Back arm joint kinematic differences between skilled and less-skilled collegiate softball players

• Published in: Journal of Physical Education and Sport
• Main Author: Azreen N.A.; Raja Hussain R.N.J.; Mohamed M.N.; Annur M.S.S.; Shari M.; Hasan H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Editura Universitatii din Pitesti 2023
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85147371731&doi=10.7752%2fjpes.2023.01026&partnerID=40&md5=f5e379d90a48e64ce128cae663643262

Softball is a globally popular sport that reached the Olympic level for women only. However, research on softball, particularly among female players, remains at its infancy stage. Softball is played by two teams of nine players, with each side striving to score more runs via batting than the other. This is accomplished when the team is playing offence and batting the ball. A great batting performance is essential to enhance the likelihood of scoring a run. Batting is one of the hardest sports skill to learn, if not the hardest. Thus, this study examines selected arm kinematics that improve batting performance in skilled and less skilled female collegiate softball players during bat–ball contact. Using 3D motion analysis, five skilled and five less skilled female collegiate softball players use their dominant hand to hit a stationary ball off a tee placed in the middle of their individual striking zone. From a stationary tee, participants executed eight swings with maximum effort. The kinematics of shoulder abduction, shoulder flexion, elbow flexion and wrist flexion are calculated using the Visual3D software. The data from eight maximal effort swings for each kinematic variable during bat-ball contact are averaged and analysed using an Independent T-test. The results reveal that the shoulder flexion and elbow flexion angles display statistically significant differences between skilled and less-skilled batters. During bat-ball contact, skilled batters hold their hands further out from their bodies, as evidenced by a larger elbow extension (139.19+18.95°), compared to less skilled players (87.3+8.3°). Additionally, skilled players are reported to have less shoulder flexion than less-skilled players. This research suggests that less-skilled players bend their shoulders more when striking the ball with the bat in contrast to skilled players whose shoulders are somewhat more extended during bat-ball contact (by 6.05°). This study revealed that skilled players are able to adjust the degree to which their arm bends during ball contact. The adjustment maximises the surface area of the bat that makes contact with the ball, hence increasing a batter's probability of successfully striking the ball. As demonstrated by the skilled female softball players during bat-ball contact, keeping an extended arm position may assist batters in creating higher bat velocity. © 2023, Editura Universitatii din Pitesti. All rights reserved.