Whiteside D, McGinnis R S, Deneweth J M, Zernicke R F, Goulet G C
School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2016 Mar;26(3):256-65. doi: 10.1111/sms.12443. Epub 2015 Mar 24.
The purpose of this study was to quantify ball flight kinematics (ball speed, spin rate, spin axis orientation, seam orientation) and release location variability in the four most common pitch types in baseball and relate them to in-season pitching performance. Nine NCAA Division I pitchers threw four pitching variations (fastball, changeup, curveball, and slider) while a radar gun measured ball speed and a 600-Hz video camera recorded the ball trajectory. Marks on the ball were digitized to measure ball flight kinematics and release location. Ball speed was highest in the fastball, though spin rate was similar in the fastball and breaking pitches. Two distinct spin axis orientations were noted: one characterizing the fastball and changeup, and another, the curveball and slider. The horizontal release location was significantly more variable than the vertical release location. In-season pitching success was not correlated to any of the measured variables. These findings are instructive for inferring appropriate hand mechanics and spin types in each of the four pitches. Coaches should also be aware that ball flight kinematics might not directly relate to pitching success at the collegiate level. Therefore, talent identification and pitching evaluations should encompass other (e.g., cognitive, psychological, and physiological) factors.
本研究的目的是量化棒球中四种最常见投球类型的球飞行运动学（球速、旋转速率、旋转轴方向、缝线方向）和出手位置的变化，并将它们与赛季中的投球表现联系起来。九名美国大学体育协会（NCAA）一级联盟的投手投出四种投球变化（快球、变速球、曲线球和滑球），同时用测速仪测量球速，并用一台600赫兹的摄像机记录球的轨迹。球上的标记被数字化以测量球飞行运动学和出手位置。快球的球速最高，不过快球和变速球的旋转速率相似。注意到两种不同的旋转轴方向：一种是快球和变速球的特征，另一种是曲线球和滑球的特征。水平出手位置的变化明显大于垂直出手位置的变化。赛季中的投球成功率与任何测量变量均无相关性。这些发现对于推断四种投球中每一种投球的合适手部动作和旋转类型具有指导意义。教练们还应意识到，在大学水平上，球飞行运动学可能与投球成功率没有直接关系。因此，人才识别和投球评估应包括其他（如认知、心理和生理）因素。
