Qualitative Analysis of Pitching a Baseball

Qualitative Analysis of Pitching a BaseballBy: Hailey Lick, Amanda Tangen, Katie Bartuska, and Maddison Linn

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Here are the key factors that affect the efficiency of a pitcher pitching a consistent pitch at a desired velocity and placement over the plate (given the situation). Things we want to point out here is that Physique, Body Positioning, and Game Knowledge are huge factors in making this movement successful before the pitch. While the ball is in the air, gravity, the Bernoullis Principle, air resistance, and a few other factors to be talked about down the road impact the flight of the ball.2

Looking at the forces acting on the body, we see the normal force acting upon the body; then there is the weight of the body pulling down through the center of gravity; we also have a force driving the motion of the body forward. Once the arm starts to move we gain torque in the shoulder with air resistance acting against it.3

The Kinetic Chain in Overhand PitchingIts Potential Role for Performance Enhancement and Injury PreventionUsed EMG Studies and high-speed video recordingsKinetic ChainIts important involvementBreakdown pointsKey Events in the Throwing MotionBreaking down each step of the pitch6 Phases

To help gain knowledge on this topic, we used a peer reviewed article called, The Kinetic Chain in Overhand Pitching: Its Potential Role for Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention. Within this article they used EMG studies and high-speed video recordings to look at the musculature involved as well as associated biomechanical movements needed to perform the pitching motion. The biggest thing focused on in this article was a constant reminder that the body is a kinetic chain, and we need this kinetic chain to perform the job and to perform it well. We look for all of the muscles to function together and to have proper strength and proprioception. If this kinetic chain were to breakdown, the efficiency of the pitch will be reduced, making it more difficult to reach top velocity. The article then went into detail explaining each step of the throw and what was needed to perform efficiently and what muscles were involved to do so.

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Observing the Skill

When looking at the different phases with our video, we found a lateral view in which we could view their anterior aspect during the cocking phase to be the most beneficial, as well as a frontal view of the motion. These views allow us to pick out correct/incorrect biomechanics (as the pitching motions occur within the sagittal and transverse planes when going through the phases) as well as to see the definition of each phase and if the athlete has correct timing, release angles, and proprioception.

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Video Analysishttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lQvC3lLuWgLooking for:Correct FormBalanceProper ROMProper Leg Push-OffProper Muscle UsageCorrect TimingProper Release Angle

Wind-up: Looking for the lead leg to be raised to the same height each pitch; center of gravity over the pivot foot to allow generation of maximum momentum once forward motion is initiated.

Cocking: Here we will center of gravity over the the pivot foot; you should see the inverted WEarly Cocking: Long and powerful stride with the lead foot that is in-line with the stance foot and home plate; max pelvic rotationLate Cocking: Max external rotation of the shoulder; torso rotation

Acceleration: 90 degrees of abduction and the arm starts moving from external rotation to internal rotation. The elbow starts to move from flexion into extension. The center of gravity moves from over just the pivot foot to between the pivot foot and plant foot. This helps to propel the body and momentum forward.

Deceleration: Starts when the ball is released and the glenohumeral joint is in 90 degrees of abduction and max internal rotation. The elbow is continuing into extension. Here the posterior capsule is working to displace the force on the anterior capsule, and the center of gravity moves over the lead foot, allowing for a solid base to finish the throw.

Follow-Through: Within this phase, the pitcher is ready-ing to get himself into a defensive position by the center of gravity being ahead of the planted foot, driving the body forward to play defense.

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Details About the SkillThe 5 Phases of Pitching a BaseballWind-UpCockingEarly CockingLate CockingAccelerationDeceleration Follow Through

The pitching motion all occurs in less than 1 second and the overall pitch in less than 2 seconds when looking at top velocities of the pitch.

