From The Bench- A Coaches' Contribution
There’s a lot of new information out there for young people. Do it this way. Do it that way. Some of it is good. But the old stand-by of running your pitchers is a staple. Some argue that a pitcher running long distances limits them in other areas. Most arguments extend from a flexion/extension stand point. But that’s why I have a stretching program as well as a running program for my players.
Running is aerobic, which means oxygen and blood are flowing through the body. Oxygen and blood are healing mechanisms. Running keeps fluids moving and aids flushing the waste products that build up around the joints after pitching. Since pitching is anaerobic and a lot like lifting weights, muscle and tissues can be broken down and when the process (game) is done, the healing process needs to begin. Running for extended periods of time starts the healing.
When we are at home, my pitchers run 4 laps if they’re pitch count is 80+. The laps are run along the fence. Pitchers with a pitch count below 80 will run 2 laps. If we are on the road we run foul poles. 80+ equals 7-8 poles/Under 80 equals 3-4 poles.
We will then follow up the next day with a 12-minute run. This run is for ALL pitchers on staff.
Lastly, all of our pitchers are expected to run 18 minutes on Sundays.
I am very thankful we have not had arm problems. I truly believe it is because of the necessary evil we call running.