Baseball Pitching Tips: The Importance of Pitch Counts

Keeping track of the pitch count can help the durability of your arm.

No pitcher wants to be delegated to the dugout when the game is on the line. But when it comes to the pitch count, it is for the best. With youth players’ bodies still developing, an overuse on the mound can lead to minor soreness and even elbow and shoulder injuries.

A pitch count is the number of pitches thrown by a player during a game. By keeping track of how many pitches a player throws, avoiding overuse of the arm is possible.

Leagues have varying rules on pitch counts. Depending on the numbers of pitches thrown, you may need to sit out one, three or even five days until your next time on the mound. For example, Little League Baseball regulates players between the ages of 7 and 8 to 50 pitches a day. But players between the ages of 17 and 18 can throw up to 105 pitches a day.

Check your league bylaws so you are familiar with their rules.

There are several options to choose from to record pitch counts. Keeping track with a basic paper pitch count log and clicker counters is an option. More advanced digital counters and apps for smart phones are also available.

Don’t be afraid to speak to your coach if your arm becomes sore while pitching. Safety is a must and an essential to playing on the diamond with your teammates.