The positive correlation between trunk, leg, and shoulder strength and linear bat velocity at different ball locations during the baseball swing in adult baseball hitters
Affiliations: Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Timothy Sell, Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, 3830 South Water Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA. Tel.: +1 412 246 0460; E-mail:tcs15@pitt.edu
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Strength of body segments and bat velocity during the
baseball swing have been described as positively related, but the relative
importance of each body segment's strength and the effect of ball location
in the strike zone have not been examined. OBJECTIVE: To identify the correlation between the strength of different
body segments along the kinetic chain and bat velocity with the ball placed
at different locations within the strike zone, and to determine which
segment's strength best predicts bat velocity. METHODS: Nineteen adult baseball hitters were assessed for bat velocity at
five ball locations and tested for isokinetic trunk, shoulder, and knee
strength. Strength variables significantly correlated to bat velocity were
used in backward stepping linear regression. RESULTS: Trunk rotation strength was significantly correlated to bat
velocity for all ball locations. Knee strength was significant for all
locations except for high inside. Shoulder strength was significant only
with the ball outside. Based on regression analysis, trunk rotation strength
was the only significant predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Significant correlations between chosen strength variables and
bat velocity were identified. Only trunk rotation strength was a significant
predictor of bat velocity. Baseball hitters seeking greater bat velocity may
benefit from targeting trunk rotation strength.
Keywords: Baseball swing, isokinetic strength, bat velocity
