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Development of a distance-based interval throwing program for Little League-aged athletes
M J Axe1, L Snyder-Mackler, J G Konin
1Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, USA.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|September 1, 1996
Summary
A new interval throwing program for young baseball players (9-12 years) uses distance and speed data to guide training and rehabilitation. This program helps predict throwing ability and tailor exercises based on age and pre-injury pitch speed.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Pediatric Sports Science
Background:
- Interval throwing programs are crucial for developing young athletes.
- Little League baseball (ages 9-12) requires specific training considerations.
- Understanding throwing mechanics and injury prevention is vital for youth sports.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a distance-based interval throwing program for Little League-aged athletes.
- To establish a mathematical model predicting maximal throwing distance from maximal throwing speed.
- To assess the practicality and effectiveness of the program in training and rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- Collected data from 400 innings of organized baseball to determine timing and repetition parameters.
- Utilized Little League field dimensions to establish short toss distances.
- Developed and validated a mathematical model (correlation coefficient 0.92) to predict throwing distance from speed using data from 853 players.
- Assessed throwing speed and distance variability in 40 players and program adherence in 15 players.
Main Results:
- A mathematical model accurately predicts maximal throwing distance from maximal throwing speed (r=0.92).
- Throwing speed variability was minimal (<5 mph), while distance variability was significant (22.4 feet).
- Healthy young athletes successfully completed the progressive interval throwing program as designed.
Conclusions:
- The developed distance-based interval throwing program is practical and effective for Little League-aged athletes.
- The program allows for personalized training and rehabilitation based on age and pre-injury throwing speed.
- This approach supports safe and effective development in youth baseball.