What is the best age to start a child pitching?

Question

He's naturally left handed and is almost 8. I've heard that 8 or 9 is the best time to teach technique. Any suggestions will be helpful!

Answer 1

As a former baseball player and current little league coach, you're fine starting him pitching now... just don't let him over do it. Make sure you and his coach watch his innings and/or pitch totals. Also... my general rule is "No puberty, no curve balls". Meaning... if the kid isnt shaving or darn near it, keep him throwing fastballs. Even though its tempting for the kids to throw the same pitches that they see the pros throwing, it can damage their arms. Their muscles and bones aren't fully developed yet, and you can do perminent damage. Also keep in mind, you have to be mentally tough to pitch... not just physically gifted. the only other thing is, make sure he has fun on the mound!

Answer 2

I would start a little before he gets into kid pitch (mustang league) but only technique not to much on speed

and keep it to fastballs and a the changeup which is a real good pitch but dont curve or other off speed pitches until he has hair under his arms (a bush) this is a good sign on when his arm is mature enough for this form of motion because that is a way that can really screw up a career



and dont put him on any weight lifting program until his late 8th grade year this can also mess up his arm



but other than that start him pitchin as soon as possible



hope this helps

and he is successful

Answer 3

He's fine to start pitching at this age, but limit the pitch count.



Also, many experts feel that breaking balls SHOULD NOT be taught to any child until they've reached 13-14 due to the stress on the arm.



I would stick with fastballs for now, but you are fine teaching mechanics at this age.

Answer 4

As soon as he can throw the ball,no really that is about the right age,my son is 8 and I've been working with him for a couple of years.I suggest you concertrate on the streach position ,thats what he will be pitching out of mostly.Just try and throw strikes,don't worry about how hard hes throwing just yet.The distance he should be pitching is 40 ft.Atom I,and II,48 ft.for Bantam I,II,54 ft for Midget I,II,then 54 ft

for Juv I,then 60ft 6 inches from then on out.

Answer 5

Get him used the the motion. Pick out a motion and get him comfortable with it. At about 8 or 9 is the right age. Throw about 35-40 pitches a day and don't hurt his arm. Ice often.

Answer 6

Now is the time. Make sure that you don't overpitch him. If I were you, I would start him in the stretch since it is a much more simple starting point than the wind-up. At his age, you should just try to get him to throw it over the plate, but teach him to throw hard and don't let him just lob it over the plate. This is down the road, but DON'T let him throw curveballs/breaking balls until he shaves. If his control has developed by the age of 10/11, try to teach him a changeup. I throw mine with my thumb and pointer fingers on the U seam of the ball. The other three go under the ball. It's awkward at first, but he'll get used to it. Good luck!

Answer 7

This is a good age to start teaching the basics, wind up, follow thru, the stertch, ect. NO CURVE BALLS until at least 15 or older. Teach fastball and change-up. Keep on a low pitch count and learn the trainer side. It is very important to keep that young arm healthy.

Good luck.

Answer 8

I think it would be great to start teaching mechanics now, the sooner the muscle memory kicks in the better. Just work on strength and pitch speed over time. He has 10 years til college so get him ready!!

Answer 9

8 or 9 years old. I have been pitching since I was 8 and I wasn't pushed hard.

Answer 10

Alright my suggestion would be to get him to play catch three or four times a week and extend the length so his arm will get stronger. you want to have a strong arm before you do anything. avoid offspeed pitches until his arm is fully developed. use resitance bands/cords to help strengthen the arm and the rotator cuff. remember to stretch before playing catch every time

Answer 11

Start with technique now but play a lot of long catch

Answer 12

Start him up, just don't push him too hard or he will not learn it as fast.

Answer 13

5 year.s

Answer 14

yup right about now. learn about mechanics first. do exercises to beef up his deceleration muscles. remember pitchers have big butts.

Answer 15

They are never too young to start.

Answer 16

........as soon as he can walk and throw a ball.