Elbow Up Youth Baseball

I've long been a proponent of young athletes playing multiple sports. There are so many benefits to learning different skill sets, playing with different teammates, and taking mental and physical breaks from the daily grind.As summer and fall youth baseball seasons were winding down, I received a lot of questions about what to do in the off-season to help get ready for next season.I always begin my answer to this question with "take some time off" followed closely with "play another sport." And then of course we talk about lessons, strength and conditioning, family time, etc.I recently saw a Facebook post in a youth baseball group essentially downplaying the importance, or need, for playing other sports. I use this episode to refute his claims and explain why your son should be playing multiple sports in the baseball off-season.What Comes First, the Chicken or the Egg?Kids aren't just born elite athletes. Sure, there are freaks of nature that are born with more natural size, strength, speed, and agility than others, but they don't just come out of the womb ready to play in the MLB, NFL, or NBA.They are elite athletes because they played multiple sports early and often - and mostly with less structure and training than we have today.Again, and as I always say, there are exceptions. But these guys were born into families that encouraged being outside playing with balls of all sports, spent the time learning by doing, and kept their bodies moving at different speeds and in different directions for much of the year.There are  others that spent their time outside the house playing football, basketball, baseball, or any other ball that would keep them away from their unfortunate situation inside the house. Often it kept them out of trouble. And the byproduct was becoming a better athlete.What if my son doesn't want to play other sports?Why even give them the option when they're young?It's not an option at my house. I literally tell my son every year, "I don't care what you do or play, but we're going to do some activity that keeps you moving and busy."Can we just do strength and conditioning?Well, you can. But there are at least two likely issues with this.One, it's expensive. The average parent, myself included, does not have the expertise or the facilities to do this correctly. To get what you need out of it, you need to go at least 3 times per week.That's going to run you MINIMUM $100 a week.Why not pay $150 for the whole basketball season, practice or play 3 days a week, learn new skills, put them outside their comfort zone, get coached by new unfamiliar coaches, and do something different?For way less money.My opinion based on experienceBottom line, your son might actually end up a Major League Hall of Famer having only played baseball his entire life.But in reality, there's a close to zero percent chance he ends up a Major Leaguer anyways, no matter what he does.Just as high schoolers aren't equipped to determine their ultimate career path, nine year olds aren't equipped to know what's best for their athletic development.Get them experience in uncomfortable situations. Let tThanks for listening to today's episode of Elbow Up. Be sure to subscribe in your favorite podcast player so you won't miss future episodes. I also publish additional content in my weekly newsletter. Sign up for free at https://getelbowup.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate the podcast and leave a comment. I would appreciate it more than you know.And be sure to check out my weekly newsletter and website over at Elbow Up Youth Baseball! I'd love to have you join the community. It's free and there's no spam!

It's been just over three years since I published the very first Elbow Up newsletter email. In that time there have been more than 300,000 website visitors, 59,000 emails sent, and nearly 180,000 podcast downloads.While I feel like I've become more polished in my delivery of the message, the message largely hasn't changed. And actually, I'm ready to double down on a few things (definitely controversial).Three Years in ReviewLooking back at the opens, downloads, comments, questions, and responses, I thought it would be good to revisit the top four topics I've written about over the last three years.These topics generated the most buzz, the most feedback, and frankly the most interest from all of you.⚾ My Oldest Son Turns 18 Today: What I Would Have Done Differently⚾ Coaches are Ruining Young Arms⚾ Over-coaching Ruins the Fun Youth Experience⚾ Weekend Tournaments are Ruining Youth Baseball DevelopmentNeed Your HelpIf you like my content, please help me by doing the following:Ensure you're subscribed to the newsletter.Ensure you open the newsletter.It may help to go to your inbox and make sure my email is not in the promotions tab.If it is, move it over to the primary tab.Even better, once you've done this, hit reply and just send me a one-word response. This helps your email provider know I'm not spam.Subscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast player.Leave a rating in your podcast player (and a comment if it's Apple Podcasts).Send me feedback, and let me know how I can better help you!As always, thank you for listening and supporting Elbow Up Youth Baseball!Thanks for listening to today's episode of Elbow Up. Be sure to subscribe in your favorite podcast player so you won't miss future episodes. I also publish additional content in my weekly newsletter. Sign up for free at https://getelbowup.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate the podcast and leave a comment. I would appreciate it more than you know.And be sure to check out my weekly newsletter and website over at Elbow Up Youth Baseball! I'd love to have you join the community. It's free and there's no spam!

