THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SELECTED LOWER EXTREMITY KINEMATIC VARIABLES AND FASTPITCH SOFTBALL SPEED - A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Authors

Savannah Wahl, California State University, ChicoFollow
Melissa Mache, California State University, ChicoFollow
ChengTu Hsieh, California State University, ChicoFollow

Category

Coaching

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

This preliminary study aimed to examine the association between selected lower extremity kinematic variables and pitch speed in fastpitch softball. The kinematic variables were chosen for their practical applicability, allowing coaches and athletes to assess and enhance performance using accessible tools. Five collegiate female softball pitchers volunteered for the study. Using the OpenCap system, five strike pitches from each participant were analysed. Due to the small sample size, Spearman’s rho analysis was employed. Results indicated significant associations between ball speed and normalised stride length (r_s = –0.46, p = .022), and ball speed and normalised stride width (r_s = 0.83, p < .001). These findings suggest that specific lower extremity kinematic variables may influence pitch speed, warranting further investigation with a larger sample.

Recommended Citation

Wahl, Savannah; Mache, Melissa; and Hsieh, ChengTu (2025) "THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SELECTED LOWER EXTREMITY KINEMATIC VARIABLES AND FASTPITCH SOFTBALL SPEED - A PRELIMINARY STUDY," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 43: Iss. 1, Article 82.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol43/iss1/82