Scientific Proof – Surveying The Nutritional Habits And Behaviors Of Softball NCAA-Division III Athletes
The purpose of the current study was to assess nutritional habits and behaviors of NCAA-Division III athletes. Varsity athletes completed a questionnaire designed to gather information about nutritional habits and behaviors. Team sport and individual athlete were represented. Among them were women softball players. Questionnaires were administered to athletes before or after a team lift or practice session. Differences were assessed between: 1.) males and females, 2.) freshmen and seniors, and 3.) team and individual sports. On average, athletes reported eating between 3-6 times per day. Approximately 49% drank 7-8 daily servings of water. Less than one third of athletes ate a daily breakfast. The following findings were significant: Males ate more daily servings of proteins than females, while females consumed more vegetable servings than males. More team sport athletes were trying to maintain or gain weight than individual sport athletes. More females reported trying to lose weight than males. Male athletes consumed more servings of sports drinks than females. Seniors drank more coffee than 1st year student-athletes. Team sport athletes consumed more servings of alcohol more frequently than individual sport athletes. Males consumed more protein supplements, while females consumed more vitamin and mineral supplements. Vitamins and minerals, protein, omega-3 fish oils, and Creatine were the most popular supplements. Proper diet has been found to help athletes improve physical activity and aid in recovery from exercise. When comparing results to the USDA Food Guide Pyramid, on average, insufficient servings of fruits and vegetables were consumed. The present study also presented the need for carbohydrate consumption, with only 3-4 servings being taken in throughout the day. Mullin suggested eight 8-ounce daily servings of water would be an accurate estimate for the average person to stay hydrated, with training athletes requiring more. Water loss and dehydration during exercise was a problem for Division III athletes, as an average of 5-6 eight ounce servings of water were consumed daily. In the current study, 37% of athletes reported taking a dietary supplement. Limited knowledge about supplements and ergogenic aids can lead to improper use. Nutritional education is recommended for: 1.) daily food choices, 2.) weekend caloric intake, 3.) hydration techniques, and 4.) supplement usage. Improved knowledge of coaches and availability of certified nutritionists would benefit the nutritional habits of athletes.
These surveys help monitor athlete’s nutritional habits. Knowing your athlete’s eating habits will help you suggest proper nutrition and know what they may be lacking or if they are misinformed on nutritional information. Hydration is a very important part of an athlete’s daily eating habit and must be taught and monitored properly. Coaches must take into consideration their athlete’s diet aside from their physical training.
Scientific Proof – A Study On The Relationship Between Strength, Power, Speed, and Change of Direction Performance of Female Softball Players
A study was conducted to ten female softball players from the state Australian Institute of Sport softball team for maximal lower body strength, peak force, peak velocity, and peak power during jump squats, countermovement vertical jump height, 1 base and 2 base sprint performance and change of direction performance on dominant and nondominant sides. The testing sessions occurred pre, mid, and post a 20-week training period. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cross-sectional relationship of strength, power, and performance variables in trained female athletes and determine if the relationship between these variables changes over the course of a season.
Significant relationships were found across all time points with body weight, speed, and change of direction measures and relative strength and measures of speed and change of direction ability. Although there were no significant relationships between Vertical jump height and any measure of performance at any time point. In conclusion, in the given time frame for the testing body weight and relative strength have strong to very strong relationships with speed and change of direction ability and these correlations remain consistent over the course of the season.
Scientific Proof – Medicine ball training alone won’t improve batting velocity for new players.
In baseball and softball it is important to increase sport-specific power. This may allow a hitter to swing the bat and hit a ball with greater velocity. To examine the effects of 8 weeks of medicine ball (MB) training on bat swing velocity and batted-ball velocity of novice, college-aged students. Sixty male and female kinesiology students were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 training groups. Group 1 was the control. Group 2 performed 5 rotational MB exercises for 1 set of 10 repetitions each (50 total MB throws per day) 3x/wk for 8 weeks (1200 total MB throws). Resistance began at 2 lb and increased by 2 lb each week until week 5 10 lb MB, then it decreased by 2 lb for the next 3 weeks. By week 8 the resistance was 4 lb. The protocol progressively became heavier in resistance in an attempt to increase force production, and then became progressively lighter to increase velocity of movement. Group 3 performed the same 5 rotational MB exercises for 2 sets of 10 repetitions each (100 total MB throws per day) 3x/wk for 8 weeks (2400 total MB throws). Instantaneous swing velocity and batted-ball velocity while hitting a ball off a batting tee. Dominant and non-dominant grip strength was measured. Rotational power was measured by a 2 lb Medicine Ball hitter’s throw and 6 lb MB side toss. Women also performed a 4 lb MB side toss since their mean body mass was significantly less than the men’s mean body mass. Leg power was measured. Instantaneous swing and batted-ball velocity did not statistically increase for any group after 8 weeks of MB training. MB side toss and MB hitter’s throw significantly increased for all groups; however, there was no difference between groups. MB side toss performed by the women significantly increased for groups 2 and 3 after 8 weeks of training; however, there was no difference between the 2 groups. Although rotational power improved for all groups, there was no increase in swing velocity and batted-ball for novice college-aged, male and female novice participants after 8 weeks of training.