🚨 You don’t want to miss this one! In addition to loads of useful information, Jaeger Sports has given me 5 sets of J-Bands along with their Throwing Manual to give away to my listeners! 🚨Parents and Coaches,Today’s message is partially in response to my recent episodes Coaches are Ruining Youth Arms and Protecting Young Arms in Youth Baseball.I’m excited this week to bring you China McCarney from Jaeger Sports.Jaeger Sports is considered by many to be the industry leader in Arm Health, Arm Conditioning, and Mental Training for baseball players.And if you look around, you’ll see their flagship J-Bands at parks and fields all across the country.Here’s a quick breakdown of the interview, although you’ll miss out if you don’t listen to every single second of this one (plus, you want to know how to win a set of J-Bands and their throwing manual):0:56 - Introduction3:35 - Interview starts with China McCarney from Jaeger Sports4:42 - What is Jaeger Sports?6:15 - How early should we start thinking about arm health and arm conditioning?8:42 - What is arm care?9:48 - Warm up to throw, don’t throw to warm up!11:20 - Explaining the WHY!12:45 - What is a throwing program?15:04 - Watch out for gimmicks and advertisements promising quick and unrealistic returns!15:45 - Should you be worried if your child throws slower than his peers at a young age? (IMPORTANT!!)21:00 - Does Jaeger Sports have a youth specific throwing program?23:00 - How important is time off? And a discussion on year ‘round baseball.26:00 - The mental aspect of taking time off.28:45 - Jim Vatcher, Jaeger Sports CEO and former Major League outfielder, and how he approaches his teenage son’s baseball experience.30:00 - Kids should have fun now so they’ll still want to be around later to develop.30:50 - China actually founded the Athletes Against Anxiety and Depression Foundation in 2017 after his own experience with being a competitive athlete.32:32 - How important is wearing sleeves and staying warm in cooler weather?34:10 - Pitch counts, pitch counts, pitch counts! What does Jaeger Sports think about pitch counts?37:17 - How can you get a J-Band or the Jaeger Sports throwing manual? Also, more information about free resources for parents, coaches, and players at Jaeger Sports!41:21 - Closing thoughts from China McCarney:Take action!Introduce arm care and arm health to your sonThanks for listening to today's episode of Elbow Up. Be sure to subscribe in your favorite podcast player so you won't miss future episodes. I also publish additional content in my weekly newsletter. Sign up for free at https://getelbowup.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate the podcast and leave a comment. I would appreciate it more than you know.And be sure to check out my weekly newsletter and website over at Elbow Up Youth Baseball! I'd love to have you join the community. It's free and there's no spam!

