hitters. He threw ONLY CB's. He threw 116 pitches in 5 innings and at least 70%-80% CB's.
His dad is the head coach. After the game I asked him why in the world would he let his son throw that long and throw so many CB's. He said that the odds of his son making it to MLB is 1-in-a-million so why not let him have fun now.
We have 4 pitchers on this team and we have taught them all (with parent's permission) how to throw a CB properly. We call their pitches in the game and we call very few if any CB's. We emphasize the use of location with the FB and a CU. We will call an occasional CB just to show it but never more than once or twice an inning.
I agree with Fungo that the boys should be taught how to throw a CB so that they don't hurt their arms. Parents that tell their sons to not throw CB's are too often surprised to learn that they still do regardless.
To me there is no age that you can say ok go throw CBs.
As I have pointed out before my son has thrown a LL CB since he was 10. Never had an arm injury and is 19 playing D1 NCAA baseball in the Big South Conference.
There is a big difference between the 12-6 LL CB and a ML CB. The LL breaks slowly way out front and if thrown properly does not hurt your arm. The ML CB has a tighter rotation and breaks late at the plate and is harder on the elbow and should be learned when the growth plates are fully developed. My son used the ML CB at 16-17 and still will mix in a LL CB to throw a pumped batter off.
Son started working hard on his FB at 16 and is still working on it. We saw the college years as the years to build himself up and develop the FB.
As I have pointed out before my son has thrown a LL CB since he was 10. Never had an arm injury and is 19 playing D1 NCAA baseball in the Big South Conference.
There is a big difference between the 12-6 LL CB and a ML CB. The LL breaks slowly way out front and if thrown properly does not hurt your arm. The ML CB has a tighter rotation and breaks late at the plate and is harder on the elbow and should be learned when the growth plates are fully developed. My son used the ML CB at 16-17 and still will mix in a LL CB to throw a pumped batter off.
Son started working hard on his FB at 16 and is still working on it. We saw the college years as the years to build himself up and develop the FB.
quote:His dad is the head coach. After the game I asked him why in the world would he let his son throw that long and throw so many CB's. He said that the odds of his son making it to MLB is 1-in-a-million so why not let him have fun now.
There's some sanity in that. I see lots of terrible kid pitchers being advised to SAVE their arms. For what?
Nothing better for the young pitching arm then to 10 run the other team in five quick shut out innings. As for "safety," best way to avoid a line drive into your gut is to strike the batter out with whatever means you can muster, including a nice curve.
It's nice if junior can throw 75 in LL, but how many practice fastballs will he have to throw to get to that speed? 100,000 probably.
The subject isn't so simple. There are many tradeoffs.
quote:There's some sanity in that. I see lots of terrible kid pitchers being advised to SAVE their arms. For what?
Maybe High School, or college...I say it's ludicrous to have a 10 year old throw a curve ball. You never know when your son may just be that 1 in a million. Why blow it when he's 10 and never find out?
JMO though........
quote:There is a big difference between the 12-6 LL CB and a ML CB. The LL breaks slowly way out front and if thrown properly does not hurt your arm. The ML CB has a tighter rotation and breaks late at the plate and is harder on the elbow and should be learned when the growth plates are fully developed.
Bobblehead, You lost me ---- Could you explain to me the different ways the pitcher throws the "little League curveball" and the "major league curveball" and why the major league curveball causes injury and the "little league curveball doesn't?
Also, do you think there are such things as a 12-6 ML curveball or a LL Slurve? You don't need to explain the LL vs the ML Fastball --- I basically uderstand the difference between a ML fastball and a LL fast ball ---One IS and one AIN"T!
Could the real difference between the LL curve and the ML curve is that one breaks and one don't?
Lost in the bullpen!
Fungo
There is no way to tell at 10 or 11 YO who will be pitching in high school (much less college).
I never wanted to take a chance on letting some kid ruin his arm, based on my wild guess that he might not have a future in baseball.
I never wanted to take a chance on letting some kid ruin his arm, based on my wild guess that he might not have a future in baseball.
my opinion; I don't let my pitchers throw more than 1 curve ball every two innings or so. 1) I don' know enough about when it is okay to start throwing curves balls and when it is not okay to start throwing curve balls (in the context of growth plates etc). I ain't interested in taking any chances with the arms on my team.
The problem I see with kids is when they have learned to throw a curve ball they want to show off to their buddies in the school yard. I have a second baseman here who has never pitched in a game but has thrown so many schoolyard curve balls he can't throw anything straight anymore.
