Dear Coach, I have been a fastpitch instructor and coach for over 16 years. I currently have over 25 pitching students and have trained about 60 over the years . To my knowledge none have ever hurt or have had to have surgery on the shoulder. I have seen some muscle fatique in the back part of the shoulder after some overuse(girls being the main or only pitcher on a specific team) but no major problem. I have had girls come to me from other instructors with cronic shoulder pain. What I have witnessed in this shoulder delema is that it occurs when a girl tries to "push" the ball thru the delivery zone rather than "pull" the ball thru. I agree with all the other good ideas and truths you stated in your response, but proper pitching form is the best preventative tool against any major shoulder problem. If these college girls can throw 40-70 games a year and still have the arm and body left to pitch an entire playoff, regional and world series then something must be wrong with many who claim fastpitch is bad for the arm or shoulder. If done right it may be one of the least abusive motions in sports. I coach a local high school that only has 1 pitcher on the varsity team. They have relied on me to throw good live pitching every day for 3 1/2 months. After practice I go to my lessons and usually pitch to at least 2 hitting students a night, maybe more. I figure I throw 400 pitches a day 5-6 days a week during the season. The season just ended and the only part of my body that hurts and I feel is worn out a bit are my feet. But I am 51 years young. Hope this has been a little help. I enjoy your postings. Keep up the great work!!!! Coach Mark Downing Welcome to the Bull Pen!