Most youth baseball injuries aren’t caused by one bad throw. They happen from:

• Throwing too much without enough rest

• Weak shoulder, core, and hip muscles

• Poor movement mechanics

• Growth spurts that stress developing bones

This can lead to common issues like “Little League shoulder” and “Little League elbow.”

4 simple ways to protect your child’s arm

1. Follow pitch counts and rest days. Avoid year-round pitching and make sure your child gets proper recovery between games.

2. Strengthen more than just the arm. Strong shoulders, core, and hips help absorb stress so the elbow and shoulder aren’t overloaded.

3. Keep joints moving well! Good mobility in the shoulders, spine, and hips helps the body throw efficiently and safely.

4. Don’t ignore early pain. Soreness that lasts more than a day or two is a warning sign — early care prevents bigger injuries.