The Harm of Improper Long Toss
February 8, 2011
(Click here for a 2-page .pdf of this newsletter)
A study presented at the ASMI 2011 Baseball Injuries Conference:
Looked at biomechanical differences in college pitchers between:
- Throwing off a mound
- Long toss at 120 feet with ball thrown on a straight line
- Long toss at 180 feet with ball thrown on a straight line
- Maximal distance with no restrictions on trajectory
What Did They Find?
- The lowest arm stress was seen at 120 feet ("37 m throws") while the highest stress was seen at Maximal Distance
-
Max distance throwing actually DECREASED velocity:
Their conclusions:
AND...
The Long Toss Rule: How Far is Too Far?
ONLY throw at a distance where you can keep the ball on a straight line.
For most this is no more than 120-150 feet.
For most this is no more than 120-150 feet.
Study Suggests "Magic Number" of Innings Pitched That Causes Injury
(click here for a 1-page .pdf this section of the newsletter)
Also presented at the 2010 ASMI Baseball Injuries Conference:
500 pitcher and position players were followed for 10 years.
They found the "magic number" of innings per year that significantly increased injury risk to be 100 innings. Specifically:
So PLEASE make sure you track how many innings your son pitches and be aware of this number.
Have A Question About This Newsletter?
Email (PitchingDoc@msn.com) or call (631-352-7654) Dr. Arnold!
