title: Ball flight kinematics, release variability and in-season performance in elite baseball pitching.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to quantify ball flight kinematics (ball speed, spin rate, spin axis orientation, seam orientation) and release location variability in the four most common pitch types in baseball and relate them to in-season pitching performance. Nine NCAA Division I pitchers threw four pitching variations (fastball, changeup, curveball, and slider) while a radar gun measured ball speed and a 600-Hz video camera recorded the ball trajectory. Marks on the ball were digitized to measure ball flight kinematics and release location. Ball speed was highest in the fastball, though spin rate was similar in the fastball and breaking pitches. Two distinct spin axis orientations were noted: one characterizing the fastball and changeup, and another, the curveball and slider. The horizontal release location was significantly more variable than the vertical release location. In-season pitching success was not correlated to any of the measured variables. These findings are instructive for inferring appropriate hand mechanics and spin types in each of the four pitches. Coaches should also be aware that ball flight kinematics might not directly relate to pitching success at the collegiate level. Therefore, talent identification and pitching evaluations should encompass other (e.g., cognitive, psychological, and physiological) factors.
authors: School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Whiteside
authors: School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.|Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
authors: R S
authors: RS
authors: McGinnis
authors: School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
authors: J M
authors: JM
authors: Deneweth
authors: School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.|Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.|Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
authors: R F
authors: RF
authors: Zernicke
authors: School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
authors: G C
authors: GC
authors: Goulet
mesh_terms: D056352:Athletes; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001484:Baseball / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Aerodynamics; axis; biomechanics; coaching; spin; velocity