Hello parents and coaches!It’s been a few weeks, but I’m back and ready with some great stuff. I shared a Facebook post a couple weeks ago teasing this topic. I had more comments than usual, so I knew it would be 🔥.This week I’m going to gain or lose subscribers (probably some of both) - and that’s okay. I’m not here to make friends (although it is a perk), rather to share my experience and positively impact kids and families through youth baseball.(Listen above or through your favorite podcast app, or continue reading below.)Everyone is Thinking About Next SeasonAs the current season winds down, coaches and parents get to work figuring out what next year will look like. It happens earlier and earlier every year.Everyone has an angle.Many coaches are looking to “upgrade” their team.Some parents just want to win more.Some parents aren’t happy with their son’s playing time or position, so they’re looking to see which area teams will have openings.Here’s the thing…None of those things are bad on the surface.I mean I’m not here to say you shouldn’t want to be better, win more games, and do what’s best for your kid(s).But what about the cost? What about the collateral damage? What about the big, long term picture?And is it even worth it?Here’s a screenshot of the Facebook post I came across.Now let’s unpack all of that and talk about what nobody wants to hear.The RealityI know some guys who have played and coached at really high levels.Off the top of my head, we had an 11 year big league vet on the show, my brother was a first round draft pick, and then just the other day a kid who played on our 9U team 9 years ago was taken in almost the same spot in the draft (I’ll talk about him and that season more below).All those guys got (or will get) big money relative to what most of us will ever make - especially playing a sport.But here’s the thing - that’s not realistic for 99% of us. It’s just not.It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do our best and help our kids succeed, but it means we shouldn’t treat youth baseball like we’re playing for a World Series and our career is on the line.In fact, what’s on the line is much much more important - the future of our kids.The Root of the MadnessThere are two main reasons daddy’s become youth baseball General Managers and parents jockey to find the ‘best team’ for their kid.For those that may not know, a General Manager in Major League Baseball is the person responsible for building the best team possible, making trades, drafting and cutting players, and ultimately is held accountable for an organization’s success or failure.Now, if you find this part offensive, send me an email. But I’ve been both of these, so I can say it. And if it hurts, it’s probably true.For coaches, they just want to win. Period. I don’t know how else to say it.Sure, most coaches I come across are good people. They care for the kids. They want them to be as Thanks for listening to today's episode of Elbow Up. Be sure to subscribe in your favorite podcast player so you won't miss future episodes. I also publish additional content in my weekly newsletter. Sign up for free at https://getelbowup.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate the podcast and leave a comment. I would appreciate it more than you know.And be sure to check out my weekly newsletter and website over at Elbow Up Youth Baseball! I'd love to have you join the community. It's free and there's no spam!

Parents and Coaches,This week I recorded a version of a written article I wrote back in 2019. Not only is it still relevant, it’s something I personally still struggle with and see every single week on every single team.Please take the time to read below or listen above, and I’d ask that you share this either on social media or with 2 or 3 other parents or coaches today!Thank you for being a part of the Elbow Up community, and if you don’t get these in your inbox each week, what are you waiting for? 😉Eight year old Tommy steps into the on deck circle and takes a couple of swings, halfway distracted by the young child crying in the stands through the fence.One of his coaches (who is also his dad) looks over at him.“You’re dropping your hands. Come on, swing like you will in the game.”Tommy tries to refocus but before he’s able to swing, the previous batter is out and he’s up to bat. He trots out to the batter’s box, excited for the opportunity to hit!“Back up in the box! Look at your feet! Now get that elbow up!”Swing and miss.“You’re pulling your head out. Keep your head down”Foul ball.“You’re stepping out. You have to step to the pitcher or you’re never going to hit it!”Swing and miss. Strike three.Tommy trots back to the dugout only to be met by his coach (and dad) who repeats everything he said over the past three pitches.Tommy’s disheartened. Not because he struck out. Because he just received 7 different instructions during a live at bat, he struck out in front of everyone, and worst of all he feels like he’ll never be able to do everything his dad told him all at once.It’s a vicious cycle that will only get worse.Over-coaching is one of the worst things you can do as a parent or coach. It’s something I’ve fought myself for years.It really becomes debilitating to the player and amplifies any failure they may experience on the field.At this age, if they don’t have it, or know it, before they get into the batter’s box, they’re not going to.Keep in mind, there are certainly times to teach during a live game. Situational learning happens in a game because it’s very difficult to replicate in practice, especially at a young age.Working on who covers second, who the cut man is, where to throw the ball in a certain situation. Those are all things I may mention to a player between batters or innings in a positive way so they get feedback as soon as it happens.Hitting and pitching mechanics aren’t that easy to learn during the middle of a game. These are things that should be practiced over and over before the game, so that when they get in the game it’s a learned movement or skill that comes natural.I’m actively looking for sponsors for the weekly podcast. I’ll be picky and only partner with those I feel will serve my audience well. If you or someone you know would be a good fit, reply to this email and let me know!How to Avoid the Over-Coaching TrapFirst, just stop. And relax. Let the kids enjoy the game. Remember my number oneThanks for listening to today's episode of Elbow Up. Be sure to subscribe in your favorite podcast player so you won't miss future episodes. I also publish additional content in my weekly newsletter. Sign up for free at https://getelbowup.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate the podcast and leave a comment. I would appreciate it more than you know.And be sure to check out my weekly newsletter and website over at Elbow Up Youth Baseball! I'd love to have you join the community. It's free and there's no spam!