I get my pitchers to focus on location and messing up the hitters timing.
The problem I see with kids is when they have learned to throw a curve ball they want to show off to their buddies in the school yard. I have a second baseman here who has never pitched in a game but has thrown so many schoolyard curve balls he can't throw anything straight anymore.
I get my pitchers to focus on location and messing up the hitters timing.
My brother is a former D1 coach and currently a pro scout. He didn't let his 3 boys throw a curve until 16. Also didn't let them play football until high school (and dad was an all-state quarterback). Baseball is #1 sport for all 3 boys. #1 son was his high school's quarterback, played basketball, pitched and played outfield. This is his last year of college baseball, he's a pitcher for a Big 10 school. He did have Tommy John surgery 2 years ago.
Son #2 is a senior in high school. Dislocated his non-throwing shoulder one week before his first freshman football game while making a tackle in practice. Got back for last 3 games. After freshman year he decided to not play anymore football as baseball future seemed potentially bright. Did play basketball as he is 6-5 and was co-MVP on team this year. Plays third base and is team's #1 pitcher, but doesn't really like pitching. Will be headed to an SEC school in the fall on a baseball scholarship, expects to play third base.
Son #3 will start high school in the fall.
Bottom line on age for curveballs...everyone has a different opinion. How's that for being decisive. LOL
Son #2 is a senior in high school. Dislocated his non-throwing shoulder one week before his first freshman football game while making a tackle in practice. Got back for last 3 games. After freshman year he decided to not play anymore football as baseball future seemed potentially bright. Did play basketball as he is 6-5 and was co-MVP on team this year. Plays third base and is team's #1 pitcher, but doesn't really like pitching. Will be headed to an SEC school in the fall on a baseball scholarship, expects to play third base.
Son #3 will start high school in the fall.
Bottom line on age for curveballs...everyone has a different opinion. How's that for being decisive. LOL
My 13 year old son throws a "curveball", and has since he was 11. It is different from the curveball that I learned to throw in that he holds the ball with the same grip as a two-seam fastball, but slightly lifts his index finger off of the ball.
His motion arm speed and arm slot are the same as the fastball, but the pitch is slower and breaks down and in. The rotation looks the same and it breaks just like the curveball that I was taught. It took him a couple of years to get command, but it is now his "go to" pitch.
I questioned his coach when my son started working on this pitch; he said that it would not put any more stress on his arm than a fastball would. My son has never complained about his arm hurting, and his strength and velocity continue to increase as he grows. I have been told that as long as he stays on top of the ball and doesn't drop down and try to snap it off, it's not going to hurt him.
Am I being naive and risking his future, or can I relax and enjoy watching him bend it in for a strike?
His motion arm speed and arm slot are the same as the fastball, but the pitch is slower and breaks down and in. The rotation looks the same and it breaks just like the curveball that I was taught. It took him a couple of years to get command, but it is now his "go to" pitch.
I questioned his coach when my son started working on this pitch; he said that it would not put any more stress on his arm than a fastball would. My son has never complained about his arm hurting, and his strength and velocity continue to increase as he grows. I have been told that as long as he stays on top of the ball and doesn't drop down and try to snap it off, it's not going to hurt him.
Am I being naive and risking his future, or can I relax and enjoy watching him bend it in for a strike?
Fungo the CB my son threw at 10-14 breaks 25-30' out front and was a long sweeping curve. The Ther was no "tommahawk" motion and it was not stressfull on his elbow as the arm motion was smooth . He was taught by Jim Ridley former Blue Jay now Twins pitching scout how to throw a ML CB witch has a tight rotation and breaks 3-4' in front of the plate. It has a violent break as opposed to a gentler break. At the younger age the batters knew it was breaking but had trouble hitting it. At an older age the more experienced batters had a better chance of making contact.
I was assured that the CB he threw at the early age had no more stress than a FB. There was no abrupt snap that trabsfered stress to the elbow. I watched him very closely all his practices and games and questioned him to the point of annoyance about his arm. My son is as close to perinoid about his arm health as any pitcher and has pulled himself twice over the last 2 years because his arm was stiff in the elbow area. The 1st time was in freezing weather that had intemitten rain ,sun and everything in between. He had 7 Ks in the 1st 3 innings and did not want to risk injury. He started a game in Cleveland a week later and pulled himself because he was still stif. Went to the doctor who said he had a stressed Ulnar and to keep throwing until the swelling went down. It was more a mental thing than a serious injury and he was fine once he knew what it was.
