Fatigue by Design: How Tournament Schedules Are Breaking Young Arms
Six games in one day. No rest. No recovery. Just 12-year-olds grinding their arms into the ground. In this Sore to Soaring Podcast episode, Coach Leo Young and Dr. Jason Zaremski (UF Health Sports Medicine) reveal how tournament structures are pushing youth players past safe fatigue limits. If you think pitch counts are enough, think again—fatigue is built into the schedule.
INJURY PREVENTION & PERFORMANCE BUILDING STRONGER ATHLETES
Coach Leo Young
5/1/20252 min read
Why Tournament Scheduling in Youth Baseball is Dangerous
Dr. Z recalls one of the worst examples:
“I ended up catching six games in one day at a tournament outside Detroit. I was 12. My dad was putting ice packs on my legs between games—it was 91 degrees, and I couldn’t walk for four or five days.”
Unfortunately, this isn’t rare. According to Dr. Zaremski, tournaments like this are becoming commonplace—especially with showcase or boot camp events. Players compete Friday through Sunday, get one day off, and jump right back in. At 12 years old, they’re logging more innings than professional players—without the tools or time to recover.
What’s the most brutal tournament schedule you or your kid has ever experienced? Did it leave a lasting impact? Drop your story in the video comments—we want to hear it.
Youth Baseball Players Are Fatigued—Even When They're Not Pitching
Even when coaches limit pitch counts or rotate positions, it’s not enough. Players are still warming up, playing catch between innings, making hard throws from the outfield, and running bases. Their arms never fully cool down. Their bodies never truly rest. The result? Fatigue, mechanical breakdown, and injury.
Key Takeaways for Parents and Coaches
✅ Tournament scheduling is the hidden threat – Recovery time is sacrificed for more games
✅ Showcase culture chases volume over development – Kids play like pros without pro recovery
✅ Fatigue leads to injury—even without high pitch counts – Stress stacks up fast
✅ Redefine toughness – Soreness isn’t a badge of honor. It’s often a red flag
How Sore to Soaring Helps Young Athletes Stay Healthy
At Sore to Soaring, we teach smarter training, not just harder play. Our programs help athletes and families understand how to manage fatigue, schedule rest, and prioritize development over weekend wins. Because it’s not about burning out by 14—it’s about building habits that last a lifetime.
Support our mission at: www.SoreToSoaring.org
Disclaimer
The views shared in this article are for informational purposes only and do not represent an endorsement by Lupos Initiative Inc., DBA Sore to Soaring. Always consult a qualified professional before implementing any training, recovery, or medical plan. No affiliation or compensation exists between Sore to Soaring and any for-profit entity mentioned.
To learn more about Dr. Jason Zaremski and UF Health Sports Medicine, visit:
https://ufhealth.org
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