Wind-Up PhaseThe basic mechanics for the first phase of pitching involve giving the body the optimum chance to generate the max force and power to achieve top velocity by concentrically contracting the muscles involved. The start of this max contraction of the lower extremity begins with the elevation of the lead leg to the highest point with separation of the throwing hand from the glove. To help maintain this positioning, the pitchers center of gravity is over the pivot foot/back leg to allow generation of max momentum once forward motion is initiated. For the pitcher to be successful in the windup phase, the pitcher wants to remember these key points:Stand facing the batter Pivot foot on or in front of and touching pitchers plate with other foot freeThe hands first move apart and are then brought together and come to stop to adjust the grip on the ball before beginning the delivery to the plate

Cocking PhaseThis phase is sometimes broken down into two phases, but here well talk about them together.During the cocking phase there is a couple important mechanics that the pitcher should be aware of to optimally perform his duty:The pitcher needs to have a long and powerful stride There is pelvic rotation followed by upper torso rotation while the abs start to contractThe scapula retracts bringing the shoulder into ER with the elbow flexingHere the rotator cuff muscles are working to stabilize the shoulder while going into max ERTo make sure that the cocking phase is as efficient as possible, we need to make sure that the pitcher has max shoulder ER as this will affect the torque on the shoulder and the ball.To make sure that the athlete has an efficient performance while in the cocking phase they need to make sure that the lead foot lands in line with the stance foot and home plate. If it lands in a closed position, the pitcher must throw across his body; if the lead foot lands in an open position, it will cause uncoupling of kinetic chain leading to a decrease in velocity of the body and throw of the ball.

Acceleration PhaseThe acceleration phase is the time between forward movements of forearm and maximal external rotation of the shoulder as the glenohumeral joint gains torque and angular velocity to prepare to release the ball. Here you will find peak activation of a lot of various muscle, to have max velocity of the ball

IMPORTANT MECHANICS for the acceleration phase:There must be a continuing of rotation and tilt of the trunk to initiate the transfer of potential energy from the lower extremity to the upper extremity. The scapula and the humerus undergoes horizontal adduction and internal rotation. The faster these occur, better the velocity of the ball will be upon release. The subscap, pec major and lats reach max activity during this phase. This is followed by internal rotation of the shoulder. Just as the ball is released max elbow extension angular velocity occurs. Wrist flexion aids in ball release by radial pronation. During acceleration, the non-dominant rectus abdominis, oblique, and lumbar muscles show activity to emphasize pelvic and trunk rotation and tilt.

Deceleration PhaseThe most violent phase of pitching is the deceleration phase. The deceleration phase starts when the ball is released and the glenohumeral joint is in 90 degrees of abduction and max internal rotation. The elbow is moving into extension after the release of the ball. During this phase, the muscles of the posterior shoulder must displace the forces generated during the acceleration phase of the arm. The acceleration phase can reach internal rotational velocities of 7000 to 9000 degrees per second. This force eqivilates to be about 81% of body weight trying to be stopped by the posterior capsule of the shoulder, putting a lot of stress on a little area. Within this phase the pitching elbow should be even with, or slightly higher than the shoulder; when the trunk moves into flexion the head should be placed directly over the stride leg which is now becoming the point of center of gravity (This positioning allows the body to have a solid base in which the trunk can finish its rotation and flexion upon.) Follow-ThroughThe final step of the 5-phase pitching phases is the follow-through. Within this phase the arm is still working to end its forward motion, working to getting the athlete into a defensive position. 7

Key Requirements to SucceedAnatomicalPhysiqueHeightLeg/Arm LengthROMStrengthMechanicalAngle of ReleaseBody PositioningThroughout each phaseGame Knowledge

There are a few different categories that we can break down the success of a pitcher into: Anatomical, Mechanical, and Game Knowledge. Starting with anatomical success points, physique of the athlete plays a big role.

