We've had discussions about how much should a pitcher pitch, and it might be good to collect our thoughts into one thread. Without belaboring the point, there are lots of studies showing that excessive pitching can lead to injury. But, as of yet, no one has really talked about what the guidelines should be for pitching.
I think everyone would agree that the "five games in one day, eight games in a weekend" is too much. On the other hand, limiting a pitcher to 7 innings a week seems too cautious.
As a starting point, I'm going to toss out some ideas. Feel free to criticize or suggest modifications...I would love to hear what some of the other experienced coaches think would be reasonable.
For 12U (which includes 10U):
(1) No more than 18 innings over any two day period, and no more than 25 innings per week.
(2) For practice, no more than 50 pitchers thrown at maximum speed, three times per week.
For 18U (which includes 16U & 14U)
(1) No more than 18 innings over any two day period, and no more than 25 innings per week.
(2) For practice, no more than 100 pitches thrown at maximum speed, three times per week.
The idea with the game restriction is to allow a pitcher to throw in three games over a weekend, with one more game during the week.
What do you think?
I think everyone would agree that the "five games in one day, eight games in a weekend" is too much. On the other hand, limiting a pitcher to 7 innings a week seems too cautious.
As a starting point, I'm going to toss out some ideas. Feel free to criticize or suggest modifications...I would love to hear what some of the other experienced coaches think would be reasonable.
For 12U (which includes 10U):
(1) No more than 18 innings over any two day period, and no more than 25 innings per week.
(2) For practice, no more than 50 pitchers thrown at maximum speed, three times per week.
For 18U (which includes 16U & 14U)
(1) No more than 18 innings over any two day period, and no more than 25 innings per week.
(2) For practice, no more than 100 pitches thrown at maximum speed, three times per week.
The idea with the game restriction is to allow a pitcher to throw in three games over a weekend, with one more game during the week.
What do you think?
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