Youth Inc. Recommends: How to Approach Arm Care

Arm care isn’t optional—it’s the foundation. Throwing a baseball puts a huge amount of stress on the arm, and if you want to stay on the field, you’ve got to take care of it. That means more than just a little ice after a game. Strength, mobility, recovery, and good habits all add up—and they matter just as much as velocity or spin rate. 

Building an effective arm care routine takes time, intention, and the right information. To help athletes, parents, and coaches cut through the noise, the Youth Inc. staff tracked down some of the best arm care content out there.

Here are five great resources to help you understand the importance of proper arm care and how to best prevent injury. 

The Five-Step Plan to Prevent A Youth Pitcher’s Arm Injury 

What it is: This video covers the fundamentals of youth arm care like proper warm-up, grip, long toss, and how to build healthy throwing habits, while offering real-world advice based on his experience raising two college pitchers. 

Why we like it: It’s real, relatable, and built on firsthand experience. Coach Beede explains the why behind each step, making it easy for younger players to follow and apply. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to build a smart, sustainable recovery plan. 

Top Elbow Surgery Rehab Mistakes for Pitchers 

What it is: This video from Ben Brewster of Tread Athletics lays out the most common mistakes pitchers make when rehabbing from elbow injuries or surgery—whether it's a mild flexor strain or a full UCL reconstruction. Drawing from his own experience with four surgeries, including two on his elbow, Brewster offers hard-earned advice to help pitchers navigate the recovery process the right way.  

Why we like it: It’s brutally honest and packed with practical advice. Brewster doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of post-surgery recovery, which makes this a must-watch for injured pitchers and anyone helping them. The message is clear: recovery isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about doing the right work at the right time. 

• Post-Throwing Arm Care Tips 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKEMMWYwiWE  

What it is: This video from Tread Athletics focuses on post-game movement routines designed to help pitchers cool down, promote recovery, and maintain mobility after an outing. It walks through simple, effective exercises that support long-term arm health. 

What we like: It’s a smart approach to recovery that goes beyond icing and rest. The routine is easy to follow and based on what high-level pitchers actually do to stay mobile, flush out soreness, and prepare for the next outing. 

How to Choose a Throwing Program that Gets Results 

What it is: Driveline Baseball breaks down the program into key phases: on-ramping, velocity training, and competition preparation. The video emphasizes the importance of structured progression, proper recovery, and integrating strength training to enhance throwing performance. 

Why we like it: The program's comprehensive approach stands out, offering clear guidelines on each phase to ensure athletes build a solid foundation before advancing. The inclusion of detailed explanations on recovery days, hybrid sessions, and high-intent throwing days helps athletes understand the purpose behind each workout. 

Incorporate Long Toss Into Your Throwing Routine 

What it is: This article features a discussion between renowned pitching coaches Tom House and Alan Jaeger on the role of long toss in a pitcher's training regimen. They explore differing philosophies on distance, mechanics, and the integration of long toss into throwing routines. 

Why we like it: The article presents contrasting yet complementary perspectives: House emphasizes maintaining perfect mechanics and controlled distances to prevent injury, while Jaeger encourages athletes to explore longer distances to enhance athleticism and arm strength.