My Pitch Count Plan
Ages 14 and up · 10 min
Plan your week of throwing so your arm stays healthy and fresh.
- Write each game and practice day for the next week.
- Look up your age group's Pitch Smart daily limit and rest days.
- Mark rest days, days you play another position, and no catching on pitching days.
- Share the plan with your parent and coach.
Coach's cue: Rest is part of the plan.
Bring: notebook, calendar
Safety: Follow Pitch Smart: plan at least 4 months a year with no throwing, and say something right away if your arm hurts.
Two-Ball Wall Toss
Ages 13 and up · 10 min
Throw and catch two balls against a wall in rhythm. Hard on the brain, great for coordination.
- Hold one ball in each hand facing a wall.
- Throw with the right, then the left, catching each on the rebound.
- Find a steady rhythm.
- Count clean pairs out of 20.
Coach's cue: Rhythm first.
Bring: two small balls, wall
Safety: Throw only into clear space or a solid wall, with nobody in the way. Use a soft or light ball.
Crow Hop Throws to a Target
Ages 14 and up · 12 min
Use your legs and momentum to make a strong, accurate outfield throw.
- Field a rolled ball moving toward your target.
- Take a crow hop: hop off your back foot and step toward the target.
- Throw on a low line with one hop to the target.
- Do 12 throws.
Coach's cue: Gain ground through the throw.
Bring: glove, ball, partner or target
Safety: Warm up first and stop if your shoulder or elbow hurts. Follow your league throw limits.
Scoring From Second on a Single
Ages 14 and up · 12 min
Round third under control while you read the coach's signal to stop or score.
- Start at second as the ball is hit.
- Bow out a step before third and look at your coach.
- Hit the inside corner of third and score, or stop if the coach says hold.
- Do 6 runs with a full walk-back rest.
Coach's cue: Eyes on the coach, inside corner.
Bring: bases, coach
Safety: Warm up first and rest fully between runs. Stop if a muscle feels tight. On hot days drink water and rest in the shade, and stop if you feel dizzy or get a headache. If you hear thunder, go inside.