1. Prediction of Bat Velocity from Arm, Shoulder, Grip, and Trunk Strength Measurements Trent Anderson Kristin Halet Brynn Weimer

2. Background In popular literature bat velocity has been widely recognized as an important factor for successful hitting (Lefebvre, 1983; Watts, 1957) – However some studies found no correlation (Johnson, McLeod, Mayhew, 2004)

3. Background A strong correlation between strength and hitting success was reported by Gebhardt, Bowers, and Archer (1991) – Based on batting averages and slugging percentages Several studies have examined the effect of different forms of strength training on improving bat velocity – Gebhardt, Bowers, and Archer, 1991; Hughes, Lyons, and Mayo, 2004

4. Background Grip strength is also commonly thought to correlate with bat velocity – Kitzman (1964) found a low correlation between grip strength and bat velocity. – Studies by Hughes, Lyons, and Mayo (2004) and Giardina, Leslie, Raridon, and Zimmer (1997) found no correlation between grip strength and bat velocity Kitzman (1964) also suggested a positive correlation between triceps brachii strength and bat velocity

5. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether a correlation exists between bat velocity and 1-RM – trunk rotation – triceps extension – biceps curl – grip strength (right and left) – bench press (male participants only)

6. Subjects Division II collegiate athletes – 10 baseball players Age 19-22 (mean 20.8 +/- 1.03) Mean weight (184.9 +/- 22.2 lbs) Mean height (182.2 +/- 5.4 cm) – 14 softball players Age 18-22 (mean 19.5 +/- 1.09) Mean weight (142.4 +/- 16.9 lbs) Mean weight (165.5 +/- 4.5 cm)

7. Measuring Bat Velocity Warm up – Individually determined Infrared cells suspended over plate – 50 cm apart Digital timer – 0.001s accuracy

8. Measuring Bat Velocity Average of 3 successful trials – Unacceptable if: Subject failed to hit the ball Subject hit the tee Swing failed to register on timers – Giardina, Leslie, Raridon, Zimmer, 1997

10. Measuring Strength 1-RM strength parameters measured – Bench press (males only) – Bicep curls – Triceps pushdown – Trunk rotation Warm Up 8-10 repetitions at low weight

11. Measuring Strength Grip strength – Both hands – Isometric – Dynamometer Best of 3 trials

12. Analysis Data was analyzed using a Pearson correlation between bat velocity and the various measures of strength – Significance of (p ≤.05)

13. Results Female Subjects – Significant correlations (p ≤.05) between bat velocity and Right grip strength (r =.702, p=.005) Trunk rotation (r =.572, p=.033) Triceps (r =.599, p=.023) – Nonsignificant correlations (p>.05) between bat velocity and Bicep curl (r=.44, p=.113) Left grip strength (r=.38, p=.174)

14. Results Male Subjects – No significant correlations were found between bat velocity and any strength parameter (p<.05). With exception of bicep curls (r=.057), all correlations between bat velocity and strength were negative. – Right grip (r=-.0557, p=.878) – Left grip (r=-.120, p=.740) – Trunk (r=-.277, p=.438) – Triceps (r=-.0035, p=.992) – Bench Press (r=-.137, p=.705)

15. Discussion If the goal of training is to increase bat velocity, strength parameters which correlate significantly with bat velocity should receive increased emphasis. For males, emphasizing strength parameters used in this study to improve bat velocity through strength training may be inappropriate.

16. Discussion Limitations – Method of obtaining bat velocity Timing system Unfamiliar set-up for subjects – Type of bat used – Not a representative sample of baseball players

17. Future Research Future research could examine different strength parameters with baseball players in relation to bat velocity Correlate strength parameters directly with hitting success (batting averages and slugging percentage)

18. References Gebhardt, M.. Bowers, C., & Archer, D. (1991). Strength training and hitting. Scholastic Coach, 60:9, 32-34. Giardina, D., Leslie, H., Raridon, L., & Zimmer, D. Relationships of grip strength and forearm size to bat velocity in college female softball players. IAHPHERD Journal. 30:2. Hughes, S., Lyons, B., & Mayo, J. (2004). The effect grip strength and grip strengthening exercises on instantaneous bat velocity of collegiate baseball players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 18:2, 298-301. Johnson, B., McLeod, M., Mayhew, J.L. (1989). Relationship between bat speed and upper body strength in college baseball players. Research Quarterly, 60:4, 18-19. Kitzeman, E.W. (1964). Electro-myographic study of batting swing. Research Quarterly, 35:166. Lefebre, J. (1983). Hitting the baseball: Let’s understand the process. NSCA Journal. 5, 70-71. Watts, L. (1957). Complete guide to good hitting. Scholastic Coach. 26, 48-52.