Guthrie - Services - Sports Medicine

How much should young pitchers be throwing? Are younger pitchers putting too much stress on their arms?

John O'Halloran talks about this in his article "Throwing it away." In it he shows how young baseball pitchers are putting too much stress on their arms at such an early age.

With this, too much stress in young pitchers can have negative effects in the long run. Here are some important tips for younger pitchers to keep in mind to prevent injury and what to do if injury occurs.

1. Use your common sense when it comes to throwing. If you have pain, rest and ICE your arm for a few days. If pain still persists after rest, see a specialist. DO NOT continue throwing with consistent pain.

2. Young pitchers who are 14 years of age and younger should NOT be throwing curveballs.

3. Know that the number of pitches is much more important than the number of innings.

4. Remember that it's total volume of throwing that is important. Taking a pitcher out but putting him in at third base or another high volume, hard-throwing position is not wise since it puts further stress on the throwing arm. Also, watch the volume that they're throwing in practice, at home, and in other leagues (many kids are on a number of teams).

5. Younger pitchers (aged 8-10) should be limited to no more than 52 pitches/game with no more than 2 games pitched per week. Older pitchers (aged 11-12) should not exceed 69 pitches and no more than 2 games pitched per week.

6. Remember that developing the correct throwing mechanics is very important in reducing the risk of injury. Focusing on trunk balance and lower extremity strength is very important to proper mechanics.

7. Get pitching lessons from coaches who are knowledgeable about proper and correct pitching mechanics.

8. It's okay to use Tylenol or Advil as needed for pain (for short periods of time). Do not use medication before games or practice. This can cover up the pain that we've said to watch for as a signal to back off throwing.

9. It never hurts to ice for 20 minutes after each pitching session, whether there is injury or not.

10. Remember, always take the time to warm up and properly stretch your arm before throwing as this can also contribute to injury.
If you have further questions on this or another sports medicine topic, or if you would like to submit a comment or a suggestion for a future topic, please email us at the address below. Please allow three to five business days for a response. Thank you!

Physician Appointments:

Guthrie Clinic Saye - (570) 882-2239 - Monday, Tuesday & Friday from 8 AM - 11 AM (Call at 7 AM for a same-day appointment)

Guthrie Medical Big Flats - (607) 795-5182

Guthrie Medical Corning Centerway - (607) 973- 8294

Guthrie Medical Erwin - (607) 937-4900

Walk-In Physician Hours at Guthrie Clinic Sayre:

Wednesday & Thursday from 3 PM - 4 PM

Saturday from 9 AM - 11 AM (August - March only, with sign-in at Pediatrics)

Athletic Trainer & Sports Rehabilitation Appointments:

HealthWorks Wellness & Fitness Center - (607) 937-4800

Robert Packer Hospital - (570) 882-4808