Anatomical RequirementsWant the pitcher to be tall, as that leads to longer legs, longer arms, which will then help with torque (radius of the arm); bring the player closer to the plate (legs -> push-off); more mass by being bigger> ER: by having an increased ER, this allows the pitcher to bring his arm further back for better acceleration. The tight IR of the shoulder help to bring the arm through during acceleration quicker than if they were weak and loose.Mechanical RequirementsProper timingA lot of new pitchers start the acceleration phase while still in the cocking phase. This slows down the pitch and puts more stress on the shoulder and elbow leading to greater increase of injury.Use lower body to help; a lot of individuals try to use all upper body but it is important to use both upper and lower body to produce a proper throw and in return good acceleration of the pitch.Coordination of muscles and body placement throughout the pitchDuring the follow-through you want to stay balanced on your forward foot: so as to be balanced if the ball is hit to play defense or to go cover the plate on a pass ball or first base on an infield play to the right hand side of second base (where the first baseman is making a play)Angle of release when pitching for each pitchInverted W within the cocking phase

Game Knowledge Requirements The Pitchers mound is 606 from the plateThe strike zone is defined as from the batters knees to their chest (height wise); and then over the plate (width wise)4 balls; 3 strikes: allowed at every at-batWhat pitches to throw when and to whomEx: Throw a change up when the pitcher is up in the count: 2 strikes (0/1/2 balls)When to walk someoneHit the batter: automatic walkPass ball: cover plateThe different pitches (how to hold/release point/etc.)Knowing how many outs there are, as well as if there are any individuals on base or not.

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Anatomical PrinciplesOriginInsertionActionDeltoidA: ClavicleM: ScapulaP: ScapulaA: HumerusM: HumerusP: HumerusA: FlexionM: ABDP: ExtensionSupraspinatusScapulaHumerusABD; stabilizes humerusHamstringsST: IschiumBF: Ischium & FemurSM: IschiumST: TibiaBF: FibulaSM: TibiaST: Ext. HipBF: Flex KneeSM: Ext. HipQuadricepsVM: FemurRF: IliumVL: FemurVI: FemurVM: Patella -> TibiaRF: TibiaVL: TibiaVI: TibiaVM: Ext. KneeRF: Flex. HipVL: Ext. KneeVI: Ext. KneeRectus AbdominisPubisSternumFlexion of TrunkStabilization of Pelvis

There are so many various muscles used in the movement of pitching a baseball. Like we stated earlier, the body is a big kinetic chain, and to be successful, the muscles need to maximize their efficiency by having a coordinated lower extremity (quads hamstrings, hip internal/external rotators) to provide a stable base for the trunk, where we need to have good core musculature to rotate and flex the upper body to draw in more velocity. And then when we get to the shoulder, there is an intricate relationship between the dynamic stabilizers (rotator cuff muscles, pec major, and latissimus dorsi) and static stabilizers to simultaneously supply the range of motion, force, and stability of the glenohumeral joint. This integrated effort relies on the traps, rhomboids, levator scapulae, and serratus anterior muscles for stabilization, positioning, and synchronous scapular motion. All these muscles, plus more need to be worked both concentrically and eccentrically to maximize efficient performance as well as help decrease the athletes chances of getting injured.

The legs and trunk serve as the main force generators of the kinetic chain. The scapula is key in facilitating this energy transfer distally to the hand. Scapular dysfunction prohibits optimum energy transfer. Thus, the pitching motion should not be thought of as an upper extremity action, rather an integrated motion of the entire body with rapid motion of the upper extremity.9

Mechanical PrinciplesNewtons 1st Law: represented by the projectile motion of the ball within the airNewtons 2nd Law: This is shown as the ball leaves the hand through the acceleration phaseNewtons 3rd Law: the ball when pitched will not stop unless it is hit or caughtGravity: Every phase of pitching has a different center of gravity, which plays into affect the effectiveness of the pitcher. It also affects the ball as it travels through the airProjectile Motion: Affects the efficiency of the pitch (speed/positioning/travel). The projectile motion also takes into account the Bernoulli Principle, air resistance, the distance to the plate, velocity of the throw, and the mass of the ball and arm.Bernoulli Principle: The curvature of the ball is different for each pitch, and affects the speed, rotation, and path of the ball as it travels to the plate.

