DIFFERENCES IN THE ENERGY FLOW, GROUND REACTION FORCE, AND IMPULSE DURING BASEBALL TEE BATTING BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGIATE BASEBALL PLAYERS
Abstract
The purposes of this study were to examine the differences in the peak impulses and ground reaction force (GRF) of the lead and back legs as well as how the energy is absorbed, generated, and transferred through the back hip, front hip, and L5S1 joints during hitting between high school baseball players and collegiate baseball players. The findings indicate that the mechanical energy flows down the chain from the L5S1 joint to the pelvis into the lead leg during the bat acceleration phase of the swing. It is hoped that by identifying the differences in GRF, impulse, and energy flow between these two groups one could define the necessary kinetic components that improve bat speed during batting. Thus, these findings may help coaches determine what training strategies improve bat speed and swing performance.