Should my kid play baseball year-round?
Play other sports and take real time off from throwing. Use the offseason to get stronger and fix the swing.
Year-round games, no. Year-round development, yes. The offseason is where most improvement happens, because there are no games to get ready for.
Time off from throwing
Arms need a real break. Pitch Smart recommends at least four months a year off from competitive pitching. Playing another sport during that time is a good thing: it builds athleticism that baseball alone doesn’t.
What to work on in the offseason
- Strength and movement: a stronger, more mobile player swings and throws harder with less strain.
- The swing: hitting doesn’t carry the same arm load as pitching, so winter is the time to rebuild mechanics without the pressure of games.
- A throwing ramp: start throwing again 6 to 8 weeks before the first practice and build up gradually, so the arm is ready on day one rather than getting into shape in the first week.
Winter sessions are held indoors in La Plata, so the work doesn’t stop for the weather.