Playing baseball or softball is a thrilling activity that can develop hand-eye coordination, team work, and life-long friendships. But like any sport, you inevitably run the risk of becoming injured. Some sports injuries are a product of unavoidable bad luck, but most are very preventable.

At the Roller Cave, we take injury prevention seriously. Read on to learn some great tips to avoid baseball and softball throwing injuries.

Don’t Push It!

The most common baseball injuries are associated with overuse. This can mean a few different things, though. Depending on a child’s age, skill level and activity, the following are things you should and should not do:

• Teach your kids age-appropriate pitching techniques
• No curve balls before age 15
• Communicate any pain and do not throw if you feel pain
• Do not pitch two days in a row
• Stick to a pitch count that is appropriate for the child’s age

Stretching Before Use

Any time anyone of any age is getting ready to compete in a sport of any kind, stretching is pivotal to avoid injury and muscle tears. Proper stretching before the game, along with gradual warm ups such as an easy ball toss and arm windmills, will do wonders to stop an injury before it starts.

Light running is also a great way to warm up the entire body before going into isolated stretches to loosen up your shoulders, elbow, legs and back. Stretching can also help you clear your head and get focused for the competition.

Rest is for the Winners

Knowing your limits and stopping before you overdo it is one thing, but knowing when your body needs to rest and recuperate is equally important. Never throw or pitch intensely two days in a row. Doing this is a sure way to blow out your arm and then you’ll end up getting much more rest than you ever anticipated.

Instead of pitching and throwing every day, come to the Roller Cave to sharpen your hitting skills at our batting cages. Want to know more? Just stop by or give us a call today.

Everyone knows how fun rollers skating can be. It’s a classic pastime the world over and has remained a popular activity for all ages for nearly 100 years. But did you know that there is a whole list of health benefits from spending your time at the rink that go way beyond simply having a great time?

At Roller Cave, we think roller skating is the perfect summer activity and here’s why!

It’s So Fun You Don’t Even Know It’s Exercise

Roller Rinks are synonymous with family-friendly good times, but spending time at the rink is also an excellent way to stay fit and healthy.

Roller skating has the following health benefits:

• Increases muscular strength
• Increases cardiovascular endurance
• Improves balance and agility
• Burns between 300 and 600 calories per hour
• Relieves stress and tension

It’s a Better Alternative to Running

Roller skating or rollerblading on a regular basis can easily become a great alternative to your daily jog. Skating has added benefits that jogging or running simply can’t compete with, though. When you skate, you are getting a similar cardio workout that running gives you. However, since skating is a low impact activity, you reduce stress on your bones and joint. This can help prevent injuries and keep you active longer.

Skating is Fun for the Whole Family

We’ve gone through some of the health benefits of skating, but what makes it all that much better is the fact that skating is a ton of fun for kids and adults alike. Kids often skate for hours without even realizing that they are exercising, building muscle, increasing their agility and helping their cardiovascular system.

Visit us over at the Roller Cave in Indianapolis the next time you’re looking for something fun to do and get in shape while you’re at it! Plus, you can take advantage of our other awesome activities like our batting cages, private parties and more!