Pitching and Pitchers Discussion How much should a 10u/12u pitcher be throwing per weekend ?

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That makes sense. I misunderstood.

 

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I remember a certain 10u team about 4 years ago that would ride the same pitcher all weekend every summer. 6-7 complete games in a weekend were not unusual and she did very well that year. I also remember speculating with other coaches about this being a near equivalent to child abuse and wondering what the long term affects would be on this kid. Four years later I never hear her name don't have a clue if she's still pitching.

So back to the pitch count guidelines - how do you reckon warm up pitches?

 

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As a pitcher's dad, I admit feeling a little ticked off when somebody else's dd was in the circle. But that is a feeling you've got to eliminate. Especially in the younger ages, when the parents don't know enough about the dangers involved, or arroga (actuallyntly think their dd is different, experienced coaches are the last line of defense for the girl's safety. I realize this may seem to be arguing on both sides, but it took me several years to learn this. As a coach, I kept pitch counts.

 

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If you are a pitcher's parent please try to remember that your dd should also be throwing each week in practice and a perhaps a lesson on top of that. She can not be working on anything if she is wore-out from competing. She will simply not have the gas to throw twice a week and a lesson AND a bunch of innings on the weekend.

I believe that we over compete and under practice. These two elements must be in balance if your dd is going to progress and still be pitching next year. Think of it as a ratio; A 10U player should be throwing maybe 4 practice pitches to 1 game pitch each week in season while a 18U could be 1 to 1; but no practice and a bunch of game pitches is a recipe for disaster.