Are You Throwing Enough Now?
It's cold outside in much of the country now. It's been cold and damp in Washington State where I live (I know, strange huh). In talking with Dan Gazaway my partner with the Pitching Academy, it's been biting outside in Utah as well. There is a nasty tendency during these cold months for pitchers to not find a time and place to throw. Here are some things you may want to consider this winter as many of you are preparing for your season.
How often should a pitcher be throwing right now in the winter months? Are pitchers throwing enough?
Those are difficult questions. Some pitchers are throwing too much, while others aren't throwing nearly enough. You might say, well, what is enough? Can you really put a number on it?
There is no perfect answer to this question as every athlete is different. The importance pitchers place on preparation this off season will go a long way in reducing injury during the regular season. A pitcher should be throwing about 9 months out of the year in good or bad weather states. Pitchers shouldn't throw year round as arms need a break. For most pitchers that break has occurred between October-December.
At the beginning of each year, start playing light catch and then move to long toss by the end of January to mid-February. Start pitching off the mound a couple weeks before your season starts and make sure that you implement a regular throwing regimen depending on when your going to compete.
If you're a relief pitcher, your throwing schedule will be different of course. Overall, a pitcher should throw 50-75 pitches (5 days a week) rotating from flat ground to the mound. Remember, this doesn't need to be full velocity all of the time. Work on mechanics and location while you rebuild your arm strength.
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