Expert: Dennis Girardi - 5/19/2008

Question
Dennis,
I coach my 10 year old BB team.  We have several kids who do a decent job pitching.  Questions:  How many pitches should a boy pitch per game?  How much rest should they get between games or outings?  We have a couple boys who say their arms are sore.  Other than rest, what can we do as coaches to help their arms get better? Finally, what is your thoughts on using just the stretch or having them wind up?

Thank you,
Ben Shea

Answer
Hey Ben,

I'll take the last question first. I am a BIG believer that if a 10 year old struggles with control, that pitching from the stretch is a great idea.. No harm in pitching from the stretch.
How many pitches should a 10 year old throw? No more than 5 innings.. if the pitcher throws hard. That should put him between 50 and 75 pitches.. If he struggles, stop him after 3 innings of work. They should rest about 48 hours for every 4 innings or 50 pitches.  If there arms are sore, keep them from pitching at all until the pain is completely gone, then wait another couple of days. You don't want his arm to be sore after every time out.. This would be a nightmare.  Just have him rest. All kids are different..
Good Luck..
Dennis