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Impact of the Lower Body on Softball Pitching Velocity
Ian P Jump1, Ryan M Zappa1, Kenzie B Friesen2
1School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA.
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine
|June 29, 2026
Summary
The lower body is crucial for softball pitch velocity. Optimizing lower extremity function can enhance pitching performance and potentially reduce injury risk by improving force generation.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Human Movement Analysis
Background:
- Pitch velocity is key to fastpitch softball success, reducing batter reaction time.
- Limited research exists on the biomechanical factors influencing pitch velocity, especially from the lower extremities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between lower extremity and pelvic kinematics, kinetics, and center of mass (COM) velocities with fastball pitch velocity.
- To identify key biomechanical predictors of fastball velocity in female softball pitchers.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive laboratory study involving 90 female high school and collegiate softball pitchers.
- Motion capture data were collected, analyzing the fastest three fastballs per pitcher.
- Pearson correlation and backward stepwise multiple regression were used to analyze kinematic and kinetic variables.
Main Results:
- Peak vertical COM velocity and anterior COM velocity were strongly positively associated with pitch velocity.
- Mediolateral and vertical ground-reaction forces (GRFs) and pelvic rotational velocity also showed significant associations with pitch velocity.
- A regression model including COM velocities, GRFs, pelvic rotational velocity, and body mass explained 57% of the variance in pitch velocity.
Conclusions:
- The lower body significantly contributes to generating pitch velocity in softball.
- Further research is needed to optimize lower extremity function for enhanced pitching performance and injury risk reduction.
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