Pitch Smart Guidelines

Introduction to PitchSmart
Learn more about Pitch Smart from Dr. James Andrews, Yankees GM Brian Cashman and others

 

USA Baseball and MLB team up to help young players reduce arm injuries by providing a comprehensive resource for safe pitching practices.

Baseball is a safe game to play at all ages, but research has shown that pitching too much -- particularly at a young age -- can increase a pitcher's risk of injury.

Risk Factors for Injury

Through decades of research, experts have gained insight into the behaviors that put amateurs at an increased risk of injury. In the most recent nationwide study of youth pitchers, research found that youth pitchers were still exhibiting many of these risky behaviors, all of which were associated with increased likelihood of pitching with arm tiredness and arm pain.


Source: Yang G, Barton J, Guettler J, Dugas J, Irrgang J, Fleisig G, Albright J; Risk-Prone Pitching Activities and Injuries in Youth Baseball; American Journal of Sports Medicine; 2014


Tommy John Surgery FAQ

Tommy John surgery, also known as Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Reconstruction, is an elbow procedure that involves replacing a torn or damaged UCL with a tendon from elsewhere in the body. While the procedure has helped many players extend their careers, Tommy John surgery is poorly understood and there are many misconceptions about it among parents, players and coaches.


Advisory Committee

Meet the Pitch Smart experts


Resources

Resources that will help young pitchers avoid injury and aid performance. Learn how pitching mechanics and good habits will improve pitching proficiency. Stay up to date on the latest research and news on Tommy John surgery.

Smoltz on Tommy John surgery

MLB Now: Glenn Fleisig

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