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Review
. 2019 Jun;12(2):98-104.
doi: 10.1007/s12178-019-09556-4.

A Clinician's Guide to Analysis of the Pitching Motion

Daniel J Christoffer  1 , Heath P Melugin  2 , Chad E Cherny  2
Affiliations
Review

A Clinician's Guide to Analysis of the Pitching Motion

Daniel J Christoffer et al. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2019 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review examines recent literature regarding analysis of the throwing motion in baseball players and how modern technology may be used to predict or prevent injury.

Recent findings: Proper throwing technique is vitally important to prevent injury and it is easier to correct poor mechanics prior to foot strike. Recent findings suggest that the inverted-W position may not lead to an increased risk of injury, but incorrect trunk or pelvis rotation does. Three-dimensional motion analysis in a laboratory setting is most commonly used to evaluate the throwing motion, but it does not allow for assessment in real game scenarios. Wearable monitors allow for this and have proven to reliably assess pitching workload, kinematics, and kinetics. Injuries in youth baseball pitchers have increased along with the trend towards more single sport specialization. To prevent injury, assessment of a pitcher's throwing motion should be performed early to prevent development of poor mechanics. Classically, three-dimensional motion analysis has been used to evaluate throwing mechanics and is considered the gold standard. Newer technology, such as wearable monitors, may provide an alternative and allow for assessment during actual competition.

Keywords: Kinematics of pitching; Kinetics of pitching; Pitching flaws; Pitching motion; Video analysis; Wearables.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Six phases of pitching. Phases of pitching: wind-up, early cocking, late cocking, acceleration, deceleration, and follow-through
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
(1) “Power position” in early cocking phase. (2) Lead arm in “tell-time” position
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Excessive closed foot angle compared to open foot angle. Correct position slightly closed and landing “on the line”
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
The “inverted W” positioning in the early cocking phase
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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