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thegoat
29 Posts |
 Posted - 12/04/2009 : 10:01:24
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Is it better to throw a kid 30 pitches three different times for a total of 90 during a tournament? or
Throw a kid one time during a tournament for 90 pitches? or
What is the limit a 9yr. old should be throwing?
I know many coaches think through this and some don't even worry about it. I have seen teams wanting just pitchers only on there team.. (why a parent would do this is another discussion). But how many innnings or pitches should a kid throw during a season.. different opinions/philosophies are out there would like to know what people think... |
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2009 : 12:32:23
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| Just my thoughts, nothing scientific here: I limit my 9 year old to 50 pitches in one outing. If we want him to pitch 2 consecutive days, his first day will be limited to about 30 pitches and 30 the second day. |
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mwk2814
19 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2009 : 13:56:36
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| I prefer several short outings in a tournament weekend rather than having a kid throw 50, 60+ pitches at once. More important than innings or pitch counts, you just have to know your kids. Any time they are laboring, get them out. |
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bmoser
1633 Posts |
Posted - 12/04/2009 : 14:39:24
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Same disclaimer as Bandit13, I'm not a Doctor, but my son is a 10.5 year old pitcher, so I'll share my preferences for 9U.
I think early in the season, you ease him in with 30-40 pitch count in Feb & March. Up to 40-50 for April-July. My son didn't pitch on consecutive days until the 9U USSSA Sub-States in early June, and his pitch count was limited to 20 the 2nd day. If its wet (morning dew or rainy) drop back down 10 pitches because the ball is heavier.
I liked him to get 1 or 2 innings early in tourneys (Friday or early Saturday game, then save his main outing for the bracket games.
I really dont like consecutive days. Friday then Sunday is fine. My son had no arm pain using these guidelines.
When we increased his counts late in the season in 10U, he had some pain so I shut him down for 3 weeks. Then repeated the break in process. We walked on egg shells guarding his arm like Ft Knox for the next 2 tourneys when the season ended.
Have a signal for when he's tired, or feels any pain. I had my son step off, go to the rear of the mound and remove his cap while looking towards the Coaches.
My son also threw off speed pitches to nearly every batter to keep the hitters off balance and to take some pressure off his arm. It wasnt a real change up, just a warm-up like pitch where he backed off the velocity from 50 mph to 40mph. Just made sure he kept that one down or outside.
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bosox04
16 Posts |
Posted - 12/15/2009 : 08:20:51
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| I'll just add one thing to this discussion. Teach good mechanics. Good mechanics at this age can be just as important as pitch count and will help their arm in the long run. |
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