(45) THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ROTARY POWER AND THROWING VELOCITY OF HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PLAYERS

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between rotary power and throwing velocity of high school baseball players. 

Methods: The subjects were 93 male athletes (age = 16.75 ± 0.82 years) who participated in a summer baseball showcase conducted by an NCAA Division I baseball program. Trained test administrators used the Baseball/Softball Athletic Testing System (BATS) to collect data for rotary power and throwing velocity.  Rotary power (28.03 ± 3.12 mph) was measured with the rotary power test using a 1kg medicine ball and radar gun.  Throwing velocity (72.33 ± 4.98 mph) was measured on flat ground from the traditional pitcher’s stretch position.  Additional data that was collected included height, weight, percent body fat, lean body mass, grip strength, leg power, agility, speed, and batted-ball velocity. A standard stadiometer and scale were used to measure height (69.12 ± 2.36 in) and weight (170.85 ± 25.30 lb).  Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to determine percent body fat (16.32 ± 5.98 %) and lean body mass (140.27 ± 19.24 lb). A hand dynamometer was used to assess grip strength (48.09 ± 7.15 kg) while the standing long jump was used to assess leg power (87.31 ± 8.10 in).  Agility (8.94 ± .46 s) was measured with the 10-yard shuttle run while running speed (7.59 ± .23 s) was determined by the 60-yard dash.  Batted-ball velocity (79.87 ± 5.50 mph) was assessed by a radar gun from five swings on a batting tee. 

Results:   Pearson’s r was utilized to calculate a correlation coefficient for rotary power and throwing velocity.  A significant positive relationship (p< .01) was determined for rotary power and throwing velocity, r(93) = .355, p < .01.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate a statistically significant relationship between rotary power and throwing velocity.  PRACTICAL APPLICATION: While correlation does not imply causation, the results of this study suggest that coaches and players wishing to increase throwing velocity may consider strength and conditioning training to improve rotary power.

Acknowledgements: None