Baseball and Softball Pitch Count Guide for Parents and Coaches
May 26, 2016
When it comes to sports injuries, overuse of muscles and tendons are often the most common cause. Check out our baseball and softball newsletters to view a safe pitch count guide, suggestions for proper hydration, stretching techniques and more. All information is provided by Beacon Orthopaedics physical therapists and athletic trainers or orthopaedic and sports medicine physicians.
Are you interested in scheduling a talk with an expert? Our overhead athlete specialist Mark Keiser is available to come speak to coaches, parents, and athletes within your organization. Safety and preventative care are very important to us!
Here are basic guidelines for pitch counts by age range:
Baseball Pitch Count Guide:
10 Years Old: 50 pitches per game, 75 pitches per week
11-12 Years Old: 75 pitches per game, 100 pitches per week
13-14 Years Old: 75 pitches per game, 125 pitches per week
15-16 Years Old: 95 pitches per game, 145 pitches per week
17-18 Years Old: 125 pitches per game, 175 pitches per week
Softball Pitch Count Guide:
Age 8-10: 50 pitches per game; max of 80 pitches per day for 2 consecutive days; pitching at that level for three consecutive days is not recommended
Age 11-12: 65 pitches per game; 95 pitches each day for 2 consecutive days; pitching at that level for more than two consecutive days is not recommended
Age 13-14: 80 pitches per game; 115 pitches per day for 2 consecutive days; No more than 80 pitches a day for 3 consecutive days
Age 15 and Over: 100 pitches/game; 140 pitches/day for 2 consecutive days; No more than 100 pitches a day for 3 consecutive days
Be Sure to Stay Hydrated When Temperatures Heat Up!
As the season heats up, hydration becomes a key factor in helping athletes perform and feel their best. It’s crucial to hydrate the day before, during, and after a game or workout. Even a loss as small as 1-2% of body weight from sweating can accelerate fatigue and hinder performance. More athletic injuries occur due to fatigue, so an increase in hydration may mean a reduction in the propensity for injuries. Many people don’t realize that thirst is an indication of dehydration, so to avoid dehydration, athletes need to continuously drink prior to, during, and after games.