windmill vs. slingshot

Question
Hi Mike,
I have an 8 year old daughter who wants to pitch.  I am looking for the pitching style that will be the least likely to cause injury.    

I have read several articles on the damage done by windmill pitching but have not found anything regarding slingshot. Again, I am looking for the method that causes the LEAST chance of injury.  Could you please enlighten me.

Answer
Hello Sherry,

I don't coach the slingshot method, so I don't know the risk involved with it.  You can expect some soreness with either method as her arm gets stronger through repetition.  The risk of injury is greatly reduced with either style if proper technique is taught from the beginning.  Stretching and warming up correctly are also essential to lowering her injury risk.  I would recommend you get some referrals from parents of pitchers in you daughter's age group to find out which local pitching Coach has the best credentials.  Understand that you will in all likelihood pay a little more for one of the better instructors, but what is taught to your daughter in the beginning is most crucial to her developing correct pre-pitching stretches and warmup routines.  It is also vital that she starts out fundamentally correct in her style to prevent future back, shoulder and elbow problems.  A good coach is going to push her to get her lower body involved in the pitching as much as possible.  This is where her power will come from and will reduce the wear and tear on the arm and shoulder when taught correctly.  Good luck

Coach Mike