Pitch Count???

Baseball tournaments have been going on for the past several weeks here in the Atlanta area. And it is always about this time when coaches and parents are concerned about "pitch counts".

There are two reasons why it is important to consider the number of pitches thrown in a game by your players (especially early in the season).

• Pitcher's arms or mechanics are not in mid-season form (yet)
• Competition sometimes clouds a player's and coach's judgment

Early in the season, before the pitcher has many innings on his arm, it is going to feel better than it actually is. Simply asking how the arm feels is not the best way to determine if the pitcher should continue to throw or not.

Early in the year, I like to limit a pitcher to approximately 25 pitches a day. If they need to throw on consecutive days then I would limit day two to less than 20 pitches.

As the player builds up arm strength, they can gradually add to their pitch count. However, once the pitcher gets into the 40 and above threshold then it is important for them to have at least 24 hours to recover.

It is very easy as a coach to leave a kid in one batter too long because you are in the heat of battle and you really want to win.

Now, there is nothing wrong with winning. In fact it is great fun. I ask my kids if they have more fun winning or loosing and of course they answer "winning". "O.K." I reply "let's go have some fun" (meaning let's go win).

However, when a pitcher gets near his pre-determined pitch limit and you want him to face "one more" batter or try to finish the inning the 25 pitch "pitch count" can easily jump to a 40 or 45 pitch "pitch count".

It is always best to set the limits ahead of time and do your best to stick to them during the game.

Coaches often ask if the warm up pitches count towards the pitch count. Great question.Generally speaking when you see pitch count guidelines they are referring to "pitches thrown in competition" (game pitches).

The link below is a great resource to answer more questions related to pitch counts, pitch types, rest and showcases.

USA Baseball Medical & Safety Advisory Committee Guidelines: May 2006

Baseball conditioning drills and proper pitching mechanics are another great way to get the arm in shape early in the season and avoid injury throughout the season.

Here is a simple drill to help players finish the pitch and follow through.

1. Start with your foot on the bucket                

2. Begin the delivery by bringing the foot off the bucket and downward.

3. Stride Foot gets close to the ground while not touching the ground...pitchers weight is over the back foot.

4.Stride out to your normal stride length...approximately 80-100% of your height depending on your flexibility.

5. Throw the pitch...have your back leg finish high over the top of the bucket.

6. When players don't finish high they "kick the bucket"

7. Follow through with the throwing elbow near the opposite knee.

I hope this information is helpful in preparing your pitchers for a safe, successful season!!