After several years of research, Little League launched its pitch count program in 2006. With limits set for different amounts of pitches for different age groups, Little League has been diligent in protecting young arms since establishing strict pitching rules. With many baseball players participating in Little League and other youth baseball programs, it is important for parents and coaches to use the Pitch Smart campaign and the Little League pitch count program to ensure young pitching arms stay safe.
Little League strongly encourages all Little League volunteers, parents, and officials to review PitchSmart.org and share it with others.
Pitching Guidelines - 8 years and younger
- Do not exceed 60 combined innings pitched in any 12 month period
- Take at least 4 months off from throwing every year, with at least 2-3 of those months being continuous
- Make sure to properly warm up before pitching
- Set and follow pitch-count limits and required rest periods
- Avoid throwing pitches other than fastballs and change-ups
- Avoid playing for multiple teams at the same time
- Avoid playing catcher while not pitching
- Players should not pitch in multiple games on the same day
- Play other sports during the course of the year
- No pitcher shall appear in a game as a pitcher for three consecutive days, regardless of pitch counts
Pitching Guidelines - 9 to 12 years
- Do not exceed 80 combined innings pitched in any 12 month period
- Take at least 4 months off from throwing every year, with at least 2-3 of those months being continuous
- Make sure to properly warm up before pitching
- Set and follow pitch-count limits and required rest periods
- Avoid throwing pitches other than fastballs and change-ups
- Avoid playing for multiple teams at the same time
- Avoid playing catcher while not pitching
- Players should not pitch in multiple games on the same day
- Play other sports during the course of the year
- No pitcher shall appear in a game as a pitcher for three consecutive days, regardless of pitch counts