Pitching Question

Question
QUESTION: My son is ten years old and loves to pitch. He is in little league and we work together constanly to improve his pitching. My friend loaned me a radar gun and he's pitching around 48-54 mph. He can throw the 2&4seam and change up. My questons are, is his speed where he should be at for his age? How can he make his are stronger?
I'm not a pitching coach and cant afford to purchase any of the expensive tutorials. Any advise is appreciated.

ANSWER: Hey Scott,

Many people think that if they strengthen their arms that that will do the trick.. but the secret is in the legs.. Have him work on his leg muscles as well as his arm strength. Strong legs is the key to most sports..
His speed seems to be pretty good.. If the opponents can't catch up to his fast ball, then he is good to go.. I would have to see his size, to tell exactly where "he is," as far as his age goes.
Pitch every other day, 40 to 60 pitches.. 30 fast balls, then alternate fast ball, change up, the last 20 pitches.
Dennis

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dennis, excellent advice. 40- 60 pitches every other day. Is this year round? Any chance of injury to his arm? Should he take time off through the winter? He plays in travel baseball playing 40- to 50 games year and plays an addition 10-12 games for fall ball which is now just ending.Were baseball fanatics but don't want to injure him by pushing to hard. I have been trying to have him throw long toss to help strengthen his arm. Thanks for your time.

ANSWER: Hey Scott,

It doesn't have to be year round.. About 2 weeks before your January or February seasons begin, should be enough.. There is always a chance of injury, but if he throws strictly fast balls and change-ups, that should limit any injuries..(no curve balls just yet).  If he has had NO arm injuries before, then this schedule should fit nicely for him..  Does he throw three quarter? This is a natural way of throwing.. If he throws directly over hand, it puts more strain on the arm.
Good Luck, and keep in touch..
Dennis

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dennis, he does throw three quarter arm slot but can change his arm slot to over hand if he's not hitting the strike zone. Should we stop baseball practice after fall ball and rest until next season(couple weeks before start)?

Answer
Hey Scott,

That's good that he throws three quarter more than not.. If he has a day where he is having trouble getting the ball over the plate, try pitching from the stretch first.. That alway helps.

I would slow down at the end of the season and pick up again in late January or early February.. You want to stay ahead of the competition.
Keep in touch and good luck.
Dennis