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justwin1
14 Posts |
 Posted - 04/21/2011 : 07:09:45
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| Realizing this isnt a thread on curve balls, I watched the Savannah Bulldogs vs OTC game (others that weekend as well) and MANY curve balls thrown by both teams throughout. In fact, that seemed to be the pitch of choice for several teams in that tourny - including warm-ups. Given that is one of the few "Major" events I have had a chance to see, it made me wonder if that is the case throughout the division? |
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 04/21/2011 : 09:45:35
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quote:
Originally posted by justwin1
Realizing this isnt a thread on curve balls, I watched the Savannah Bulldogs vs OTC game (others that weekend as well) and MANY curve balls thrown by both teams throughout. In fact, that seemed to be the pitch of choice for several teams in that tourny - including warm-ups. Given that is one of the few "Major" events I have had a chance to see, it made me wonder if that is the case throughout the division?
Just make sure you know what you are talking about before you go casting stones. There are several kids who throw a curveball pitch that runs the risk of injuring their arms but there are also kids (my son included) who throw a slip pitch or something similar that is often mistaken for a curve ball. They are completely different but easy to recognize the difference. If the pitcher finishes with his thumb down it is most likely a slip pitch. If he finishes with his thumb up then it is most likely a curve ball that is more prone to causing damage.
Bottom line, pitching in general will cause damage to these young arms. As a parent, please establish a pitch count limit for your son followed by an appropriate amount of rest after his outing. |
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baseballnutz
427 Posts |
Posted - 04/21/2011 : 13:26:40
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Bandit Hawk - be careful with the slip pitch, I've always been told it can be worse on younger arms due to less weight. Attached is a youtube clip explaining my findings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg74dlLae14
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2011 : 10:20:15
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| Thanks nutsz. Can never have too much information regarding their health. |
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2011 : 11:06:18
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Nuts, watched the video and thanks again for the link. Problem I have is that his recommendation comes without benefit of facts or medical evidence of it being bad for their arms. Really no different than most other myths out there about curve balls. Even Dr Andrews and his team conducted a study that came to the conclusion that the curve ball is no more dangerous than the fast ball to a pitchers arm. He still recommends not throwing one before puberty though.
To me, its a matter of employing a little common sense. I make sure my boys learn proper mechanics, don't pitch too much and get plenty of rest between outings. I also never allow a thumb up finish on any pitch. |
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Spaceman
19 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2011 : 11:18:10
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What about a knuckle curve or a spike curve? Are these dangerous?
Also, I want to note that some of these kids can throw a change up with late downward movement that might be mistaken for a curve. |
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Steel-Will
278 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2011 : 20:05:31
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quote:
Originally posted by justwin1
Realizing this isnt a thread on curve balls, I watched the Savannah Bulldogs vs OTC game (others that weekend as well) and MANY curve balls thrown by both teams throughout. In fact, that seemed to be the pitch of choice for several teams in that tourny - including warm-ups. Given that is one of the few "Major" events I have had a chance to see, it made me wonder if that is the case throughout the division?
The curve ball certainly has become more prevalent, especially now that most kids are in mid-season form swinging the bat. Bottom line is you're just not going to be effective trying to blow fastballs by these 10u-Maj kids. You better be throwing a healthy does of changes-ups (straight change is really all you need) but you have to change speeds for sure if you're going to be effective.
I can see the curve ball being thrown more at 9u in the next few years. Yet another statement on the REAL quality of coaching in youth baseball for sure!!!! |
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