Sports

When athletes pitch for multiple teams during the same season or on unregulated travel ball team, parents should keep track of pitch counts to protect them from injury.

One of the best ways to protect against arm injuries in youth baseball and maximize your child's natural ability is to teach proper pitching mechanics at as early an age as possible. Teaching your child about pitching mechanics doesn't need to be complicated, and it doesn't need to be too technical, but you and your child must be willing to commit enough time to understand the entire process, step by step.

Although pitch limits and rest periods for Little League Baseball and USA Baseball are now the same, Little League's are mandatory, while USA Baseball's are only recommended.

Occasionally you'll hear someone say that they aren't a goal-oriented person, or that they don't really know how to set goals. Most likely, they actually set goals every day: Every time they make a "To Do" list for themselves or their "honey" or leave the house expecting to arrive at their destination at a particular time, they are goal-setting without even realizing it.  Two-time Olympic track cyclist and mom, Erin Mirabella, says it's never too early for children to set goals and that parents can play an important role in the goal-setting process.

A cycling track is called a velodrome. There are 25 velodromes scattered around the United States; some in pristine condition and others run-down and neglected. Not all velodromes are the same. All are oval and have some degree of banking, but the size, surface and ambiance varies drastically. Some are extremely short and compact with very steep banking; others are long, cigar shaped, shallow tracks with huge grassy infields; some velodromes are indoors, some outdoors, some wood, others concrete. Describing them sounds a bit like the start to a Dr. Seuss book.

For most beginners, riding up on the banking of a velodrome is an intimidating prospect. It's hard to imagine the bike won't slide right down it. Add to that, the fact that track bikes have no brakes and some people start thinking twice about giving it a try.You can relax! Despite the way it looks and sounds, riding a track is relatively easy and a lot of fun. Like anything else, it just takes some getting used to. Here are five things to remember that will make your child more comfortable and help him enjoy the experience.