RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING YOUTH BASEBALL PITCHING
Begin throwing the curveball at 14.5 years of age. The slider should not be thrown before the pitcher is 18 years old. A change up (not considered any more stressful on the arm than the fastball) can be thrown at 11 years of age, or when sufficient velocity and control are developed with the fastball. Maximum pitches per game: Ages 8 to 10: 50 pitches. Ages 11 to 14: 75 pitches. Ages 15 to 18: 90 - 100 pitches.Maximum innings per week: Ages 14 and under: 6 innings Through high school: 10 innings
Risk Factors for injury in youth baseball:Throwing the breaking ball at too early an age. Throwing too many pitches per game or per week. Participation in more than one youth baseball league simultaneously or in year-round baseball. Poor pitching mechanics as a result of faulty coaching or instruction. Inadequate practice and conditioning habits because of substandard coaching practices. Genetic makeup not optimal for baseball participation.
Professional Adult Pitchers:100 professional pitchers were interviewed (30 major and 70 minor leaguers) to determine pitching volume and other practices when they were at the little league level. Results show:
Professionals first threw a curveball at 14.0 years, as opposed to the 11.6 years today. They first threw a slider at 17.8 years compared with 14.5 years today. High pitch counts (>75 pitches per game) and reports of arm injuries were rare. Year-round baseball was uncommon, and most participated in other sports. They would not allow their sons in youth baseball to throw a curveball until they were 14.8 years old (average) and a slider until they were at least 17.