Is there a risk to my child's knees from all the squatting while he's playing catcher?

Certainly knee problems are a risk anytime increased stress is placed on them, but a little prevention can go a long way in a young catcher. He should try increasing the strength and flexibility in his thigh and calf muscles through exercises like leg extensions, leg curls, and toe raisers.
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Is throwing curveballs dangerous to my child's growing arm?

There is certainly an increased risk of injury to the elbow because of the twisting motion used to throw a curve ball. Consequently, throwing curve balls is generally not recommended before the age of fourteen. Ultimately, however, the number of pitches a player throws increases the likelihood of injury to his elbow more than the type of pitches. Prior to age fourteen, a child should never throw more than 300 pitches in a week including all games, practices, and backyard sessions.
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I've heard about the risk to young pitchers' arms and shoulders. Is there anything my child can do to reduce this risk?

Moderation is the key. Elbow and shoulder injuries in pitchers of any age are almost always the result of excess. As a rule of thumb, no child should be allowed to throw more than 300 balls in any week including practice, competitive innings, and backyard play. Thirty to forty pitches should be the maximum in a practice and about eighty to a hundred in a game. In addition, improving strength and flexibility through a structured exercise program can help support the shoulder and elbow and reduce the risk of serious injury.
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I've heard there's a new type of base that reduces the risk of injury to players sliding into base. Is this type of injury common enough to warrant a special base?

Indeed. Sliding injuries result in $2 billion in medical costs and could be substantially reduced by installing breakaway bases. A breakaway base is snapped onto grommets anchored by a rubber mat holding them in place. But when a runner slides into the base, it will dislodge, preventing injury to the sliding player, unlike a stationary base secured with bolts. The reduced number of injuries is certainly worth the price of replacing the bases.
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My child, who is a pitcher, experiences some shoulder pain. Should I be concerned?
Shoulder problems in young athletes should be taken very seriously, especially when the pain is the result of an overarm motion like those used in baseball, tennis, and swimming. Ignoring early pain known as an impingement syndrome (the ball of the shoulder can slip forward and pinch the muscles attached to the shoulder) can result in a much more serious injury including a tear to the rotator cuff. A specific exercise program designed by a physical therapist can help develop balanced muscles to support the shoulder and reduce the risk of a more serious injury.
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