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counting pitches
By: Coach E
There are many variables to consider for your question. Experience, arm strength, and conditioning habits are just a few. The method I follow has worked for my son and my teams. 13/14 year olds: 1. 30 pitches/inn max..if 30 pitches thrown in 1 inn..no more innings that game(ice asap). 2. 65 pitches/game max..avg 4-5 innings @ 15/inn 3. Older 14 year olds may go as high as 75 max. 25-30 pitches..1 days rest 30-45 pitches..2 days rest 45-60 pitches..3 days rest 60-75 pitches..4 days rest Rest means no LIVE/GAME pitching, short/long toss ok and bull pens ok @ no more than 24 pitches on 2nd day after last start. A strictly followed pitch count plan will save arms, develop pitchers and keep your kids healthy. You may even lose some games by following this, but overall, if winning is your ultimate goal...develop more pitchers on your team and learn more about arm conditioning and recovery time. As Tom posted, I also am a believer of Tom Houses' methods for my pitchers. I use his book as a reference every week. Even though the kids are only 14, they can still chart pitches and pitch counts for you on the bench. It's a great way to keep them involved. Hope this helps.
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