How Fatigue Effects Baseball Pitching Performance

Hall of Fame football coach Vince Lombardi was once quoted as saying, "Fatigue makes cowards of us all." Pitching coach Tom House says that "Fatigue is a pitcher's worst enemy."

When looking at fatigue as it applies to pitching, the following observations might be helpful:

* While cumulative total of pitches per game is important, pitches per inning is more important.

* Any time a pitcher throws 30 pitches in an inning, the pitcher is likely fatigued and should be removed from the game immediately.

* The physiological effects of pitching while fatigued are significant and can lead to serious injury, regardless of how mechanically sound a pitcher might be. Because of this, each pitch thrown after one enters into fatigue counts as 3.

* Extreme heat and mental stress can contribute to fatigue and need to be taken into consideration when monitoring a pitcher's pitch totals.

* Common indicators of a pitcher becoming fatigued can include loss of velocity and/or movement, consistently high pitches, the glove "dropping" at release and the more obvious indicators including facial expressions, labored breathing and an increase in perspiration.

Coaches need to remember that most pitchers will claim to feel great even though they don't. It is also important to remember that just because they can go another batter, or inning, it doesn't mean they should.

Comments

[Jeff]

Do you have an "exercises to reduce fatigue" as well?

[Steven Ellis]

It's a good question. Rest is often the best medicine. But completely changing up your workout program -- from the types of exercises you do to the amount you perform -- can help, too.

Post this question on my discussion forums for a more thorough response.

www.letstalkpitching.com

Steven