Scientific Proof – Study on the Biomechanics of Youth Windmill Softball Pitching
This study used a three-dimensional, high-speed video and stride foot force plate data were collected on fastballs from 53 youth softball pitchers. Movement parameters related to pitching mechanics and measurements on the throwing-arm elbow and shoulder joints were calculated. These were compared to those reported for baseball pitchers.
Results showed that elbow and shoulder joint loads were similar to those found for baseball pitchers and college softball pitchers. Shoulder distraction stress averaged 94% body weight for the youth pitchers. Stride foot ground reaction force patterns were not similar to those reported for baseball pitchers. Vertical and braking force components under the stride foot were in excess of body weight.
Scientific Proof – Survey on Injuries to Pitchers in Women’s Collegiate Fast-Pitch Softball
An injury survey of eight college softball teams ranked among the top 15 during the 1989 women’s NCAA tournament championship by their athletic trainers found 26 injuries and complai
nts in 20 of 24 players. There were 15 grade injuries, all musculotendinous except for a leg contusion and an ankle sprain. The 6 grade II injuries were also musculotendinous except for 2 sprains to the hand and wrist. The 5 grade III injuries were some what more varied in type and resulted in an average of
Softball Workout – Body Weight Workout
Strengthening is important to any softball player who wants to improve even without equipment. Here are several exercises you may do when the unavailability of equipment arises.
This is a PDF document.
Scientific Proof – Systemic Review of Literature on Interventions to Prevent Softball Related Injuries
Several authors reviewed literature identified from six electronic databases for studies on softball related injuries. The search was published between 1970 and 2002. Intervention/prevention papers were evaluated further and described in detail. This review was done to examine the published evidence on interventions to prevent softball related injuries among adults, and to encourage more research on prevention and control as a foundation for future softball injury prevention efforts. The search strategy identified 39 studies specifically related to softball. Most studies were case reports/case series or descriptive studies only four were analytic or intervention/prevention studies.
Sports Psychology Tips: Watch Your Body Language
Why Sports Parents and Coaches Should Watch Their Body Language
by Patrick Cohn
Sports Psychology Expert
*note: while this article is written primarily for sports parents, it can easily be applied to coaches too
Sports Psychology Tips: Communication is Key
Why Good Communication is Key for Sports Families
by Dr. Patrick Cohn
Sports Psychology Expert
After you read this article, you might be a little more careful about how you talk to your sports kids.
Mental Game Tips: How Labels Hurt Players’ Confidence
Article by Dr. Patrick Cohn
Sports Psychology Expert
When sports kids start calling themselves “losers,” “chokers,” “wimps” or other negative names, it’s a bad sign.
Scientific Proof – Analysis of the Kinematic Motion of the Windmill Pitch of Young Softball Players
This study examined the joint motions and movement patterns of the kinetic chain in the ballistic skill of performing the windmill pitch. Seventeen healthy girls who were currently playing competitive fast-pitch softball volunteered for the study. Subjects were instructed to perform 5 successful fastball windmill style deliveries. We selected 1 pitch for analysis based on the velocity, accuracy, and subjects’ input. Six digital camcorders placed at 60-degrees apart was used for analysis. The subjects were divided into groups based on skill level: novice, intermediate, and advanced. Sequential progression of kinematic variables that resulted in increased throwing velocity and the contribution each segment (upper arm, forearm, and hand) possessed toward ball velocity with descriptive statistics and path analysis were assessed. There was evidence of sequentiality among the arm segments in the intermediate and advanced groups. The patterns of the shared positive contributions made by each of the limb segments were similar among the 3 groups of participants. The novice group tended to rely on more of the upper arm and forearm than the other 2 groups. From this study, it is evident that all emphasis should not be placed on the shoulder, but training and conditioning methods should focus on the entire kinetic chain including the torso and the full arm segment, not just the shoulder in an attempt to gain the greatest velocity while performing the 360-degrees arc of the windmill softball pitch.
Coaches and Conditioning specialists should understand that the windmill pitch’s power not only comes from the pitcher’s arms but from lower ligaments and the torso. This information should help on any modification to help increase pitcher’s execution.
Scientific Proof – Study on Relationships Between Mental Approach and Performance in Female Softball Players During Off-Season Strength and Conditioning Program.
Examination of the relationship between performance testing and psychological measures before and after a 12-week strength and conditioning program was the study’s purpose. Female NCAA Division-III softball athletes completed pre- and post-testing held 12 weeks apart. On day 1, athletes completed informed consent, 3 psychological measures (Profile of Mood States [POMS], Physical Self Perception Profile [PSPP], and Athlete’s Self Perception of Physical Abilities [ASPPA]), and 2 strength tests (1 repetition maximum [1RM] bench, 1RM back squat). Day 2 consisted of the 30-yd sprint, pro agility run (PRO), vertical jump (VJ), and standing long jump (SLJ). All sports improved in 1RM bench and squat and reported increases in perceived Physical Strength on the PSPP. The POMS scores indicated that the athletes were not overtrained or experiencing staleness. A series of correlations showed relationships between physical and psychological measures. Specifically, Physical Strength was correlated with 1RM upper-body and lower-body strength. The PSPP Physical Strength was correlated with ASPPA ratings of upper-body and lower-body strength. The PSPP Sport Competence correlated with ASPPA ratings of power and PRO. The study’s results highlight the benefits of strength and conditioning. Furthermore, these results demonstrate how physical changes are related to athletes’ physical self-perceptions and self-assessment of ability within their teams.
The study goes to show that a strength and conditioning program helps in an athlete’s over-all performance. A good program does not only help on increasing one’s strength but also prepares her mentally. Athlete’s confidence and self-perception is addressed through the conditioning program as well.
3 Mental Approach Tips for Maximum Performance
I recently read an article by Wayne Goldsmith who is a High Performance Expert. Here are some valuable take-aways from his article about the psychology of high performance.
Success Takes Daily Commitment
