James F. Pomeroy II on Pitching in Little League Baseball

Preventing Injury to the growing body during the little league years is critical. By using the right methods and learning the proper pitching sequences, little league players can both improve their game and prevent injury to vulnerable, growing bones and muscles. Coaches and parents should monitor young players, paying attention to pains and making sure that young athletes do not overwork themselves.

Essentially all professional players started training as children in little league and youth league. The early years of a developing player form a critical foundation for a baseball career in the future.

James F. Pomeroy, the former short stopper for the Detroit Tigers, began playing ball when he was a small boy. Unfortunately, his baseball career came to halt during his time with the Detroit Tigers, due to a serious injury. However, Pomeroy’s passion for baseball never subsided; today, he serves as the CEO of Velocity Sports and Education. The organization offers training in both for-profit and not-for-profit frameworks throughout the country. Velocity educates and prepares aspiring baseball and softball players to succeed and reach their goals in athletics and academics.

Below is a list of tips that will help young players prevent injury during pitching sequencing–courtesy of James F. Pomeroy II:

1.    Warming up before games and practice is, naturally, very important in preventing injury. Pomeroy recommends using resistance bands in controlled training exercises to strengthen muscles while preventing injury. The player should take turns focusing on arms, shoulders, back, core, and legs, all the while ensuring that they execute proper follow-throughs.

2.    Make sure to set the appropriate starting position. Players should stand by the mound, placing heels on the rubber plate while toes remain on the dirt. It is very important to discover the position that is most comfortable. James Pomeroy recommends stabilizing feet at a shoulder-width distance while bending the knees. Next, the player should direct their energy and thrust forward, towards the catcher, with their head leading before the body. It crucial to ensure that energy is always directed forwards.

3.    When releasing the ball, the player should focus on fully extending their body. The length of the stride should roughly approximate the player’s height. Meanwhile, the player should never throw across their body.

4.   When it comes to mastering velocity training, practice makes perfect. Players need to practice throwing the ball repeatedly during practices, thereby building muscle memory. On the mound, players must learn to keep count of their pitches in a formal fashion, bearing in mind that a long toss is very different than a pitch from the mound.

5.    Learning to prevent and treat injury at a young age will set the proper precedent for the future. Since the bodies of little League players are in the rapid development phase, they are especially vulnerable to injury.  In Baseball and softball, the elbow and the shoulder are most susceptible to injury. Coaches and parents should monitor children’s health by asking about pain and testing their range of motion. They should pay close attention for signs of stiffness on the inner part of the elbow. Children should be encouraged to voice any pains they may be experiencing.

There are many advantages to teaching the pitching sequence to children at a young age; at the same time, it crucial to emphasize safety in order to prevent injury to growing muscles and bones. Coaches and parents should thus supervise children closely during the little league years.

More information About James F. Pomeroy II
James F. Pomeroy II spent more than ten years educating children about softball and baseball. He is the founder of Velocity Sports and Education, a nonprofit that empowers aspiring softball and baseball players from across the US.