Stodden DF, Fleisig GS, McLean SP, Lyman SL, Andrews JR.  Relationship of pelvis and upper torso kinematics to pitched baseball velocity.  Journal of Applied Biomechanics 17(2):164-172, 2001.

Matsuo T, Escamilla RF, Fleisig GS, Barrentine SW, Andrews JR.  Comparison of kinematic and temporal parameters between different pitch velocity groups.  Journal of Applied Biomechanics 17(1):1-13, 2001.

It is generally believed that pitchers with good mechanics throw harder than pitchers with poor mechanics. To test this hypothesis, the kinematics of 134 healthy adult subjects were studied. This study showed that approximately 50% of difference in ball speed between pitchers can be explained by looking at pitching mechanics. The most important mechanical factor was the timing of maximum arm velocity. In other words, the action when a pitcher extends his elbow and internally rotates his shoulder is very important. How much the trunk stretches and moves during pitching is also important. Non-mechanical factors, such as how big a pitcher is, also effect the ability to generate ball speed.

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March 13, 2007