Why Every Pitcher Needs a Break (And How to Make the Most of It)

Hey There Friend!

I just wrapped up my in-person summer training events, and wow—they were SO much fun!

With summer seasons now behind us, it’s a great reminder that pitchers need time to pause, recharge, and reset before fall ball and the start of off-season training.

Here are three of the biggest benefits of putting the ball and glove away for a few weeks:

1. Give the body a BREAK

Every pitcher benefits from rest and recovery. Even pitchers with great mechanics who don’t feel fatigued are at risk if they train and compete all year long without time off—overuse injuries are real!

Pitching should never be painful. Soreness after a tough workout or long weekend of games is normal. But actual pain is a red flag. If your pitcher feels pain while pitching, that’s a clear sign she needs a break (and possibly a mechanics check). This time of year, tendonitis and other overuse issues tend to pop up most often.

Trying to “pitch through it” because “the team needs me” isn’t worth it. Coaches and parents, listen closely to your pitchers. Notice changes in mechanics, velocity, or command that may signal a problem. Short-term wins should never come at the expense of a pitcher’s long-term well-being.

2. Give her a chance to MISS it

Burnout is real. Even pitchers who love the game need a reset now and then. Scheduling intentional breaks gives your pitcher the chance to miss softball and get excited about competing and training again.

If you can, build in a pause between summer ball and fall ball. With school starting, encourage your pitcher to focus on new routines, spend time with friends, and enjoy activities outside of softball. That space away from the game helps her recharge and come back with fresh energy and excitement.

3. Fresh Start = New Goals

When pitchers step away for a few weeks before starting off-season training, it creates space to reflect on what worked last season and set new goals for the one ahead.

A true break fuels a fresh-start mindset. It helps pitchers come back motivated, ready to work, and eager to build the habits that lead to growth. A new season brings new possibilities—what goals will your pitcher chase this time around?

So… how long of a break?

It depends on the pitcher.

• Some pitchers take a longer break at the end of summer (4–6 weeks) and a shorter one over the holidays (1–2 weeks).

• Others take smaller breaks more often (about 2 weeks here and there throughout the year).

The key is to talk with your pitcher and decide together what works best. When she has input on her break schedule, she’ll be more invested both in working hard during training and in truly resting during her off-weeks.

Another option to consider is taking an entire season off if your daughter needs it. Today’s trend of year-round youth sports often has athletes juggling softball, basketball, volleyball, and more all at the same time. Taking a season off (for example, skipping winter travel ball) can bring balance and open the door to growth in other ways. Multi-sport athletes gain strength, coordination, and competitiveness that make them better overall. But when kids try to do it all, all year, it can quickly turn into exhaustion, injuries, and a loss of love for the game.

Remember, taking a step back isn’t lost time—it’s an investment in your pitcher’s health, confidence, and future. The work she’ll do after a real break will be stronger, sharper, and more purposeful.

All my best,
Myndie