What are the Pitch Smart Guidelines for pitchers ages 8 and under?

Enter the number of pitches and the last day they pitched to determine the next day they can pitch in a game.

Managing 7-8 Year Old Pitchers

Focus on Overall Development

1. Emphasize athleticism, physical fitness, and fun
2. Teach baseball rules, general techniques, and teamwork
3. Encourage players to participate in other sports throughout the year

Manage Pitch Counts and Rest Periods

4. Ensure pitchers do not exceed 60 combined innings pitched in any 12 month period
5. Establish and enforce pitch-count limits and required rest periods
6. Provide pitchers with at least 4 months off from throwing every year, with at least 2-3 of those months being continuous
7. Once a pitcher is removed from the mound, do not allow them to return as a pitcher in the same game
8. Do not allow any pitcher to appear in a game as a pitcher for three consecutive days, regardless of pitch counts

Monitor Fatigue and Workload

9. Closely monitor pitchers for signs of fatigue
10. Only have pitchers pitch one a day, even if they are playing in multiple games.
11. Avoid having players participate on multiple teams at the same time

Pitching Techniques and Preparation

12. Have pitchers focus on throwing fastballs and change-ups
13. Ensure pitchers properly warm up before pitching

Team Management

14. Discourage pitchers from playing catcher when not pitching