It seems like every year I hear more and more about arm soreness and injuries to H.S. and college pitchers. I am looking for discussion on why this is happening. Here are a few of my thoughts.
1) Over use by coaches
2) players not keeping in shape to with stand the rigours of pitching.
3)Over use by playing year round. I think a young pitcher should throw and work on mechanics and conditioning 11-12 months per year however They are now going from H.S season to summer season to fall
with showcases through out the winter.
Please comment.

Soreness should not be equated with injury, that is step # 1

The kids today do not throw enough--if they threw more often on a regular basis there would be no soreness and minimal injuries

I also think there is too much emphasis on weights and working out ---my opinion is that the kids do to much in the work out room and reach a point where they have overstressed their muscles--look at all the muscle pulls you see nowadays

Most elbow/shoulder surgeon experts will tell you the biggest cause of injuries they see is from year around throwing without adequate time off to let arms rest. That comes directly from 2 MLB team doctors (1 current, 1 ex, both worked under Andrews in B'ham) I've spoken to in the last year.

I am a big proponent of taking 3-4 months off from throwing completely. No long toss, no mound work, no mechanics work. On the other hand, I don't believe that players throw enough. They need to long toss A LOT. Right now, many pitchers do not long toss enough, but pitch WAY too much.

quote:

I also think there is too much emphasis on weights and working out ---my opinion is that the kids do to much in the work out room and reach a point where they have overstressed their muscles--look at all the muscle pulls you see nowadays

I personally do not see this as overworking in the weight room, but rather being a lack of flexibility exercises being included in their workouts. The lack of flexibility is a major cause for many injuries in most all sports.