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Weighted Baseball Training Affects Arm Speed Without Increasing Elbow and Shoulder Joint Kinetics
Michael E O'Connell1, Kyle E Lindley1, John O Scheffey1
1Driveline Baseball, Research & Development, Kent, WA,USA.
Journal of Applied Biomechanics
|August 18, 2022
Summary
Weighted ball throwing programs can increase pitching velocity. This study found that using weighted balls (3-7 oz) enhances velocity without increasing arm joint stress, offering mechanistic insights.
Area of Science:
- Sports Biomechanics
- Baseball Performance Analysis
Background:
- Long-term benefits of weighted ball throwing are known.
- Mechanisms behind these training effects remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate immediate effects of weighted ball throwing.
- Provide mechanistic evidence for weighted ball training.
Main Methods:
- Biomechanical evaluation of 26 pitchers (20-30 years).
- Pitching with weighted baseballs (3-7 oz).
- 1-way repeated-measures ANOVA on 15 kinematic, kinetic, and performance parameters.
Main Results:
- Ball weight significantly impacted pitch velocity, elbow flexion, pelvis rotation velocity, shoulder internal rotation velocity, elbow extension velocity, and trunk tilt.
- No significant effect on arm joint kinetics observed.
- Increased velocity achieved without augmenting arm joint stress.
Conclusions:
- Weighted balls (3-7 oz) can enhance pitching velocity.
- This training method may increase velocity without elevating arm joint kinetics.
- Offers mechanistic support for weighted ball training protocols.
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