Scientific Proof – Injury Incidence of Female Collegiate Windmill Pitchers Studied
Few studies have examined fast-pitch softball pitchers and associated injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate injuries occurring to collegiate softball pitchers and associated influential factors. A web-based survey of 181 Division I, II, and III collegiate softball pitchers was conducted. The survey involved self-reported data from the previous year that addressed Pitcher information, pitching and game data, training program information, and injury reporting. These information were not statistically significant in relation to injury. Descriptive statistics were used to report totals and percentages of pitchers surveyed. Among 131 reported injuries, 36 were acute, 92 chronic/overuse, and 3 unspecified. Of the total injuries, 80 were directly from pitching, with 33 shoulder-related and 16 related to the lower back. Among injured pitchers, 109 took nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 140 used modalities, 11 received surgeries, and 95 saw additional specialists. Pitchers are at a risk for injury, with 72.8% of surveyed pitchers being injured.
Scientific Proof – Relationship Between Players Physique And Bat Swing Velocity Of College Softball Players
To determine the relationship of various physiological characteristics to bat swing velocity, twenty female NCAA Division I softball players volunteered to be studied. All subjects were tested for height; body mass, lean body mass, body fat, and percent body fat; grip strength; and vertical jump using a vertical jump apparatus to assess leg power. Instantaneous their bat velocity and batted-ball velocity were measured. Subjects were instructed to hit balls between a zone set up on the softball field while batted-ball velocity was measured by a radar gun set up behind home plate. Statistical analysis indicated significant moderate positive relationship between bat velocity and body mass. These data suggest that significant relationships do exist between body composition and bat velocity, but one cannot interpret this to mean a cause and affect relationship.
Scientific Proof – Upper Body Exercises such as Push-ups, Pull-ups and Dips Improve Throwing Performances of Softball Players
Exercises done having the feet or hands at a fixed position are know as Closed-kinetic chain resistance training (CKCRT). A study was done to see the effects of CKCRT of the upper body,exercises like push-ups, pull-ups,tricep dips, were used. It compared shoulder strength, power, and throwing velocity changes in athletes training the upper body exclusively with either CKCRT (using a system of ropes and slings) or Open-Kinetic chain resistance training (OKCRT)
Scientific Proof – Pitchers Experience Strong Impacts From The Ground When Landing With The Stride Foot
Landing with the stride foot is important in pitching given that the only external contact a pitcher has is between the foot and the ground. Windmill softball pitchers are routinely seen clinically for injuries to the lower extremities, and lower-extremity mechanics have not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between the impact of the stride foot and throwing mechanics in youth windmill pitchers and to provide a scientific basis for the improvement of preventive and rehabilitative protocols. Fifty-three youth softball pitchers were tested in an indoor facility. High-speed video and force plate data were collected for fastballs from each pitcher. Average ball speed was 25 m/sec. Peak vertical (coming from the top) ground reaction force averaged 139 % body weight (BW), peak anterior (coming from the front) force averaged 24 %BW, and the medially (coming from the side) directed component of the ground reaction force averaged 42 %BW. Loading rates to peak force in all 3 directions were high. Preventive and rehabilitative protocols for windmill softball pitchers can begin to be improved on the basis of knowledge of the magnitudes and times to peak forces under the stride foot.
Scientific Proof – Resistance Training Can Improve Sports Performance Of Young Athletes
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) recently updated a study they did in 1985 and last updated in 1996. The NSCA’s current recommendations suggest that school-aged youth should participate daily in 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity that is developmentally appropriate and enjoyable, and involves a variety of activities. Research increasingly indicates that resistance training can offer unique benefits for children and adolescents when appropriately prescribed and supervised. The NSCA recognizes and supports the premise that many of the benefits associated with adult resistance training programs are attainable by children and adolescents who follow age-specific resistance training guidelines.
It is the current position of the NSCA that:
Scientific Proof – Swinging a Heavy Bat on-Deck Is Counterproductive
It’s very common to see professional baseball players or elite softball players use a heavier bat or a commercial donut ring while warming-up and preparing for their next at-bat while in the on-deck circle.
The idea behind this practice is that by swinging a heavier bat, your regular bat will feel lighter when you step in the batter’s box and will help you swing faster.
Scientific Proof – Post-Exercise Muscle Soreness Decreases Speed, Power and Acceleration
Softball is a sport that requires a tremendous amount of speed, power, and acceleration. Strength training is used to improve these essential qualities.
When working hard enough in the weight room or starting a new training program, you usually experienced delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) or post-exercise muscle soreness. You know you have post-exercise muscle soreness when you feel like you’re discovering “new muscles” and have some stiffness 24-48 hours after a new or intense workout.
