When the front foot lands, get the belly button over the front knee as quickly as possible. Then the trunk supplies the power, not the arm. Shoulders are also in danger during a pitch. Because the shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, it is also the most unstable. The four muscles surrounding the shoulder, called the rotator cuff, are stretched during the acceleration and deceleration.
Bones can shift, leading to damaged ligaments or pinched structures within the shoulder joint.
Torn or strained rotator cuff muscles can result in permanent damage. To reduce the risk of injury, it is important that the muscles of the trunk and shoulder be strong, stable, and flexible. The American Physical Therapy Association is a national professional organization representing nearly 70,000 members. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapy practice, research and education. Smith recommends the following for Little Leaguers and their coaches.