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THE LAUNCH WINDOW HYPOTHESIS AND THE SPEED-ACCURACY TRADE-OFF IN BASEBALL THROWING
Jonathan Freeston1, Rene E D Ferdinands1, Kieron Rooney1
11 Exercise, Health, and Performance, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|August 14, 2015
Summary
Elite baseball players experience a speed-accuracy trade-off in throwing due to a smaller launch window at maximal throwing speed (MTS). This research supports the launch window hypothesis as the cause of this performance limitation.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
- Sports Science
Background:
- The cause of the speed-accuracy trade-off in throwing remains unclear.
- Existing hypotheses like impulse-variability lack relevance, while the launch window hypothesis needs empirical testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the speed-accuracy trade-off in baseball throwing.
- To empirically test the launch window hypothesis by analyzing throwing at different speeds.
- To investigate the relationship between maximal throwing speed (MTS) and launch window characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Nine elite junior baseball players performed 10 fastballs at 80% and 100% MTS towards a target.
- A 3D motion analysis system captured ball speed and trajectory data.
- Launch window size and its components were analyzed in relation to throwing speed.
Main Results:
- A significant speed-accuracy trade-off was observed, primarily driven by increased vertical error.
- The launch window, especially its vertical dimension, was significantly smaller at 100% MTS.
- Maximal throwing speed (MTS) showed a negative correlation with launch window size.
Conclusions:
- The launch window hypothesis successfully explains the observed speed-accuracy trade-off in baseball throwing.
- A smaller launch window at higher speeds limits accuracy.
- This provides a framework for identifying and modifying technique to enhance throwing performance.
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