Prediction of Bat Velocity from Arm, Shoulder, Grip, and Trunk Strength

Measurements

Trent Anderson

Kristin Halet

Brynn Weimer

Background

In popular literature bat velocity has been widely recognized as an important factor for successful hitting (Lefebvre, 1983; Watts, 1957)– However some studies found no correlation

(Johnson, McLeod, Mayhew, 2004)

Background

A strong correlation between strength and hitting success was reported by Gebhardt, Bowers, and Archer (1991)

– Based on batting averages and slugging percentages

Several studies have examined the effect of different forms of strength training on improving bat velocity

– Gebhardt, Bowers, and Archer, 1991; Hughes, Lyons, and Mayo, 2004

Background

Grip strength is also commonly thought to correlate with bat velocity

– Kitzman (1964) found a low correlation between grip strength and bat velocity.

– Studies by Hughes, Lyons, and Mayo (2004) and Giardina, Leslie, Raridon, and Zimmer (1997) found no correlation between grip strength and bat velocity

Kitzman (1964) also suggested a positive correlation between triceps brachii strength and bat velocity

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a correlation exists between bat velocity and 1-RM – trunk rotation – triceps extension– biceps curl– grip strength (right and left)– bench press (male participants only)

Subjects

Division II collegiate athletes– 10 baseball players

Age 19-22 (mean 20.8 +/- 1.03) Mean weight (184.9 +/- 22.2 lbs) Mean height (182.2 +/- 5.4 cm)

– 14 softball players Age 18-22 (mean 19.5 +/- 1.09) Mean weight (142.4 +/- 16.9 lbs) Mean weight (165.5 +/- 4.5 cm)

Measuring Bat Velocity

Warm up– Individually determined

Infrared cells suspended over plate

– 50 cm apart

Digital timer– 0.001s accuracy

Measuring Bat Velocity

Average of 3 successful trials– Unacceptable if:

Subject failed to hit the ball Subject hit the tee Swing failed to register on timers

– Giardina, Leslie, Raridon, Zimmer, 1997

Measuring Strength

1-RM strength parameters measured

– Bench press (males only) – Bicep curls – Triceps pushdown – Trunk rotation

• Warm Up8-10 repetitions at low weight

Measuring Strength

Grip strength – Both hands – Isometric – Dynamometer

Best of 3 trials

Analysis

Data was analyzed using a Pearson correlation between bat velocity and the various measures of strength – Significance of (p ≤ .05)

Results

Female Subjects– Significant correlations (p ≤ .05) between bat velocity

and Right grip strength (r = .702, p=.005) Trunk rotation (r = .572, p=.033) Triceps (r = .599, p=.023)

– Nonsignificant correlations (p>.05) between bat velocity and

Bicep curl (r=.44, p=.113) Left grip strength (r=.38, p=.174)

Results

Male Subjects– No significant correlations were found between bat

velocity and any strength parameter (p<.05).

With exception of bicep curls (r=.057), all correlations between bat velocity and strength were negative.

– Right grip (r=-.0557, p=.878) – Left grip (r=-.120, p=.740)– Trunk (r=-.277, p=.438)– Triceps (r=-.0035, p=.992)– Bench Press (r=-.137, p=.705)

Discussion

If the goal of training is to increase bat velocity, strength parameters which correlate significantly with bat velocity should receive increased emphasis.

For males, emphasizing strength parameters used in this study to improve bat velocity through strength training may be inappropriate.

Discussion

Limitations– Method of obtaining bat velocity

Timing system Unfamiliar set-up for subjects

– Type of bat used– Not a representative sample of baseball players

Future Research

Future research could examine different strength parameters with baseball players in relation to bat velocity

Correlate strength parameters directly with hitting success (batting averages and slugging percentage)

References

Gebhardt, M.. Bowers, C., & Archer, D. (1991). Strength training and hitting. Scholastic Coach, 60:9, 32-34.

Giardina, D., Leslie, H., Raridon, L., & Zimmer, D. Relationships of grip strength and

forearm size to bat velocity in college female softball players. IAHPHERD Journal. 30:2.

Hughes, S., Lyons, B., & Mayo, J. (2004). The effect grip strength and grip strengthening exercises on instantaneous bat velocity of collegiate baseball players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 18:2, 298-301.

Johnson, B., McLeod, M., Mayhew, J.L. (1989). Relationship between bat speed and upper body strength in college baseball players. Research Quarterly, 60:4, 18-19.

Kitzeman, E.W. (1964). Electro-myographic study of batting swing. Research Quarterly, 35:166.

Lefebre, J. (1983). Hitting the baseball: Let’s understand the process. NSCA Journal. 5, 70-71.

Watts, L. (1957). Complete guide to good hitting. Scholastic Coach. 26, 48-52.