How to Prevent Shoulder Problems for Young Pitchers

Pitching is an unnatural motion for the body to perform and puts a tremendous amount of force on the shoulder, which can create problems for young pitchers. To help prevent shoulder problems in young pitchers, you need to understand pitching guidelines and form.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Teach the young pitcher to stay loose and try to avoid becoming stiff. Help him find a rhythm in his throwing, so he takes his time without rushing it. Rhythm includes breaks between innings.

2. Work with the young pitcher in the cocking step. He should gradually step back, rocking the step to achieve control and balance of the body prior to moving forward for the pitch. The stride leg stays somewhat flexed as he plants his feet. Keeping his knee straight places stress on the shoulder.

3. Encourage the young pitcher to stride exactly forward to home plate while avoiding the urge to snap her elbow straight the moment she releases the ball.

4. Stick to the 4-day rotation method recommended by all youth baseball organizations. Each age group involves different 4-day rotation methods. Check with your coach or league office for the proper schedule for your pitcher.

5. Keep pitchers' shoulders warm during the game and cooled with ice following the game.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the young pitcher warms up his whole body. Warming up keeps the body's tissues elastic, and the arm is more able to handle throwing the ball.
• Young pitchers need to wear a jacket between innings but not during warm-up.
• Each follow-through must be smooth and full to protect the arm from severe force.
• Young pitchers should not throw breaking pitches, including standard curveballs or sliders.

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