Relationship of Ball Speed with Kinematic and Kinetic Patterns during Pitching

PURPOSE This study aimed to analyze the differences in ground reaction forces (GRF) and pelvis and trunk kinematic patterns between groups based on ball speed during pitching. METHODS Twenty-nine males were recruited for this study. Participants were categorized based on ball speed into high (HG), medium (MG), and low (LG) ball speed groups. Statistical analysis was performed using one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping (SPM1D) one-way analysis of variance to compare GRF and pelvis and trunk kinematic patterns, followed by Bonferroni post-hoc tests. RESULTS Drive leg anterior and resultant GRF were greater in the HG than in the LG (p<0.001). The posterior GRF of the stride leg in the HG was greater than in the LG (p<0.008). Additionally, the vertical GRF of the stride leg was greater in the HG than in the LG (p<0.003), as was the resultant GRF of the stride leg (p<0.003). CONCLUSIONS The GRF of the drive and stride legs was significantly related to ball speed, indicating that a pitching strategy to maximize the GRF of the drive and stride legs is required.