FREE AHA TOOL · ARM CARE

PITCH COUNT & REST DAY CHECKER

How many pitches is too many, and when can your pitcher throw again? Pick the rules, the age and today's pitch count to see the daily limit and the rest days required.

This tool shows published national guidelines. Your league, tournament or state association may have its own rules, and those always win. When in doubt, rest the arm.

Sport and rules

The pitcher
REST REQUIRED

0 days

0daily max
—can pitch again

    Arm care rules every family should know

    Pitch counts are one piece of keeping arms healthy. These recommendations come from MLB and USA Baseball's Pitch Smart program, in our words:

    • Stop when tired. Pitching while fatigued is one of the biggest risks. Watch for slower velocity, lost control, or a player who looks or says they're worn down.
    • Don't catch on rest days. Catching adds a lot of throws to an arm that's supposed to be recovering.
    • Never pitch three days in a row, no matter how low the counts.
    • One team at a time. Two teams usually means two coaches who aren't tracking the same arm. The limits apply across all leagues, tournaments and showcases combined.
    • One game a day. Don't pitch in more than one game on the same day.
    • Take real time off. Pitch Smart recommends at least 4 months a year off from throwing for youth players, with 2 to 3 of those months in a row.
    • Fastball and changeup first. Through age 12, Pitch Smart says to avoid any other pitches. Add a breaking ball later, and only once both are consistent.
    • Pain is a stop sign. Arm pain is not soreness to push through. Stop and see a doctor.

    Softball pitchers need care too

    Fastpitch has no widely adopted national pitch-count rule, and the windmill motion is often wrongly treated as "easy on the arm." The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine recommends pitch limits by age, at least two rest days (with no live pitching, including batting practice) and limits on pitching days in a row. The Softball setting above shows that guidance.

    Coaching a youth team? The Volunteer Coach Kit has practice plans with a simple throwing progression.

    Common questions

    How many rest days does a youth pitcher need?

    It depends on age and pitches thrown. Under Pitch Smart, an 11–12 year old who throws 1–20 pitches needs no rest day, while 66–85 pitches requires 4 days of rest. Use the checker for your player's exact numbers and always follow your own league's rules.

    Is there an official pitch count for fastpitch softball?

    There is no widely adopted national pitch-count rule for fastpitch. The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine publishes guidance by age, and Little League softball limits innings rather than pitches. Follow your league's rules and watch for fatigue.

    Can a pitcher catch on days off?

    Pitch Smart recommends that pitchers not play catcher on their rest days, because catching adds a lot of throws. Little League also has specific rules about pitching and catching on the same day.

    Sources

    Checked against these sources on October 31, 2026. Rules change, so confirm with your league. This tool is general information, not medical advice.