Teaching Curveballs to Young Baseball Players: Age & Development

Question
Should I let my 11 year old son learn how to throw curve balls or should we wait until he is older?  Is it a requirement for Middle School baseball?

Answer
Hey Melanie,

Breaking balls can wait.. Right now he needs to throw strikes and get where he can throw on the corners. Throw fast balls and change ups. When he is about 16 or so, you can have him to start throwing about 10 breaking pitches per outing than increase as he gets older.. too many breaking balls at this age will only damage the arm. Your arm must be bent after throwing, or you are throwing it wrong.. Stick to the hard and accurate stuff.
Good Luck. Dennis