re: 12 yo Tournament Baseball practice

quote:

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IMO, Curve balls are not the sole reason kids destroy their arms. If a kid has sound mechanics and has been properly trained there is nothing wrong with throwing curve balls, just keep it to a minimum and not use it as an "out" pitch. Not properly stretching, poor mechanics being overworked and little rest between games because a coach wants to win are the main culprits imo.

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Pitching coach in travel ball for years 12-13 year olds.

Will NOT teach and junk. I tell coaches if they are, then don't ask for my help.

A good parent/coach understands their arms are still developing. All of the junk balls are not only setting them up for early arm issues, but keeping them from being good pitchers. I like to see kids work on their LOCATION/CONTROL and a good CHANGE-UP. If they can develop these tools early age, they will have success.

I could rant ad nauseam, but just lending support to good post by partsman103.