PLAY BALL
Proper mechanics on the mound mean less injury.
The frequency and severity of injuries in young baseball players is a hot topic. So much so, the Little League baseball organization recently amended its recommendations for the number of pitches per day to 50 for 7 to 8-year-olds. Previously, the pitch count limits began at age 9. How do we keep our kids safe on the field?
The first and most important step is teaching the players how to throw properly. The act of throwing a baseball is not a natural motion. If done incorrectly repeatedly, it can cause severe stress on fragile areas of the arm. Growth plates at the ends of long bones are particularly susceptible. The upper arm at the shoulder and the inside of the elbow are two of the most common areas injured by throwing. These areas can also be irritated with aggressive throwing long-term without gradually increasing endurance. This typically happens at the beginning of the year as a player resumes throwing after the off-season, or later in the season if the player has not had enough recovery time between sessions.
Proper throwing technique can be taught at an early age, as soon as the child starts organized play. This requires coaches who know how to teach throwing and who are willing to take the time to instruct on safe mechanics.
As players reach the age of 11, they begin to get bigger and stronger. Larger, stronger bodies can generate more force, and consequently, more injury. At this age, and even into high school, players often carry over their throwing mechanics from when they were 8 or 9 years old. The larger the body, the more important proper mechanics become.
Video and computerized analysis of a player’s throwing motion can easily be done by rehabilitation and sports performance professionals. In choosing someone to analyze your child’s throwing motion, make sure they are well-versed in biomechanics, injury prevention, and have experience teaching pitchers. The mechanical issues of that cause most injuries can often be corrected.
Tips for healthy throwing:
• Limit pitches to 50 per day for players 8 and under. You can add about 5 per day each year after age 8.
• Teach proper mechanics, with the player’s elbow raised to shoulder height during the throwing motion and using the whole body throughout the motion and follow-through.
• Don’t encourage players to pitch if they don’t have proper mechanics.
• Address pain and injuries early. Don’t wait for them to worsen to the point of limitation.
• Players should only play in one league at a time, and take at least a 2-3 month off-season.
What about pitches outside of a fastball and changeup. Should they be taught? When?
Curve balls, sliders and other breaking pitches should not be taught until: 1) The throwing mechanics are good, 2) The pitcher has good control with the fastball and changeup, and 3) The pitcher has reached skeletal maturity. Skeletal maturity can be estimated as when the athlete has developed facial hair, stopped growing in height, or other signs of completing puberty. Breaking pitches require the use of the wrist in a way that places excessive stress on the area of the elbow growth plate. If the growth plate is still actively changing, injury can easily occur. If improper throwing mechanics are combined with early attempts at throwing breaking pitches, injury is even more likely.
After my child pitches, is it a good idea to ice their shoulder or elbow?
Icing should not be needed for youth players unless there is an existing injury. Although major league players are often shown on television icing their arms after pitching, they are likely doing this because they are using such a high degree of force in an aging arm or have had a previous injury.
Fitness
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