Mechanical Principles that affect pitching include: Newtons 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Laws; gravity; projectile motion; and the Bernoullis Principle.10

This represents the forces on the ball as it projects through the air. The torque and velocity is dependent on the type of pitch thrown. The ball is then also affected by the air resistance and distance to the plate.11

Efficient PerformanceAnatomic RequirementsTall: Long legs and arms for more force and torque> ERCoordination and Body PlacementMechanical RequirementsProper TimingWhen to start each phaseAngle of ReleaseInverted WGame KnowledgeWhen to throw a certain pitchLegal/Illegal pitches

For an efficient performance, we want the athlete to be tall with long legs and arms as the driving force behind the velocity and torque of the ball. Anatomic and Mechanical Requirements then combine together to have an efficient performance.

We need to have increased ER of the shoulder, overall strength throughout the body; proprioception; proper form and timing and when we have those we start to also implement game knowledge requirements, such as knowing when a certain pitch should be thrown in a game situation as well as the release point needed for each pitch.

Overall you need a combination of all of these things to throw an effective pitch, and to excel in the game.

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Common ErrorsGame Knowledge MistakesImproper pitch for situationBalkHit the batterPass Ball

MechanicalUse all upper bodyStart acceleration phase too soonImproper muscle usageBody positioning

Baseball is a sport in which there are many amateur mistakes. Mistakes by individuals range from game knowledge mistakes to mechanical mistakes. Game knowledge mistakes can be found in not knowing what pitch to pitch to a certain player, or at a certain point during the game (depending on the outs, players on base, etc.); and also not knowing the rules of baseball. Players may also loose control of the ball throwing a pass-ball or hitting the batter.

There are also many common mechanical mistakes made mainly by focusing all force through the upper body and not using their legs as a driving force. Other novice mistakes include:Improper use of the musclesStarting phases too early, slowing down the pitchInconsistent formThe pitcher throws in upright position which leads to less velocity generated

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Corrective Drills and Exercises

A big mistake that a lot of athletes make is that they train to go fast. This means training the concentric muscles of the actions that they do, and they typically forget about the rest of the muscles needed to perform their job well, especially eccentric contraction. In baseball it is important to have the muscles of the shoulder (and the rest of the body) both concentrically and eccentrically strengthened. This allows proper acceleration and deceleration of the body.

Other important factors that we should focus on in drills include building up strength of the core and the legs. You need strong, powerful legs as well as core to gain the speed and velocity needed to effectively pitch. Here are a few examples:14

Any Questions???

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Works CitedNCAA. "NCAA Baseball 2015 and 2016 Rules." USA Baseball. NCAA, Oct. 2014. Web. 13 Nov. 2015. http://www.usabaseball.com/documents/7/9/4/128576794/NCAA_Rulebook_2016_7nojpzr8.pdf.Seroyer, Shane T., Shane J. Nho, Bernard R. Bach, Charles A. Bush-Joseph, Gregory P. Nicholson, and Anthony A. Romeo. "The Kinetic Chain in Overhand Pitching: Its Potential Role for Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention." Sports Health. SAGE Publications, Mar. 2010. Web. 13 Nov. 2015. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445080/.Smith, Lyle. "A Guide to Safe and Effective Baseball Pitching." Developing Safe And Effective Pitching Mechanics For Youth (n.d.): n. pag. Avera Sports Institute. Avera Sports Institute. Web. 16 Nov. 2015. http://www.avera.org/app/files/public/13976/ASI-Baseball-Pitching-Guide.pdf.McKenzie, Chris. "Baseball Deceleration Exercises | Dr. Chris McKenzie." Baseball Deceleration Exercises. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. .YouTube

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