Parents and Coaches,This week I’m talking about umpires.Before I jump into it, if you haven’t already subscribed, do so now so you don’t miss any future episodes. It’s free, and I’ll send you an email when I post an article or new episode!Umpires are just as much a part of baseball as are hitters and pitchers, but in almost every game I coach I see other parents and coaches interacting with umpires in ways that not only won’t help them get any future calls but also sets a bad example for their kids and players.In this week’s episode, I talk about what makes a good umpire, my own experience with umpires (I’ve shown myself a time or two), how to interact with umpires, and how to talk to your kids and players about how to handle bad (or questionable) calls.Enjoy the episode, and leave a comment with your feedback, questions, or your own experiences.Thanks for listening - see you next time!KevinP.S. Would you take a few seconds and share this with a friend? Use the button below or just forward the email! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.getelbowup.comThanks for listening to today's episode of Elbow Up. Be sure to subscribe in your favorite podcast player so you won't miss future episodes. I also publish additional content in my weekly newsletter. Sign up for free at https://getelbowup.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate the podcast and leave a comment. I would appreciate it more than you know.And be sure to check out my weekly newsletter and website over at Elbow Up Youth Baseball! I'd love to have you join the community. It's free and there's no spam!

Parents and Coaches,In this episode I finished up the Mike Steele interview from last week, and just as in part one - he didn’t disappoint.If you missed part one, go listen to it first, then come back and catch part two here!Please let me know what you think and if you’d like to hear more from Mike.He’s committed to joining me again, as well as collaborating for a monthly listener-generated Q&A session - just for you!Thanks again for listening. Would you consider sharing Elbow Up with a friend?⚾ 0:00 - Audio Clip from Part One⚾ 1:51 - IntroductionMike Steele played high school, college, and pro ball. He spent 7 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a pitching coach.He’s also served as the pitching coach at three Division I universities - Michigan State University, Long Beach State University, and Wichita State University.Mike is now based out of Phoenix, Arizona with the Cleveland Indians as a minor league pitching coach. He works during Spring Training with all levels of Indians’ pitchers, and then remains in Phoenix throughout the rest of the year with their Rookie level minor league team.In addition to his lengthy baseball career, Mike’s most important job now is being a father, which also includes coaching his son’s 13 year old summer team.I know a lot of youth league coaches that have played the game at a high level, but I’ve never come across a professional baseball coach who also coaches his son’s team (at the same time).⚾ 5:50 - We’re Forcing Kids to Play ScaredThe fear comes from a lack of competitiveness. They haven’t done it enough to be confident, so we should focus on competing and how to bounce back.Kids are too young to have the right level of confidence, but we’re also not encouraging them to compete. Instead we’re trying to build mechanical machines.⚾ 9:11 - Epidemic of Parents and Coaches Focusing on the Wrong ThingsSpecifically, parents and coaches are more worried about winning than developing boys to be men.We should be developing the person first, and then the players.⚾ 11:15 - Risk of Boys Growing Up Having a Transactional Relationship with Everything in LifeThis includes baseball, work, women. And if they don’t see immediate positive results, they’ll quit, or give up on it.⚾ 13:52 - Being Good Doesn’t Always Equal DevelopmentMost of the best teams at the young ages just have the best athletes, and is not a good predictor of long term baseball success.The two guys from his 12U little league state championship team, the two guys that ultimately played professional baseball were the last two guys anyone would have thought of when they were 12U.[Timeline generation in progress]🚨 If you enjoy my Elbow Up content, would you consider supporting my work financially by becoming a premium subscriber? For less than a Starbucks per week, you will help offset operational costs and allow me to publish even more content! 🚨 This is a public episode. If you would like to discusThanks for listening to today's episode of Elbow Up. Be sure to subscribe in your favorite podcast player so you won't miss future episodes. I also publish additional content in my weekly newsletter. Sign up for free at https://getelbowup.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate the podcast and leave a comment. I would appreciate it more than you know.And be sure to check out my weekly newsletter and website over at Elbow Up Youth Baseball! I'd love to have you join the community. It's free and there's no spam!

