Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2022
Abstract
Baseball pitchers are constantly trying to find an edge to operate at peak performance. With many training techniques available intended to enhance performance, plyometrics should be strongly considered as this specific technique mirrors the explosive and ballistic nature of baseball. Plyometrics are defined as powerful muscular contractions after a rapid stretch or dynamic loading of the same muscle group. The purpose of this study was to provide further validation of using plyometrics to increase velocity in a baseball player’s pitch. In this study, a plyometrics exercise (vertical jump) was measured along with pitching velocity in 2 different sessions, separated by 1 month, from 10 Division 2 baseball pitchers. Vertical jump was selected because it is a plyometric movement that can easily be measured and literature supported lower body plyometric exercise has positive implications to total body performance, specifically in baseball. During the month between testing sessions, the players continued their university sponsored team workouts, which had plyometric drills incorporated (box jump drills, lateral hopping stick). The purpose of this study was to assess throwing velocity in baseball pitchers relative to their plyometric output pre and post plyometric exercise intervention. To address the purpose, a paired sample t-test was run via SPSS to determine if the subject with a higher velocity pitch had greater plyometric outcomes. Results showed that there was an increase from the pre- and post-sessions for velocity of 1.3 mph (87.8 (sd= 4.04) and 89.0 (sd=3.05) and vertical jump by 1.1 inch (26.9 (sd=3.47) and 27.8 (sd=3.05). It was also shown that there was a strong correlation between the results of pitching velocity and vertical jump (.988 and .962 respectfully). This study further validated the use of plyometric exercises for baseball pitchers to increase their pitching velocity.
Recommended Citation
Childers, Landon, "Correlation Between Pitching Velocity and Plyometric Output" (2022). Graduate Research Showcase. 44.
https://kb.gcsu.edu/grposters/44