baseball PITCHING PERFORMANCE FACTORS
FACTORS INFLUENCING PITCH VELOCITY
The ability to consistently maximize fastball velocity is an important factor for most baseball pitchers. Theoretically, an individual's maximum pitching velocity potential is a product of optimal pitching mechanics. The notion of optimal pitching mechanics for anyone is a concept that is difficult to address due to the dynamic and complex nature of the movements involved in throwing and the inherent differences in the anatomical, neuromuscular and physiological makeup of each individual. A pitcher's velocity is indicative of kinematics, kinetics and relative timing of segmental interactions that lead to effective transfer of momentum to the baseball. This is contingent upon how body segments sequentially accelerate, beginning with the throwing shoulder in the position of maximum external rotation and terminating with ball release.
-The most important biomechanical factor is timing of maximum arm velocity (when pitcher extends elbow and internally rotates shoulder).
- A non-mechanical factor, how big the pitcher is, also effects the ability to generate ball speed.
- As velocity increases so does elbow flexion torque, shoulder proximal force, and elbow proximal force. One study found:
-The most important biomechanical factor is timing of maximum arm velocity (when pitcher extends elbow and internally rotates shoulder).
- A non-mechanical factor, how big the pitcher is, also effects the ability to generate ball speed.
- As velocity increases so does elbow flexion torque, shoulder proximal force, and elbow proximal force. One study found:
- elbow flexion torque increased as ball velocity increased
- both shoulder proximal force and elbow proximal force increased with increasing ball velocities
- as ball velocity increased, time to maximum horizontal adduction and time to maximum internal rotation velocity were significantly associated with ball velocity
- as ball velocity increased, time to maximum internal rotation velocity decreased
- Increasing maximum external rotation of the shoulder at the very beginning of the acceleration phase would help generate a greater ball velocity in baseball pitching
- Slowing down the wrist action just before ball release may be a key technique in increasing ball velocity
- Leg drive influences arm velocity. Both push-off forces from the arm cocking phase and landing forces at the time of ball release correlate with ball velocity, indicating leg drive is an important aspect of the overarm throwing motion.
- improving momentum generation and transfer within the trunk
- protecting the integrity of the glenohumeral and elbow joints
- producing consistent maximal velocities while limiting increases in loads at the shoulder and elbow
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DIFFERENT PITCH TYPES
The most effective and used pitch in baseball is the fastball which is designed to pass the hitter before the swing of the bat. The curveball or slider breaks down left or right before the batter swings. An effective change-up can deceive the batter and cause a weak, off-balance swing. There are numerous mechanical differences between throwing each type of pitch in baseball.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FASTBALL AND CURVEBALL:
-In throwing a change-up, the pitcher has less lead leg knee flexion at foot contact, lower pelvis/upper torso angular velocity, higher shoulder horizontal abduction, lower elbow extension angular velocity, lower shoulder internal rotation velocity, and higher shoulder abduction
DEGREES OF LEAD KNEE EXTENSION IN DIFFERENT PITCH TYPES: (from foot contact to ball release)
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FASTBALL AND CURVEBALL:
- wrist is less extended and forearm is more supinated during arm cocking phase for throwing a curveball
- lower pelvis and torso angular velocity, higher shoulder horizontal adduction and more knee flexion at ball release occur when throwing curveball compared to fastball
- pitchers land with lead foot 4 cm more closed (in RHP) when throwing curveballs vs fastballs
-In throwing a change-up, the pitcher has less lead leg knee flexion at foot contact, lower pelvis/upper torso angular velocity, higher shoulder horizontal abduction, lower elbow extension angular velocity, lower shoulder internal rotation velocity, and higher shoulder abduction
DEGREES OF LEAD KNEE EXTENSION IN DIFFERENT PITCH TYPES: (from foot contact to ball release)
- Fastball= 9 degrees
- Curveball= 5 degrees
- Change-up= 4 degrees
- Fastball= 2210 degrees/second (elbow) 6520 degrees/second (shoulder)
- Curveball= 2160 degrees/second (elbow) 6480 degrees/second (shoulder)
- Change-up= 1970 degrees/second (elbow) 6360 degrees/second (shoulder)