Throwing Program

By Steven Ellis, former Chicago Cubs pitching pro

Youth baseball pitchers can really benefit from a year-round baseball throwing program. Studies show throwing on a regular basis reduces a player's risk to un-warranted elbow & shoulder injuries.

From Little League to High School baseball, when pitchers make the effort to play catch with the baseball consistently 8 to 10 months out of the year, their pitching performance increases while their risk to injury decreases.

The increase in arm injuries for youth baseball pitchers has caught the attention of the sports medicine community. More players are getting treatment for tendon damage and muscle tears than ever before.

AMSI has reported a 25% increase in pitching-related youth baseball arm injuries from three decades ago. The research suggests players aren't developing the functional arm strength they used to. Experts in the baseball and medical community agree the easiest way to reduce arm injury is to put down the XBOX controller for a ball and glove.

The bottom line is youth baseball players need to throw more. An increasing number of youth players have been starting the new season with out of shape arms -
arms that haven't been strengthened properly through a year-round throwing routine. As a result, we're seeing more injuries related not to just poor throwing mechanics, but to a lack of functional strength, mainly in the elbow and shoulders.

All of my pitchers learn a baseball throwing program specific to helping them become more successful and healthier pitchers. I teach a basic throwing routines which helps pitchers learn to develop control around the plate, improve their pitches, and increase arm strength/speed.

I recommend they throw 7 to 10 months out of the year, and depending on their age, the workloads vary. A solid commitment to a regular throwing routine and drill work program helps pitchers develop efficient mechanics for maximizing their potential on the hill.

If you'd like to receive more of my best tips and techniques to throw harder with better control while reducing the risk of injury, I invite you to subscribe to my free baseball pitching tips here: www.pitchingtips.com/free

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