Now that grammar schools have closed for summer vacation, young baseball players can fully concentrate on their Farm League and Little League careers.

But before they get too caught up in the action and overdo it, there are a few precautions they should consider in order to avoid minor, and especially serious, injuries.

Major League strikeout king Nolan Ryan, the American Physical Therapy Association, and Danny Smith, a board-certified sports clinical specialist and APTA member physical therapist who conducts clinics in Tennessee, have some recommendations for Little Leaguers and their coaches.

“It is sometimes difficult for kids to monitor their own physical strength and understand their body’s limitations,” reports Smith in an APTA news release. “Coaches need to carefully observe their pitchers’ techniques and be on the lookout for the kid who throws too much.”

Smith suggests several pre- and post-game activities.

Before the game, a basic stretching routine (see illustrations) should be followed before a player even picks up a baseball. Players should start with short tosses and gradually increase the distance between throws. An increase in the velocity of the throws should be the final step.

After a game, if a player’s arm is sore or tight, the application of ice to the area of soreness for 20 minutes can help. Ice will help reduce pain, spasms and the inflammation associated with small tearing of muscle tissue.

The APTA lists shoulder impingement and tendinitis as the two most common injuries suffered by amateur players.

To further guard against these injuries, Smith also advocates a regular conditioning program before and during the season.

“Conditioning and strengthening exercises are most effective after mechanics are learned and put into action,” says Smith.

“If possible, begin a conditioning program at least a month before the season begins.”

One of the most popular positions on the playing field – that of pitcher – is also the most susceptible to arm injuries.

“Any time there is discomfort in an elbow, shoulder, or arm in general, a pitcher should quit throwing,” said former Little Leaguer Nolan Ryan in an APTA interview.

“You should pay attention to any warnings that you are having a problem.”

The fast ball and curve are generally the pitches most often associated with Little League elbow. According to the APTA, recent research suggests that poor mechanics cause these problems.

“Players who throw curves and fast balls incorrectly risk tearing muscles and tendons in the elbow region.”

Players should learn and practice correct pitching mechanics in order to minimize the chance of injury and maximize pitching ability at the same time.

For more information on how to prevent “Little League elbow,” send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Little League Elbow, APTA, P.O. Box 37257, Washington D.C., 20013.