I was assured that the CB he threw at the early age had no more stress than a FB. There was no abrupt snap that trabsfered stress to the elbow. I watched him very closely all his practices and games and questioned him to the point of annoyance about his arm. My son is as close to perinoid about his arm health as any pitcher and has pulled himself twice over the last 2 years because his arm was stiff in the elbow area. The 1st time was in freezing weather that had intemitten rain ,sun and everything in between. He had 7 Ks in the 1st 3 innings and did not want to risk injury. He started a game in Cleveland a week later and pulled himself because he was still stif. Went to the doctor who said he had a stressed Ulnar and to keep throwing until the swelling went down. It was more a mental thing than a serious injury and he was fine once he knew what it was.
The pitch Heavy D is talking about sounds like more of a Cut Fastball than a legit curveball, and I suspect that alot of the so-called LL Curveballs are basically cut fastballs as well. Kind of a different animal than the regular curveball. Some similarities in that it darts or curves, but the mechanics are quite different.
The difference I see is that my son's CB broke earle and was released early. It looked like it was going to be high in the zone. The batters would relax and the ball would break in to thye zone. The cit FB breaks late .
quote:the CB my son threw at 10-14 breaks 25-30' out front and was a long sweeping curve.
if a 10 yr olds throw from 46 ft and the ball breaks 25ft to 30ft in front of the plate the ball would never get to the plate.
Also if he is 14 and throwing from 60'6" and the "break" is 30 ft from the plate, the ball would start a downward break about half way to the plate. I think this describes the "normal" trajectory of a moving object instead of a ball being forced down by the Magnus effect (force exerted on a rotating pitched ball). In fact what you describe more accurately describes the most difficult pitch to hit --- the old effus pitch.
46' is your LL .
You are too funny and I can't figure out your point.
I think I know a CB . I think you put too much effort into being funny.
You are too funny and I can't figure out your point.
I think I know a CB . I think you put too much effort into being funny.
maybe he meant inches i dont know
I'm not trying to be funny at all. I'm sure you know what a curve ball is but a pitch thrown by a 10 year old that “breaks” 25 to 30 feet in front of the plate is a little hard for me to visualize as a curve ball.
My apologizes -----quote:my son threw at 10-14 breaks 25-30' out front and was a long sweeping curve.
No problem. My point was that it broke early and was released high . I have never measured when it broke but simply meat it broke way out front.
The CB he throws now is thrown way out front and has the snap tp it that is a lot more stressfull than when he was younger.
The poster posed a question and in my opinion if taught a CB at an early age it is possible to teach a safe way.
I also think it depends on the pitchers body type. Long skinny loose arms tend to be very durable. There are also guys with very strong arms that I have seen throw CBs who have been injured at 17-18 when they started throwing BCs. I personally believe the age has little to do with it. It is all about throwing properly and great arm conditioning. Neither will garantee no arm problems.
The CB he throws now is thrown way out front and has the snap tp it that is a lot more stressfull than when he was younger.
The poster posed a question and in my opinion if taught a CB at an early age it is possible to teach a safe way.
I also think it depends on the pitchers body type. Long skinny loose arms tend to be very durable. There are also guys with very strong arms that I have seen throw CBs who have been injured at 17-18 when they started throwing BCs. I personally believe the age has little to do with it. It is all about throwing properly and great arm conditioning. Neither will garantee no arm problems.
The growth plate are more susceptible to injury in youngsters, because the growth plates haven't yet solidified.
I agree so it is important to throw the CB in a non stressfull way. The ML CB would probably hurt any pitcher at a young age.
I don't start working with my players on the curve ball until they are 15-16.
I would spend the early years working on mechanics and spotting the fastball. Then develop the changeup (the best pitch in baseball IMO). I will take a solid changeup over a curveball anyday.
I would spend the early years working on mechanics and spotting the fastball. Then develop the changeup (the best pitch in baseball IMO). I will take a solid changeup over a curveball anyday.
Amazing the strong opinions we all have about a subject with very few facts. The opinions are fine ... but what are they worth? Fact is.. no one has shown that a properly thrown curveball thrown in moderation hurts arms any more than any other pitch. Fact is.. a well thrown CB is thrown with the same arm motion that thousands of young Pop Warner QB's use over and over and over. Many (the infamous Marshall included) think it's abusive to let 10-12's pitch at all. I guess my point is.. all the studies I've seen (see Dr. Jobe) have shown that by far the major culprit for young arm injuries is overuse. Not necessarily in one game (although this happens also) but too many innings per season/year.
