Can you hurt your arm by throwing a curveball when your young?

Question

I am 13 and a pitcher and i throw alot of curveballs....will this ruin my arm?

Answer 1

OK the answer to this is yes! But it is because of mechanics not because of the way you hold or roll the ball of your fingers! If a curve is thrown properly it is actually less damaging for your arm then a fast ball. A proper curve should have north south movement not side movement! I have learned this from major league coach's and trainers! I myself taught kids how to pitch and I played college ball as a pitcher! One of the main reasons that they say kids shouldn't throw a curve to much is because their more likely to hurt their arm because of improper throwing technique. Plus you do do not want to rely on the curve to much! I use to throw a lot more curves as I got tired because it was less taxing on my arm. Work on spotting your curve at that age and more on control of you fastball and use a change!!! Just a simple thing like added pressure to a finger tip on the ball will give it movement and that is what you are looking for!

Answer 2

I suggest you stop. A baseball pitch, even at it's most basic, is an unnatural motion for the human arm. A curveball is much more so.

The best thing you can do for your own health is not to throw one at all at this age, but if you insist, I suggest limiting yourself to no more than one curve per inning or so. Besides, if you plan on getting better and pitching in semi-organized ball when you're 18 or older, you need to learn to get people out with your fastball first and foremost.

Hope you don't kill your arm. :)

Answer 3

I learned how to throw a curve at age 10, and never changed my style. Just as a starting point, hold the ball like a 2-seam fastball. Slide your index and middle finger up and to the right so that your middle finger is on the outside of the downward-horseshoe shape, and your index finger is on the inside. Next, move your thumb over to the left and keep it just across the seam. You should be holding the ball almost like a football. When you throw, use a normal delivery but make sure your middle and index finger come over the top or about three quarters over the top of the ball and your pitch should break. Make sure your arm is close to a 90 degree angle when releasing the ball. If you are young, I would recommend only using this pitch sparingly. To be a good pitcher you need to learn to throw strikes first. Good luck!

Answer 4

YES IT WILL... researchers say that 72% of people who throw curve-ball before the age of 14 1/2 will hurt their arm bad. 36% of the 72 will have to have surgery. Here is a tip!!! Learn a circle change, I just turned 14 and have one and it breaks like a curve without arm stress. I'm also the best pitcher in a league of 8 teams without a curve-ball

Answer 5

Yes, if you throw too many. Your muscles are still growing and may not be strong enough to withstand the strain. I had a friend that when he was 12 had a blazing fastball and outstanding curve. By the time he was 17 his arm was dead and he had a torn rotator cuff. Didn't even make our H.S. team. He actually had a letter published in Sports Illustrated telling about what happened to him. So take it easy for now. Learn to locate your other pitches better and work the strike zone. Try different grips on your fastball to get movement. Good luck.

Answer 6

It certainly could, and it's a rather high risk. Males (I'm assuming you're male) don't reach full physical maturity until age 25. Young arms aren't ready for the stresses a curveball demands. Stick with basic fastballs. You'll have a strong arm for much longer.

Answer 7

Oh yeah it will it messes with your growing plates in your arm i should know ive had 3 hyperextensions of my elbow and im 14 the specialist i saw asked if i threw curveballs and i said then he said good because at your age if you hurt your growing plates by throwing it whichever arm you throw will be shorter than your other

Answer 8

It can. If you are taught the right mechanics and you throw the pitch less often then you will be alright though. 13 is about the right age you should start learning new pitches other than a straight fastball. Just throw fewer curves and check with your coach that you have good mechanics.

Answer 9

For everyone who is under 16(at least), if you throw about 2 curves a game even, you will be like Mark Prior.

Answer 10

" researchers say that 72% of people who throw curve-ball before the age of 14 1/2 will hurt their arm bad"

That is a crock.. anyone who has played baseball their whole life will say so.