Baseball, Baseball and More Baseball
By Joe Hughes
Baseball is no longer just a spring sport. Players are now participating in this sport year round. Upon completion of the regular season and play-offs athletes continue to play the game during the summer and into the fall. This is most evident in high school and youth baseball programs. Coaches, parents and players are under the misconception that players need to play year round to continue to develop their baseball skills and fundamentals. Players are encouraged to participate in travel leagues and summer and fall completion. In addition to game activity a majority of players still participate in hitting and pitching lessons. This continuous activity increases your chances of injury, mental burnout, physical fatigue which will all lead to decrease performance and career ending injuries.
The four major risk factors resulting in shoulder injuries in youth baseball are 1) year round baseball 2) overuse, playing in more than one league or coaches not monitoring pitching volume, 3) the radar gun resulting in players trying to throw as hard as they can and 4) showcases where players go out and throw hard to show off for a college coach or a maybe a pro scout when they are not in shape to throw or arm is fatigued from a long season.
VOLUME, VOLUME AND VOLUME IS THE SINGLE FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTES TO FATIUE, OVERUSE AND INJURIES IN BASEBALL. Bottom line most coaches do not monitor their pitchers throwing volume or percentage of type of pitches they throw (fastball, sliders, change-ups, split, curve) during the course of the season. This in combination with athletes not participating in a sound strength and conditioning program with an aggressive shoulder and elbow injury prevention program increases the chances of shoulder or elbow related injuries or surgery.
Take a Break from the game. Utilize the off-season to allow for rest and recovery and physically prepare your body to improve performance and reduce the risk of injury. Still dedicate time to continue to improve your skills but your priority should be rest and a sound strength and conditioning program. Remember the big picture…..making it to the next level and career longevity…know when to GIVE THE GAME A BREAK!
