A study on the pitching data analysis and useage using baseball-type sensor

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the accuracy of the system analyzing pitching data using baseball-type sensor (MAQ) and to measure kinematic parameter (ball velocity, spin rate, and spin axis) of baseball pitches by various pitchers. The accuracy of the developed system using a 3D motion analysis system and the high-speed cameras were examined. The spin axis of pitched ball was calculated from data of 12-axis sensor using the sensor fusion by extended Kalman Filter. The ball velocity and spin rate calculated by MAQ and the 3D motion analysis system showed similar values (ball velocity: r = 0.95 spin rate: r = 0.90). In several data, it was indicated that the spin axis calculated by MAQ, the 3D motion analysis system, and the high-speed camera showed similar values. In addition, there was a correlation between ball velocity and spin rate over the velocity range from 6.7 m/s to 41.0 m/s (n=188). From these results, the developed system can be used to evaluate baseball pitching skill with high accuracy.