Based on the following findings from the above study, it was ascertained that after the catchers performed throws to second base with the three required throwing motions, upper extremity joint kinematics as well as performance results displayed differences. The general assumption of the pitch out performing the quickest and having the fastest ball velocity to second base was substantiated by this study. Moreover, the traditional throw down recorded the second quickest time and ball velocity when throws were made to second base. Comprehending catcher’s throwing mechanics and the resulting joint kinematics could potentially assist training and coaching staff to advise the catchers training program to help with improvements in throwing velocity and time to second base. The ability to abduct and externally rotate the shoulder further would allow the catcher to generate greater ball speeds. In addition to increased shoulder mobility, trunk rotation angles and velocity increases also are advantageous for improvements to performance. Comprehending the kinematics of the throwing motion will provide coaches and training staff with a foundation to enhance training programs leading to improved performance. The following recommendations can be made for each individual throwing motions.
Pitch out: In ideal conditions with the runner attempting to steal second base, it is advisable that the pitch out be the throwing method of choice. Due to this throwing motions ability to produce faster ball velocities, overall time to second base will be reduced, therefore increasing the probability of successfully catching a base runner stealing second base. Improving shoulder range of motion angles will allow catchers to fully maneuver the throwing arm to maximum angles in order to generate higher ball velocities. Moreover, increasing trunk rotation angles as well as rotating velocities through training exercises will also be influential to
increased ball speeds. However, the catcher should be cautioned to reduce excessive trunk lateral tilt to the left.
Traditional throw down: Throwing to second base by means of the traditional throw down is not an ill-advised technique. The catcher can produce pop times similar to throws made by way of the pitch out. Despite having a slower time to second base, training can help assist catchers increase ball velocities to speeds similar if not more improved than the pitch out.
Similarly, the traditional throw down can improve ball velocity with increased shoulder external rotation as well as shoulder abduction. This throwing motion to throw to second base is always recommended when counts have three balls.
Throwing from the knees: Throwing to second base from a kneeling position is the quickest method, is a misconception. Although throwing from the knees and throwing the baseball to second base has the shortest pop time, it lacks sufficient ball velocity to travel the required distance to second base. Consequently, resulting in an overall time to second base slower than the traditional throw down and pitch out. It is, therefore, discouraged to use this technique when throwing to second base when thwarting stolen base attempts. If the catcher, however, is required to make such a throw, improving shoulder external rotation and abduction angles as well as shoulder internal rotation and trunk rotation velocities will prove beneficial to increasing the velocity of the ball. Nonetheless, excessive trunk extension should be avoided to resist any hindrance of ball velocity.
Additionally, with this knowledge, physicians and athletic trainers can provide throwing motions to desist from and rehabilitation recommendations to the players and coaches. It is the hope of future studies to further recruit different baseball levels and ages of catchers and not be
limited to professional players. With these recruited participants, it is the hope to be able to analyze the throwing motion which will also encompass lower extremity kinematics and kinetics for the upper and lower body, while also finding ideal mechanics for catchers throwing not only to second base, but as well as to first and third base with the assistance of the motion camera system. Affixing electromyography (EMG) sensors on the entire lower body and upper extremity of the throwing dominant side will also allow future researchers to examine the kinetic chain in further detail. Moreover, using a pitching machine to simulate different pitches such as breaking balls or change ups, possible studies can be made for throwing motion alterations that could be affected by these off-speed pitches. Once the throwing mechanics are known, comparisons can be made to position players and pitchers. Armed with this data, whole body kinetic chains and torques for each body segment can be scrutinized for all baseball throwers. With this knowledge, suggestions and advice can be provided to attending team physicians, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning specialists, and baseball coaches to assist in the rehabilitation and training of catchers. Understanding the prospective peculiarities of upper and lower body extremity injuries and which adjustments to implement for throwing mechanics in addition to training protocols to adhere to, on the field performance results could be enhanced and adverse motions that provokes a risk of plausible injury be diminished.
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