![kidsandcurveballs](https://ecressey.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/kidsandcurveballs.png)
Elite Baseball Development Podcast: Kids and Curveballs
We’re going to deviate from the normal single-guest model for this episode, and instead rock a collaborative effort between me and Cressey Sports Performance – MA pitching coordinator, Christian Wonders. We’re going to discuss the debate on when kids should start throwing curveballs and sliders.
A special thanks to this show’s sponsor, Athletic Greens. Head to https://www.athleticgreens.com/cressey and you’ll receive a free 10-pack of Athletic Greens travel packets with your first order.
Show Outline
- What research says about youth pitchers throwing breaking balls
- When the right time is to begin integrating a breaking ball into a young pitcher’s development
- How Christian introduces a young pitcher to spinning a curveball for the first time
- What steps Christian takes to progress a young pitchers from simply learning to spin a baseball to consistently throwing breakers in a game
- Why youth pitchers should prioritize commanding fastball and changeup before jumping to learn a big breaking ball
- How the delicacy involved in throwing curveballs takes young pitchers away from working late arm speed and powering through the baseball
- What common mechanical compensations arise as young pitchers try to throw a quality curveball
- How Christian plans to develop a curveball with his 10 year old brother
- Why it is so crucial for pitchers to find a consistent and comfortable curveball grip that works for them
- Why Christian never has any of his pitchers, youth, high school, or college, throw more than two off speed pitches in a row in bullpens
- Why it’s important to replicate fastball arm speed on breaking pitches
You can follow Christian on Twitter at @csp_pitching, and on Instagram at @csp_pitching. Also, for more information about our upcoming CSP Elite Baseball Mentorship, be sure to check out www.EliteBaseballMentorships.com.
Sponsor Reminder
This episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens. It’s an all-in-one superfood supplement with 75 whole-food sourced ingredients designed to support your body’s nutrition needs across 5 critical areas of health: 1) energy, 2) immunity, 3) gut health, 4) hormonal support, and 5) healthy aging. Head to www.AthleticGreens.com/cressey and claim my special offer today – 20 FREE travel packs (valued at $79) – with your first purchase. I use this product daily myself and highly recommend it to our athletes as well. I’d encourage you to give it a shot, too – especially with this great offer.
Podcast Feedback
If you like what you hear, we’d be thrilled if you’d consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving us an iTunes review. You can do so HERE.
And, we welcome your suggestions for future guests and questions. Just email elitebaseballpodcast@gmail.com.
Thank you for your continued support!