It is not uncommon to see young athletes throwing with high velocity in today’s game of baseball. It is important to recognize the need for young athletes to throw within their capabilities, while still striving to improve their arm strength and form. This article will discuss the importance of understanding the risks associated with throwing too hard at a young age and the benefits of following a proper throwing program.
Risks of Throwing Too Hard at 15
One of the biggest risks associated with throwing too hard at a young age is an increased risk of injury. Without proper form and muscle development, the strain on the shoulder and elbow can be too much for the body to handle at such a young age. This can lead to serious injuries such as rotator cuff tears, labrum tears, UCL tears, and even elbow and shoulder pain.
Another risk associated with throwing too hard at a young age is that it can lead to bad habits that are difficult to break. Young athletes who attempt to throw with too much velocity may develop a “muscle-memory” for the wrong mechanics, resulting in an inefficient throwing motion. This could have long-term effects on the young athletes’ performance and may lead to decreased velocity and accuracy.
Finally, throwing too hard at a young age can lead to a decrease in performance and enjoyment of the game. When athletes push themselves too hard, it can become exhausting and may lead to burnout, resulting in an overall decrease in performance and lack of enthusiasm for the game.
Benefits of a Proper Throwing Program
It is important for young athletes to understand the risks associated with throwing too hard and to recognize the importance of following a proper throwing program. A proper throwing program should focus on building arm strength, increasing arm speed, and developing proper throwing mechanics.
When it comes to arm strength, it is important to focus on exercises that target the shoulder and elbow. This can include exercises such as rotator cuff exercises, shoulder presses, tricep extensions, and bicep curls. These exercises will help to build strength in the shoulder and elbow, allowing the athlete to throw with greater velocity and accuracy.
In addition to arm strength, it is also important to focus on increasing arm speed. This can be done through drills that focus on proper throwing mechanics and increasing throwing velocity. Common drills include long toss, weighted ball drills, and jump rope drills. These drills will help to increase arm speed and will help the athlete to develop a more efficient throwing motion.
Finally, it is important to focus on proper throwing mechanics. This can be done through drills such as the “Reverse Throw” and the “Overhand Throw”. These drills will help the athlete to develop proper throwing mechanics and will help to ensure that the athlete is throwing with maximum efficiency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important for young athletes to understand the risks associated with throwing too hard at a young age and the importance of following a proper throwing program. Through strength training, arm speed drills, and proper throwing mechanics, young athletes can develop the arm strength and mechanics necessary to throw with greater velocity and accuracy. By following these guidelines, young athletes can improve their performance and reduce their risk of injury.