Parents and Coaches,This is one of my favorite episodes so far! It was an hour long, so I split it into two parts. Be sure to subscribe to my free emails so you won’t miss part two!This is definitely one you need to listen to, but here’s an outline of the episode and part one of my interview with Cleveland Indians pitching coach, youth baseball coach, and dad, Mike Steele! (remember, you can also subscribe in iTunes or your favorite podcast player)⚾ 1:00 - IntroductionMike Steele played high school, college, and pro ball. He spent 7 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a pitching coach.He’s also served as the pitching coach at three Division I universities - Michigan State University, Long Beach State University, and Wichita State University.Mike is now based out of Phoenix, Arizona with the Cleveland Indians as a minor league pitching coach. He works during Spring Training with all levels of Indians’ pitchers, and then remains in Phoenix throughout the rest of the year with their Rookie level minor league team.In addition to his lengthy baseball career, Mike’s most important job now is being a father, which also includes coaching his son’s 13 year old summer team.I know a lot of youth league coaches that have played the game at a high level, but I’ve never come across a professional baseball coach who also coaches his son’s team (at the same time).⚾ 3:30 - Interview StartsMike was a good player, not a great playerHe was middle of the pack compared to his peersDidn’t get any offers out of high school; went JUCOPlayed 6.5 seasons in pro ballHad Tommy John and shoulder surgeryStart coaching career at Michigan State once he got marriedLeft coaching to work for Bo Jackson and John Cangelosi with the Illinois SparksWent back to the Pittsburgh Pirates as a pitching coach and a scoutPitching coach at Long Beach State and Wichita State for two years eachWas offered a job and currently coaches with the Cleveland Indians⚾ 10:50 - Why Mike Reached OutMike came across my episode about how Weekend Tournaments are Ruining Youth Baseball Player DevelopmentCommented and agreed saying the current youth baseball environment is destroying our kids’ developmentMike recently realized after coaching a tournament, parents have so much anxiety around their kids’ performanceAnd how much pressure is put on our kids during their teenage yearsAnd all of it is for the purpose of winning a ring that really means nothing⚾ 13:55 - Thoughts on Rings for the “Toilet Bowl” BracketMike talked about the difference between getting trophies and rings for participating vs the rings he got growing up as a playerRings meant more than just playing, but represented the blood, sweat, and tears of the grind throughout the season ⚾ 17:25 - Transactional Relationship w/ BaseballWe don’t talk to young players today about controlling what they can controlParents just hope their kid messes up less than the other kid; not developing playThanks for listening to today's episode of Elbow Up. Be sure to subscribe in your favorite podcast player so you won't miss future episodes. I also publish additional content in my weekly newsletter. Sign up for free at https://getelbowup.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate the podcast and leave a comment. I would appreciate it more than you know.And be sure to check out my weekly newsletter and website over at Elbow Up Youth Baseball! I'd love to have you join the community. It's free and there's no spam!

Every week I write an email and record a podcast discussing how we can make youth baseball better for our kids. If you would like to receive it directly in your inbox, subscribe now. Read this week’s email below, or listen to the audio version with more detail above.In my last episode I was extremely blunt about how youth Coaches are Ruining Young Arms.I knew it had the potential to be a controversial post, but instead of controversial, it seemed to have resonated with thousands of parents and coaches across the country - so I decided to do a follow up with some information on how to protect these young arms.In less than a week, it’s already my second most downloaded episode since I’ve been doing the show. It’s also the most shared on social with more than 500 shares, more than 1,500 comments, and more than 3,000 reactions - on Facebook alone!99.9% of everyone that commented or responded agreed with my message, which is great news for the future of arm care! Now we just have to keep the momentum going, and continue to shine the light on this epidemic.I also plan to do additional episodes where I interview professional coaches and sports medicine doctor’s to discuss at a more granular level. I already have an SEC pitching coach and SEC team physician (from different schools) lined up to appear on the show.If you’re not subscribed, do so now for free, and I’ll send you a quick email when those are published!After reading and responding to hundreds of comments, emails, and messages, here’s a few additional thoughts regarding arm health in young baseball players.What About the Parent’s Responsibility?The most common comment in response was that parents are more to blame. They should step up and not allow coaches to continue overusing their