What Every Parent Should Know ....

The American Sports Medicine Institute supports the belief that youth pitchers do not throw enough. They should be given rest after a pitching outing, but continue to play catch, especially long distance throwing. What's too much? Most of the time it is common sense.

We need to tell young pitchers that if their arm hurts, they should tell their parents or coach immediately. Usually a little rest will take care of it, but continuing to throw or pitch when the arm hurts is going to lead to a bigger injury and maybe a long-term one.

The number of pitches thrown is more important than the number of innings. The maximum number of pitches allowed in one outing should increase with age. A pitcher should be limited to two appearances per week (well spread apart) Compared to younger pitchers, older pitchers can throw more pitches given the same number of rest days.

The participation in multiple leagues should be figured into rest and recovery. A child can start throwing a fastball at 8, a change-up at 10, and a curve ball at 14. Improper technique is a major factor in injury. Conditioning of the arm and the entire body can reduce injury. While the number of pitches should be limited, the young pitcher should be encouraged to throw. When symptoms of arm discomfort or fatigue arise, longer periods of rest are recommended.

**SUGGESTED PITCH COUNTS**
Age	Max. Pitches	Max. Games/Week
8-10	52	2
11-12	68	2
13-14	76	2
15-16	91	2
17-18	106	2

**SUGGESTED RECOVERY TIMES FOR NUMBER OF PITCHES THROWN**
Age	1 Day Rest	2 Day Rest	3 Day Rest	4 Day Rest
8-10	21	34	43	51
11-12	27	35	55	58
13-14	30	36	56	70
15-16	25	38	62	77
17-18	27	45	62	89

**RECOMMENDED AGE TO LEARN PITCHES**
PITCH TYPE	AGE
Fastball	8
Slider	16
Change-up	10
Forkball	16
Curve ball	14
Knuckleball	15