Finding balance

Okay, so during this time of year, I am literally dreaming about softball.  We are all so excited to get the season underway.  I also have several star pitchers returning to the mound (some for their last varsity season before college!).  Finally, the muscle fatigue study with Lenox Hill will be beginning again as games start.   I will be throwing again tomorrow as long as I am feeling better, but in the interim, I have done some light cardio and have concentrated more on weight training.  I have also started doing some exercises to help stabilize my rotator cuff, since this muscle group seems to be seeing more action since I started pitching again, and has become a little tender.  For those of you who are doing weight training, remember that pitchers do not want to lift heavy during the season.  You want to maintain good range of motion and flexibility.  
As far as your pitching workouts during the season are concerned, try to take your schedule into account.  If you are slated to pitch every game for your varsity season, get your pitch counts up in what remains of the preseason, and then rest at least a day or two before your games begin.  Once games start, you should be filming little segments of games, so that you can make more mental adjustments (and hopefully only a few mechanical ones).  This will save you lots of pitches during the week.  You don't even have to throw every single spin when you practice outside of games.  Sometimes, you might just want to snap or throw a select few pitches that need work.  Make your practices very focused so that you are not overusing your arm and exposing it to injury.  If you are not seeing much time on the mound this year, take some initiative, and schedule time to practice on your own.  If your coach is not letting you throw in practice, calmly approach the subject and then schedule time to throw at home if conditions do not improve.  This time of year is all about establishing balance.  Find good symmetry in a schedule where there is enough rest to keep performance optimal, but not so much that it is detrimental to your skills.  Remember, you have worked so hard in the off-season, where most of the tough training occurs.