Of course it is next to impossible for anyone except the pitcher (parent) to monitor this.... So we spend a lot of effort talking about rules (whether from league or pressure from the "curve ball police" (every town has them)) that make US feel better instead of the kids arms.
Bottom line... Moderation is the key to just about everything. A few CB's mixed in with the FB and CU won't hurt anything. Anyone have any FACTS to show otherwise?
Of course it is next to impossible for anyone except the pitcher (parent) to monitor this.... So we spend a lot of effort talking about rules (whether from league or pressure from the "curve ball police" (every town has them)) that make US feel better instead of the kids arms.
Bottom line... Moderation is the key to just about everything. A few CB's mixed in with the FB and CU won't hurt anything. Anyone have any FACTS to show otherwise?
http://www.thecompletepitcher.com/baseball_pitching_gri...y_zito_curveball.htm
How Lefty Barry Zito Grips and Throws His Curveball
By STEVEN ELLIS | The Complete Pitcher®
(This article is adapted from a Sports Illustrated article by Ben Reiter, which appeared on CNNSI.com)
NEARLY 150 YEARS AFTER William Arthur (Candy) Cummings invented the curveball, A's lefty Barry Zito (gripping his curveball at right) has come closer than any of his peers to perfecting it. Zito's nose-to-toes breaker is so admired — and so feared — that it's earned him the reputation as having the one of the best curveballs in baseball.
"My dad and I picked it up out of a book when I was 7," he says. "He caught me in the backyard.... Then I threw to a mattress with a painted strike zone on it."
Zito, who was 14-12 in 2005 and won the AL Cy Young Award in 2002, grips the ball with his index and middle fingers straddling the seam. "I want to get on top of the ball," he says. "When I release it, I force those two fingers down hard. That creates the torque on the seams, which causes rotation and spin.
"I also don't want to get my arm angle too high because that will take away the ball's bite — I want to maintain a three-quarter arm slot."
Having relied on the bender as his out pitch since he was 16, Zito has developed a two-out, two-strike routine. When he snaps off a curve that feels just right, he often starts moving toward the dugout after releasing the pitch.
By the time strike three is recorded, Zito is several steps off the mound. That's an unpleasant sight for big league hitters, but even scarier is Zito's own impression of his curve: "I still don't feel like I've mastered it," he says.
How Lefty Barry Zito Grips and Throws His Curveball
By STEVEN ELLIS | The Complete Pitcher®
(This article is adapted from a Sports Illustrated article by Ben Reiter, which appeared on CNNSI.com)
NEARLY 150 YEARS AFTER William Arthur (Candy) Cummings invented the curveball, A's lefty Barry Zito (gripping his curveball at right) has come closer than any of his peers to perfecting it. Zito's nose-to-toes breaker is so admired — and so feared — that it's earned him the reputation as having the one of the best curveballs in baseball.
"My dad and I picked it up out of a book when I was 7," he says. "He caught me in the backyard.... Then I threw to a mattress with a painted strike zone on it."
Zito, who was 14-12 in 2005 and won the AL Cy Young Award in 2002, grips the ball with his index and middle fingers straddling the seam. "I want to get on top of the ball," he says. "When I release it, I force those two fingers down hard. That creates the torque on the seams, which causes rotation and spin.
"I also don't want to get my arm angle too high because that will take away the ball's bite — I want to maintain a three-quarter arm slot."
Having relied on the bender as his out pitch since he was 16, Zito has developed a two-out, two-strike routine. When he snaps off a curve that feels just right, he often starts moving toward the dugout after releasing the pitch.
By the time strike three is recorded, Zito is several steps off the mound. That's an unpleasant sight for big league hitters, but even scarier is Zito's own impression of his curve: "I still don't feel like I've mastered it," he says.
quote:Originally posted by troy99:
Anyone have any FACTS to show otherwise?
I have a fact for you. When I was throwing BP to my teams, I can guarantee you that throwing curves was harder on my arm. And yes, they were properly thrown. Real evidence, first hand. How is that?
I'm not advocating 10-12's throw bunches of CB's. Just observing how silly the agrument about it gets. The post above is a great example.
I have posted a video of my son throwing a LL CB under the thread "Bobbleheaddoll LL curve". It is in slow speed so If you look at it carefully you can see there is little or no stress on his arm. He has been throwing it since he was 10yo and at 19 still works it in to some games.
