Even though parents and coaches are cautioned to not allow their kids pitch or throw too much, many children will be on the mound this spring throwing 100+ pitches every week. If you insist on taking this risk, or even if you just want your child in optimal shape for baseball season, make sure your child’s arm and body are ready for the task.
Between 75 percent and 80 percent of the strength or momentum of a pitching motion comes from BELOW the bellybutton. A successful and strong pitch comes from the unwinding of an entire kinetic chain. Your child must possess phenomenal CORE strength and balance in order to coil and release through the pelvis and hips. The more power and control your CORE and lower body have, the less force your shoulder will need to generate — and the less the rotator cuff will need to function to make up for the loss of control associated with loss of balance.
Squats, lunges, rotational exercises, CORE strengthening, and balance and agility training need to be performed for months leading into the season to put your child in the best shape possible to adapt to the needs of an overhead sport. Shoulder and cuff exercises are important too … but focus on your CORE , abs, pelvis, and legs first.
And limit that pitch count … 50 max per week, and no junk until you are over 16!!!!
Disclaimer: this information is for your education and should not be considered medical advice regarding diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Some links on this page may be affiliate links. Read the full disclaimer.
