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Throwing patterns used by collegiate baseball players in actual games
David D Barrett1, Allen W Burton
1Division of Kinesiology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, USA. d.barrett@nr.cc.mn.us
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
|April 3, 2002
Summary
This study analyzed 3,684 baseball throws, finding that players often use alternative throwing forms, especially in inactive situations. This highlights variability in baseball throwing mechanics across different game contexts.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
Background:
- Understanding throwing mechanics is crucial in baseball.
- Previous research often lacks analysis of real-game scenarios.
- Qualitative aspects of throwing need reliable measurement methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the form of collegiate baseball throws.
- To analyze throwing mechanics in relation to player position, distance, and game situation (active/inactive).
- To establish the reliability of measuring qualitative throwing aspects in a live game.
Main Methods:
- Videotaping 3,684 throws from 100 players across 7 collegiate baseball games.
- Analyzing throws from the first pitch to the last out over 94 half innings.
- Assessing interrater reliability for task, environment, and performance measures.
Main Results:
- Interrater reliability for all measures was acceptable to excellent (≥80% agreement).
- Alternative throwing patterns were frequently observed (≥50% of the time).
- Catchers and infielders used alternative forms across most distances and situations; pitchers and outfielders used them mainly in inactive situations.
Conclusions:
- Qualitative aspects of baseball throwing can be reliably measured in actual game contexts.
- Throwing mechanics are not always standardized, with frequent use of alternative forms.
- Game situation significantly influences the adoption of different throwing patterns by players.
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