Any pitch thrown improperly is an arm buster.
Any pitch thrown improperly is an arm buster.
quote:Any pitch thrown improperly is an arm buster.
I disagree.
Fungo did you look at the clip Cap_n posted for me ?
Why do you disgree ?
Why do you disgree ?
At about 12 a college coach advised our son not to start throwing a curve until he needed it to get batters out. He said rely on the fast ball for as long as possible.
For the first time last year as a junior I saw my LHP son use a curve and changeup as his "out" pitch against good fast ball hitters. The majority of the time he still relies on a fastball.
After making the statement above - the college coach also said that if you "need" a curve ball to get outs at the age of 12, you probably won't be pitching beyond high school. Probably not true for all but he was talking a combination of limited velocity and the wear and tear on the arm throwing lots of curves.
For the first time last year as a junior I saw my LHP son use a curve and changeup as his "out" pitch against good fast ball hitters. The majority of the time he still relies on a fastball.
After making the statement above - the college coach also said that if you "need" a curve ball to get outs at the age of 12, you probably won't be pitching beyond high school. Probably not true for all but he was talking a combination of limited velocity and the wear and tear on the arm throwing lots of curves.
Wis take a look at the video I posted underBobbleheaddoll LL curve and tell me if that ball curves and if it looks stressful on the arm.
There are too many people with their own take based on folklore. By the way my son is not the only one from his teams that threw this CB at 10-11 yo. Dominant pitching and probably by most people's views he was over used.
At 19 he has never been laid up by arm injury. Played on 4 teams in a season for 4-5 years . Think about all the long toss, inningsall year round practices and it shows no signs of falling off. Examinations a few times each season by a top sports doctor who evaluated pitchers for the Texas Rangers and he says his arm is in excellent shape. Shoulder is also solid as a rock.
I have seen 15yo who need Tom,my John and these guys threw no CBs. I have seen 18yos who have never thrown a CB and need surgery. Most pitchers can hardly tell you when or how they injured their arms.
There are too many people with their own take based on folklore. By the way my son is not the only one from his teams that threw this CB at 10-11 yo. Dominant pitching and probably by most people's views he was over used.
At 19 he has never been laid up by arm injury. Played on 4 teams in a season for 4-5 years . Think about all the long toss, inningsall year round practices and it shows no signs of falling off. Examinations a few times each season by a top sports doctor who evaluated pitchers for the Texas Rangers and he says his arm is in excellent shape. Shoulder is also solid as a rock.
I have seen 15yo who need Tom,my John and these guys threw no CBs. I have seen 18yos who have never thrown a CB and need surgery. Most pitchers can hardly tell you when or how they injured their arms.
Bobbleheaddoll,
I respectfully disagree with your statement. Most pitchers will tell you why they injured their arms, whether it be from throwing too many CBs and sliders at an early age or overuse.
We know for a fact that smoking is bad for our health, though some people who smoke never get sick and some who nver smoked in their lives do. The odds are not in favor for the one who smokes. The same goes for the very young pitcher who throws CBs early, it is a a known fact that it puts undo stress on the arm, little league, big league, whatever.
Most young pitchers who develop the CB early WILL not rely on the change or FB later on because the results are not as successful, nor is the velocity.
What has worked for your son and working now may not work for another.
While I agree with troy that the subject pushes our buttons, the decision is left to the player and parent. As parents we thought that it was unnecessary and still feel uncomfortable with the fact that he did throw them even at 15,16.
I respectfully disagree with your statement. Most pitchers will tell you why they injured their arms, whether it be from throwing too many CBs and sliders at an early age or overuse.
We know for a fact that smoking is bad for our health, though some people who smoke never get sick and some who nver smoked in their lives do. The odds are not in favor for the one who smokes. The same goes for the very young pitcher who throws CBs early, it is a a known fact that it puts undo stress on the arm, little league, big league, whatever.
Most young pitchers who develop the CB early WILL not rely on the change or FB later on because the results are not as successful, nor is the velocity.
What has worked for your son and working now may not work for another.
While I agree with troy that the subject pushes our buttons, the decision is left to the player and parent. As parents we thought that it was unnecessary and still feel uncomfortable with the fact that he did throw them even at 15,16.
TPM, well stated. I also think that one of the big problems is that even if there is a right way to throw a curve that doesn't stress the arm, I doubt that there are many little league volunteers who know the difference or many players with the ability to adjust and change their natural style at that age. We just felt that it wasn't worth the risk.
