ENERGY FLOW AND GROUND REACTION FORCE PREDICTORS OF BAT SWING SPEED DURING PITCHED BALL BATTING IN PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL PLAYERS

Authors

Jason Hashimoto, Point Loma Nazarene UniversityFollow
D. Taylor La Salle, Point Loma Nazarene UniversityFollow
Avery Takata, Point Loma Nazarene UniversityFollow
Arnel Aguinaldo, Point Loma Nazarene UniversityFollow
Kyle Wasserberger, Driveline BaseballFollow

Category

Athletics

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

The purposes of this study are to determine how mechanical energy is absorbed, generated, and transferred during baseball hitting for professional athletes. This study also aims to identify which ground reaction force and energy flow variables influence bat speed. The findings of this study suggest that energy flows from the trunk to the lead leg as the pelvis rotates towards the pitcher. The results of this study emphasize the crucial role of the back leg and trunk during acceleration as well as eccentric contraction of muscles in the lead leg and trunk to decelerate during follow-through. Training strategies that improve muscular strength and mobility of the trunk and hips can be implemented to potentially increase bat speed.

Recommended Citation

Hashimoto, Jason; La Salle, D. Taylor; Takata, Avery; Aguinaldo, Arnel; and Wasserberger, Kyle (2023) "ENERGY FLOW AND GROUND REACTION FORCE PREDICTORS OF BAT SWING SPEED DURING PITCHED BALL BATTING IN PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL PLAYERS," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 41: Iss. 1, Article 45.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol41/iss1/45