Stride Pattern of the Lower Extremities Among Stride Types in Baseball Pitching

Abstract

The present study investigated the differences in the stride pattern of the lower extremities among different stride types in baseball pitchers with the aim of evaluating stride movement and skills to improve training effectiveness. Thirty elite male college baseball pitchers volunteered to pitch on an indoor-mound-like force plate, where motion data of their fastest strike trials were collected using an eight-camera motion analysis system at a 200–250 Hz sampling rate. Pelvis center trajectories of each participant were calculated and further categorized into three groups: tall-and-fall (TF), dip-and-drive (DD), and mixed (MX) pitchers. Motion analysis revealed that DD pitchers initiated pivot–knee extension and pivot–hip adduction earlier than TF pitchers and accelerated their bodies sooner than TF pitchers. In addition, TF pitchers accelerated their bodies forward by pivoting their legs until the middle of the arm-cocking and acceleration phases. The movement patterns of MX pitchers were similar to those of DD pitchers in terms of pivot leg, although this occurred a little later in the stride. Our findings are useful in developing training strategies for coaches, players, and trainers to better meet the demands of different pitching styles.

Retrospective Analysis of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstructions in Major League Baseball Pitchers: A Comparison of the “Tall and Fall” Versus “Drop and Drive” Pitching Styles

“…We defined the TF and DD pitching styles based on previous literature. 3,7,8,27,28 These definitions are based on drive-leg knee kinematics and pelvic position during SFC of the pitching motion (phase 2), and these defining parameters can be used to aid the conduct of further research exploring the potential association between pitching style and UCL injury. We suggest that researchers consider using three-dimensional (3D) motion capture technologies to further define and assess the TF and DD pitching styles.…”

“…The procedural protocol used to distinguish the 2 pitching styles was adapted from current literature. 7,8,17,27,28 As is largely accepted, there are 6 phases of the pitching motion: phase 1, wind-up; phase 2, stride; phase 3, arm cocking; phase 4, arm acceleration; phase 5, arm deceleration; and phase 6, follow-through. 31 Historical references suggest that delineation between TF and DD can be made at SFC.…”

“…Baseball pitching produces extraordinarily high upper extremity joint-reaction forces, most notably at the elbow. 1,2,6,7,11,22,23 The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow provides stabilization during high angular velocity performance and valgus stress overload. 1,2,6,11 Rupture of the UCL is a debilitating injury, and many patients elect to undergo ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR).…”

“…Both the TF and DD pitching styles strive to maximize pitching velocity but are visually and biomechanically different. 3,7,27,28…”

“…At SFC during DD pitching, the leading knee assumes a flexed position. 7,27,28 The combination of these DD motions results in a longer, faster stride motion toward home plate when compared with TF. Both the TF and DD pitching styles strive to maximize pitching velocity but are visually and biomechanically different.…”