kids.While I agree with this in theory, here’s why I’m targeting coaches.Coaches are the ones in a position of authority. Coaching a team of children (yes, that’s what they are) is an enormous responsibility, and not one we should take lightly.Coaches are the ones making out the lineup. I may have been influenced by parents a time or two in my early coaching days, but I’m the one that penciled in the lineup - not a parent.As coaches, we’re supposed to know better. A parent literally hands their kid over to us for many hours every single week. It’s our responsibility to keep them healthy and safe.Now, parents do play a major role. Parents should not stand idly by while coaches abuse young arms.As I mentioned in the last episode, there’s a way to handle parent-coach communication, and I would ALWAYS start with handling this like adults and away from the field.But if a conversation about arm health and overuse doesn’t work, you must put your foot down. If that means finding a new team, then so be it.It’s Not Just PitchingThere are many more factors that should go into keeping an arm safe and healthy than just pitch counts on game day. Other throws matter too! For example, catchers are at high risk for elbow problems as wellHere’s a few things to keep in mind to maximize arm health and minimize injury risThanks for listening to today's episode of Elbow Up. Be sure to subscribe in your favorite podcast player so you won't miss future episodes. I also publish additional content in my weekly newsletter. Sign up for free at https://getelbowup.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate the podcast and leave a comment. I would appreciate it more than you know.And be sure to check out my weekly newsletter and website over at Elbow Up Youth Baseball! I'd love to have you join the community. It's free and there's no spam!

Help me spread the word and make youth baseball better. Get my newsletter and podcast for free!As we (hopefully) begin to move out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have an epidemic right here in youth baseball - and it’s worse than ever!This is a relatively new issue that has been exacerbated by the increased participation in “travel” and “select” baseball, and coach’s increasing desire to chase wins and trophies (or rings).I talked a few weeks ago about how weekend tournaments are ruining youth baseball, and a large part of that is how chasing wins leads irresponsible coaches to overuse young pitchers.If you missed that one, go back and check it out, but subscribe now for free so you won’t miss anything else!I’ve had this on my mind a recently, and I’ve seen example after example of overuse being shared on social media.GameChanger box scores are being shared showing 9 and 10 year olds throwing 80+ pitches. 9 year olds are throwing complete games on Saturday and then again on Sunday.I see it here locally all the time. And it’s not just one team or coach. There are some that are worse than others, but the bottom line is, we have to do better!⚾ Why is it bad?There are volumes and volumes of research and publications from orthopedic surgeons calling for less use and plenty of rest in young arms, so I won’t bore you with the details - but the bottom line is elbow surgeries in young baseball players have skyrocketed.Sports medicine experts have called it an epidemic driven by the expansion of youth sports leagues, the rise in the number of kids focusing on just one sport and playing it year-round, competitive pressure, and myths about the procedure.The bigger issue for younger players is they probably won’t see the negative effects right away. In fact, it could be years down the road.That’s what makes this even worse to me. Youth coaches are so selfish, they’re abusing young arms in games that don’t matter, and when the kid gets to a level where it does matter, his arm (and possibly his career) is ruined.⚾ How to stop it?The best way to handle this is for coaches and parents to just use common sense.Throw a responsible number of pitches and then ensure there is plenty of rest before throwing again.But let’s talk about some specifics.Pitch CountsThe very first effort to limit overuse came in the form of regulating innings pitched. A few leagues and tournaments still do this, but a lot of leagues and tournaments are using pitch count guidelines.Even if a tournament only tracks innings pitched, we should all be using our own pitch count tracking as well.I’ve added a nice inexpensive pitch counter to my product idea list on Amazon. Check it out here.While some flexibility can be given depending on the kid and the circumstances, there are plenty of guidelines available that you can use.Major League Baseball has a Thanks for listening to today's episode of Elbow Up. Be sure to subscribe in your favorite podcast player so you won't miss future episodes. I also publish additional content in my weekly newsletter. Sign up for free at https://getelbowup.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate the podcast and leave a comment. I would appreciate it more than you know.And be sure to check out my weekly newsletter and website over at Elbow Up Youth Baseball! I'd love to have you join the community. It's free and there's no spam!