winter break?

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Sep 10, 2013
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with the fall season winding down, (3 more tournaments to go), i was thinking of what to do with my DD's pitching practice during the winter. would taking off the entire month of December be okay or is a full month too long?

any suggestions?
 
Dec 12, 2012
1,668
0
On the bucket
Curious to know too. I think studies recommend a month or two off. That isn't practical around here. There just isn't that much down time between seasons.

Before this year, taking time off wasn't in the cards. However, we did cut our "off season" practices down considerably compared to normal. Right now my DD just completed week 1 of a mandatory 4 week off period with no pitching practice of any kind (broken finger on pitching hand). Will let you know if the time off was beneficial for rest and healing or detrimental for regression of skills.
 
Jul 17, 2012
1,091
38
Taking December off this year. Last year she had only been pitching a few months by the time winter came around. I didn't force a break because it just seemed like she was making tremendous strides at that point. The only time she's taken off in the past 15 months was 2 1/2 weeks when she had a mild buckle fracture in her throwing wrist. She didn't skip a beat when she came back, and that's after being immobilized for 2 weeks.

If you search the topic, you'll see that many have posted that the break actually helps....they come back stronger and more focused.

She doesn't want a break this year...I'm forcing it. We'll use that time to focus on her bat.
 
Sep 10, 2013
603
0
Taking December off this year. Last year she had only been pitching a few months by the time winter came around. I didn't force a break because it just seemed like she was making tremendous strides at that point. The only time she's taken off in the past 15 months was 2 1/2 weeks when she had a mild buckle fracture in her throwing wrist. She didn't skip a beat when she came back, and that's after being immobilized for 2 weeks.

If you search the topic, you'll see that many have posted that the break actually helps....they come back stronger and more focused.

She doesn't want a break this year...I'm forcing it. We'll use that time to focus on her bat.

we did something similar last year since my DD was just starting new pitching mechanics and didn't really take off much time; about 2 weeks IIRC and i didn't want the HE to return :).

the consensus seems to be that 1 mo off is actually good but will work on core strength and maybe work on batting.

thanks, y'all
 
Aug 9, 2013
230
0
Interesting thread - as a new TB manager, I am wondering what to do with my time come November. We finish the end of October and had planned to give the girls several weeks off and then focus on hitting solely right away. Sounds like the right thing to do.
 
Nov 8, 2010
90
6
Time off is a good thing!

we did something similar last year since my DD was just starting new pitching mechanics and didn't really take off much time; about 2 weeks IIRC and i didn't want the HE to return :).

the consensus seems to be that 1 mo off is actually good but will work on core strength and maybe work on batting.

thanks, y'all

This is going against the grain around the area where we play but our teams take Nov. and December off. That doesn't mean that pitchers stop going to lessons or players stop taking hitting lessons, etc. It just means, as a team, we get away from it for awhile. Some play basketball over the winter which is fine.

I've stuck to this policy because I think it really helps! It keeps players from getting burned out, provides some time for kids to be kids, or to focus on individual skills they want to improve on. The biggest benefit is, it really generates some build up and excitement when we crank things back up again in January. Everyone shows up motivated and ready to work hard toward the new spring season.

I can tell you there are teams in our area that practice at least 2x weekly year around with no break and, in most cases, this translates to no difference whatsoever by the time that team hits the field for their first tournament in the spring. Bottom line, breaks in moderation are a very good thing for players and coaches!!
 

mike s

Pitcher's Dad
Jul 18, 2011
116
0
Northern IL
Do not know the age of your DD but agree that taking Dec off will benefit her. The body needs time to heal, the mind needs a break too. My 16 y/o DD takes a break and always comes back stronger and more focused. Overuse is a big concern for pitchers. Do not worry that she will lose her abilities. This summer DD broke her throwing hand thumb and was unable to play for 6 weeks, when she restarted She was pitching harder then ever. She still went to most every practice and game, she was able to view the game from a whole new perspective.
Good luck FPC. enjoy the journey.
Mike
 
Sep 10, 2013
603
0
my DD is 12. my wife joked that it was me who was wondering what i'll be doing this december if not catching for my DD
yep. we're all a little bit crazy sometimes :)
 

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