Watching the Little League World Series made me shudder. Curve ball after curve ball. Hardly any change ups. Poor follow through. I understand these kids are working hard and learning. I also know they need better instruction.
As a curve ball pitcher with Dr. Jobe’s Tommy John scar to show, I can tell you: do not let a kid throw curve balls until he’s at least sixteen years old – their bodies are not ready for the strain. It’s especially true for kids serious about the game. It’s not worth the risk of career-stopping injury.
Besides risking injury, it’s better to work on fast ball pitches and change ups anyway. These need to be learned and perfected first. A pitcher needs to be able to place fast balls and change ups when and where he wants. Every time. The ability to do that comes from practicing good pitching mechanics.
