The increase in UCL injuries in adolescents highlights the need for greater emphasis on prevention.10 Several governing bodies, including USA Baseball and the American Academy of Pediatrics, have developed research-based guidelines for young athletes (TABLE 2).1,10,23-25
One of the easiest to follow is to limit an athlete’s weekly pitch count to 10 times his age. Thus, a 10 year old should pitch no more than 100 pitches in a given 7-day period. Another important measure—in addition to ensuring that young athletes receive instruction in proper pitching mechanics (see http://www.littleleague.org/Little_League_Online.htm)—is to urge coaches and parents to require players to get at least 3 months of rest after each season and to stop throwing if they have pain or fatigue.24
TABLE 2 Keeping young pitchers injury-free1,10,23-25
Recommendations for coaches and parents
Record the number of pitches thrown at each outing/sports event for all young pitchers
Avoid allowing young athletes to pitch competitively >8 months per year
Limit the number of pitches to ≤2500 per year and 10 × the pitcher’s age per week, or 90 per outing
Ensure that young pitchers are instructed in proper pitching mechanics
Restrict throwing breaking ball pitches* prior to puberty
Ensure that young pitchers get 3 months of rest per year.
*A pitch that changes direction either sideways or downwards as it approaches the batter, eg, a slider or curve ball.
CORRESPONDENCE Jennifer A. Southard, MD, MSc, Saint Alphonsus Medical Group, 6533 Emerald Street, Boise, ID 83704; Southarj@sarmc.org
