Biomechanical Analysis of Three Different Catcher’s Throwing Motions

• Main Author: James Yenshing Chen
• Other Authors: Heng-Ju Lee
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2015
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/58225916712649648072

碩士 === 國立臺灣師範大學 === 運動競技學系 === 103 === The game of baseball brings together nine individuals to cohesively work together to reach one goal – to win. With a plethora of scenarios that could occur, one critical function of the catcher is to effectively manage base runners. The catcher is often depended on to minimize the opportunities of base runners stealing and advancing into scoring position. Most commonly seen base stealing occurs between first and second base. In contrast to other positions, the catcher makes throws of varying distances during the game, with the longest throws occurring between home and second base as the runner is attempting to steal. Often seen motions utilized by catchers throwing out potential base stealers are throws from the knees, the traditional throw down, and the pitch out. In order to successfully impede stolen bases, the catcher must receive the pitched ball, transfer the ball to the throwing hand, and deliver an accurate throw thirty-eight meters away in less than two seconds. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand inherent differences between the three throwing motions’ joint kinematics when throwing to second base and the effect on performance. 3D-motion analysis cameras captured and yielded kinematic data for the test participants. The pitch out throws generated the fastest ball velocities and total time for the ball to reach second, further substantiating the assumption that the pitch out is in fact the quickest motion to second base. Interpreting and fathoming the results of this study imparts knowledge for plausible training methods to increase performance while possibly reducing the risk of injury.