Are Curveballs Harmful?

Every young pitcher wants to throw curveballs and the debate rages as to whether they're causing injury.

So what's the answer?

cites some scary statistics:

And while high pitch counts can cause arm injuries, the TYPE of pitch causing injuries still isn’t certain:

Fortunately, this 2006 study helped answer the question:

Where they showed curveballs to put 9% less stress on BOTH the elbow and shoulder compared to throwing a fastball:

Leading the researchers to conclude:

not 20a 20more 20dangerous 20pitch

So why the increased risk of pain from throwing curveballs and sliders in youth pitchers?

CONSISTENCY OF MECHANICS!

consistent 20mechanics

So if your pitchers cannot pitch with a consistent motion,
they shouldn't be throwing curveballs.

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Dr. Arnold!