| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
crazy4bb
5 Posts |
 Posted - 02/28/2011 : 11:54:56
|
Coaches or parents,
How many pitches or innings should you allow your catcher to throw? I am familiar with pitch counts in general, but how much do you take away from that if he is the primary catcher? I am sure there have been several pitch count discussions but could not find any that really adressed catchers specifically.Currently we are 11U but any relevant ages could be discussed. Any links to real research and opinions would be appreciated. |
|
|
Alter-Ego
802 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2011 : 14:07:24
|
This was always one of my pet peeves. Having a catcher pitch, then expect him to catch (and more importantly throw)for the rest of a game or tournament.
We used to try to use our catcher's, that pitch, in pool play on Fri night, that way they were at least able to get a good night's sleep before catching the next day. That would allow their legs to rest, along with their arm.
Pitch counts are just too subjective of a subject. Where you use a catcher, to pitch, was always a more important discussion, in my opinion.
|
Edited by - Alter-Ego on 02/28/2011 14:44:53 |
 |
|
|
bballman
1432 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2011 : 15:48:38
|
I think, even worse than pitching then catching, is catching then pitching in the same day. Catching wears your legs out. Without legs, your mechanics suffer on the mound. When your mechanics suffer, you're more likely to suffer an injury. Neither is good. Pitching after catching is worse IMHO.
There have been studies on this. Check the ASMI website for studies. LL has regulations about pitching and catching. They flat out do not allow pitching and catching on the same day. I don't know their exact rules, but I know there are rules about it. This is based on ASMI's studies and recommendations.
I'll just say be careful if your son pitches and catches. You are asking for potential trouble. |
|
|
|
PowerAlley
6 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2011 : 21:26:05
|
| I echo what bballman said, but even if your son just catches be careful. When I coached (awhile back), it was common for a starting catcher to catch multiple games over a weekend. A good catcher was hard to come by (especially as the kids got older), and they were typically overused. |
|
|
|
Spartan4
913 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2011 : 21:40:43
|
| LL will also allow the hottest bat ever made by Easton to be used from pitchers throwing GAS from 47ft. While I agree coaches need to look at these things, I don't think they should be regulated. I also agree 100% about mechanics failing after catching, pitchers that don't use their legs flat out don't last long! |
|
|
|
catchingcoach
8 Posts |
Posted - 03/01/2011 : 08:07:09
|
quote:
Originally posted by crazy4bb
Coaches or parents,
How many pitches or innings should you allow your catcher to throw? I am familiar with pitch counts in general, but how much do you take away from that if he is the primary catcher? I am sure there have been several pitch count discussions but could not find any that really adressed catchers specifically.Currently we are 11U but any relevant ages could be discussed. Any links to real research and opinions would be appreciated.
While a catcher can throw more times then a pitcher it is true that many of the throws are not at full speed.(ie..return throws to the pitcher. However he is still making a lot of throws. I tell the coaches/parents of my students that also pitch to take the pitch count of the pitcher and charge 50% of that number to the catchers arm. We treat the catcher as if all of those throws back to the pitcher and throws to bases are "free" but they must be taken into account to keep catcher/pitchers arms healthy.
Coach Weaver
New England Catching Camp
www.catchingcamp.com |
Edited by - catchingcoach on 03/01/2011 09:19:49 |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Kids pitching and catching
