QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THROWING MECHANICS IN SOFTBALL POSITION PLAYERS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to thoroughly describe the biomechanics of the throwing motion of collegiate softball infielders, catchers, and outfielders. Eighteen Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association softball players (19.2 ±1.0 y; 68.9 ±8.7 kg; 168.6 ±6.6 cm) who were listed on the active playing roster and deemed free of injury for the past 6 months volunteered to participate. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected with an electromagnetic tracking system via the MotionMonitorTM and calculated as per ISB recommendations. Of all the kinematic and kinetic variables, there where no significant differences between different position players and the throwing events. There was a significant difference in the catcher’s shoulder plane of elevation when compared to the other two position players when examining the entire throw (p=0.03).