The biggest spring mistake in youth baseball is doing too much, too fast. Sore arms in April come from February enthusiasm. Here is how Rookie Ridge eases into every season.
Weeks 1–2: move and throw easy. Dynamic warm-ups, light catch at 60 feet, no max-effort throwing. Pitchers do not touch a mound until week three.
Weeks 3–4: build the base. Long toss stretches out gradually, bullpens stay short, and every session ends with bands and arm-care work. Hitters ramp from tee to front toss to live arms.
Week 5: play ball. Scrimmages with pitch counts enforced by wristband — our coaches track every throw for ages 12 and under.
Parents can help: no extra weekend throwing academies in March, plenty of sleep, and ice is for injuries, not routine soreness. Ease in now, peak in June.