SPECIFICITY OF SPORT TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF BASE running speed in softball players

Authors

  • M. Jocson
  • C. Tant
  • L. Beasley
  • S. Miller

Abstract

Introduction - To maximize muscular activity for sprinting, training programs should be designed to replicate the support time and swinging actions of the lower body. The purpose of this study was to determine which variables of a conditioning program contribute to running speed of a softball player. METHODS - Eleven female Division II softball players served as subjects. The subjects were pre-tested on the same 8 variables. Variables included leg strength, percent body fat, flexibility, abdominal strength, aerobic capacity, stride length, standing 40 time, and flying 40 time. Statistical analysis of the data included descriptive data and paired 1-tests. RESULTS - Significant 1-values were found between the pre- and post trials of leg strength, percent hamstring to quadriceps ratio, and stride length. No significant differences were found between standing 40 time and flying 40 time, however times did decrease. CONCLUSION - A lower body conditioning and plyometric program would seem to enhance the speed of a softball player.

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