Research: Hitting a Baseball: A Biomechanical Description
https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.1995.22.5.193
Breakdown:
This article focuses on biomechanics in the baseball swing, highlighting that there is much less research done on hitting compared to pitchers and throwing mechanics. It uses three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data to analyze the baseball swing, detailing the process from weight shift and trunk coil to the final bat velocity. Understanding the biomechanics of a baseball swing is important for those who seek to get the absolute most out of their body when they swing. Key findings include the significant role of body segment acceleration and the sequential peak velocities of hip and torso segments leading to a maximum bat velocity. This means that being able to produce maximum bat speed starts with how we produce force from the
ground and the order in which our body segments move first. Each body segment in the baseball swing produces linear and rotational velocities. Each segment’s movement builds upon the previous one, starting from the legs and pelvis, moving through the toros, and ending in the arms and bat. This coordinated sequence ensures maximum power transfer and efficiency, making it important for an effective and powerful baseball swing (The Kinetic Chain). The need for dedicated training programs for hitters based on the sequential movements and forces involved in the swing are most important for maximizing your ability to do damage up at the plate.
Here at CBC, we continue to contribute to the development of more effective training programs for hitters by providing a scientific breakdown of the motions and forces at play. Each one of our hitters will go through a biomechanical assessment using our 4D Motion software. 4D Motion is beneficial for analyzing baseball swings because it provides comprehensive, real-time 3D capture of the body’s movements, allowing coaches and athletes to analyze and refine swings with precise data. The system’s detailed biomechanical analysis helps us in enhancing our training sessions and improving overall swing technique in all of our athletes. By analyzing the biomechanics of the swing we can then improve overall biomechanical efficiencies, reduce the risk of injury, and optimize performance by ensuring that the body’s movements are as mechanically efficient and effective as possible.
Discussion Questions:
How has this information expanded your understanding of the baseball swing?
What is an aspect of hitting that you would like to know more about?
Published by Andrew Martin