Knee Savers

Question
Ever since I first tried these I couldn't see why people liked them mostly because
I found it hard to get off them in order to get into the recieving stance.  But now
that I am in the high school level and am catching about 21 to 25 innings a week
my knees aren't feeling as good as I'd like.  Do you think I should tough through
it or try to make the switch to knee savers?

Answer
Philip,
If you plan on being a catcher, you're going to experience sore knees, no matter what.  Knee savers are OK as a temporary aid, but there is no substitute for a strengthening program targeting the muscles that surround the knees.  You're too young to have any type of degeneration in your knees.  Your knees are hurting because they are not being supported by strong enough legs (thighs, calves, shins, & hamstrings).  During the next off-season you should be pounding your legs and lower torso with strenuous workouts stressing flexibility (climbing hills, running stadium stairs, squats, etc.).  Because your season has already begun, light weights, cardio, and some sort of low impact flexibility regiment (yoga is fantastic) should still be a part of your daily schedule.  The season is long and your legs will wear down if you haven't done the work in the pre season.  The light regiment during the season will maintain a good blood flow and flush out your joints.  

Knee savers are not necessary.  Make sure you're doing all you can with the equipment you've got before you go out and invest in somebody else's.

Hope this helps, Philip.  If you have any questions, please let me know.  Good luck.

Donovan