Analysis of Swing Characteristics According to Division into Nine Courses Using Baseball Swing Measurement Device

Abstract

In recent years, as measurement devices have advanced due to sensor and information technology, we have been able to measure bat swing data just after baseball impact. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of a batter’s swing using batting skill assessments from baseball coaches with significant experience. Finally, the practicality and effectiveness of baseball coaching methods, particularly for batting, were verified through this study. The subjects were 25 male university baseball players (age: 19.8 ± 1.0 yrs, body height: 174.5 ± 5.4 cm; body weight: 72.8 ± 5.1 kg). The participants were instructed to hit the ball placed on a tee stand. Nine types of tee-batting positions (course / height) were set for each participant depending on the upper and lower limits of the strike zone according to the baseball rules. Our main findings were as follows: 1) The swing characteristics (Depth: swing time and vertical bat angle, Height: head speed, rolling angular velocity, bat radius of rotation, horizontal bat angle, and vertical bat angle, Course: rolling angular velocity) varied with respect to ball positions, 2) Through batting skill assessment by two baseball coaches with significant experience, a good batter’s swing can be characterized as high bat speed, short swing time, and high efficiency of rotational movement around the vertical axis. Additionally, the coaches suggested that for a good batter’s swing, the vertical bat angle should be stable and smaller than 9°. These results provide useful information on assessment of bat swing training methods and exercises to hit the ball to different positions. Furthermore, this study can aid baseball coaches and/or players to objectively analyze a bat swing of a player.