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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:

Study 20title


Looked at biomechanical differences in college pitchers between:

  1. Throwing off a mound
  2. Long toss at 120 feet with ball thrown on a straight line
  3. Long toss at 180 feet with ball thrown on a straight line
  4. 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


Data

  • Max distance throwing actually DECREASED velocity:

Velocity 20table 20heading

Velocity 20table 20data


Their conclusions:


Conclusion1


AND...


Conclusion2


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.


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:

Serious 20Injury 20Risk 20Title

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:

Injury 20Data


So PLEASE make sure you track how many innings your son pitches and be aware of this number.


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Email ([email protected]) or call (631-352-7654) Dr. Arnold!