Offseason rest, recovery and development
Use time away from pitching to build the whole athlete.
For parents and athletes
Protect time away from pitching
Pitch Smart recommends age-specific time away from throwing or competitive pitching each year. Use the athlete's age guidance and choose the more protective plan when teams or seasons overlap.
Build the whole athlete
- Restore comfortable movement and mobility.
- Build total-body strength with supervision.
- Develop balance, speed, agility and coordination.
- Play other sports and keep activity enjoyable.
Return gradually
- Start close, easy and low volume.
- Increase distance before intensity.
- Add mound work and competition later.
- Do not rush after pain, illness or inactivity.
Watch for year-round specialization: overlapping teams, lessons and showcases can eliminate true recovery.
Primary guidance: MLB/USA Baseball Pitch Smart | NSCA youth development
Seeing SLMA Sports Medicine
Joseph Michael Garcia, MD
Primary Care Sports Medicine & Family Medicine
Joseph Michael Garcia, MD is a physician specializing in family medicine and sports medicine. Fellowship trained in sports medicine at the University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, residency at LSU – Alexandria, and board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He cares for athletes of every age — injury evaluation, non-surgical treatment, concussion care, sports physicals, and return-to-play planning.
Call to be seen985-262-1639
SLMA Comprehensive Health Clinic, Houma605 Enterprise Drive, Suite B, Houma, LA 70360
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
SLMA Sports Medicine | 985-262-1639 — General education only. Follow stricter league rules and your clinician's instructions. Coaches do not diagnose or treat injuries.
