A COMPARISON OF HIGH AND LOW VELOCITY PITCHERS IN FASTPITCH SOFTBALL

Abstract

A two-dimensional biomechanical comparison of 10 “high velocity” and 10 “low velocity” softball pitchers was done to assess kinematic similarities and differences. While angular velocities of the shoulder, wrist, and elbow are often believed to be important in determining ball velocity, they were not different between high and low velocity groups for these data. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found between the groups for center of mass (COM) horizontal velocity and displacement. Additionally, the angular velocity of trunk extension was significantly different (p<0.05) between the two groups. Perhaps coaches and trainers should place more emphasis on the use of somatic motions in the pitch than on the arm motions of moderate to high velocity pitchers.