A three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic study of the college-level female softball swing

This paper quantifies and discusses the three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic characteristics of the female softball swing as performed by fourteen female collegiate amateur subjects. The analyses were performed using a three-dimensional computer model. The model was driven kinematically from subject swings data that were recorded with a multi-camera motion analysis system. Each subject used two distinct bats with significantly different inertial properties. Model output included bat trajectories, subject/bat interaction forces and torques, work, and power. These data formed the basis for a detailed analysis and description of fundamental swing kinematic and kinetic quantities. The analyses revealed that the softball swing is a highly coordinated and individual three-dimensional motion and subject-to-subject variations were significant in all kinematic and kinetic quantities. In addition, the potential effects of bat properties on swing mechanics are discussed. The paths of the hands and the centre-of-curvature of the bat relative to the horizontal plane appear to be important trajectory characteristics of the swing. Descriptions of the swing mechanics and practical implications are offered based upon these findings.

Title	A three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic study of the college-level female softball swing
Creator	Nesbit, Steven M.
Creator	Milanovich, M.
Publisher	Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
Academic Department	Mechanical Engineering
Division	Engineering
Organization	Lafayette College
Date Issued	March 2014
Date Available	2014-02-21T19:28:11Z
Type	Article
Language	English
Keyword	Softball
	Kinetics
	Softball bat
	Sport biomechanics
	Kinematics
	Softball swing
Bibliographic Citation	Milanovich, M. and S. M. Nesbit. (2014 Mar.) "A three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic study of the college-level female softball swing." Journal of Sports Science and Medicine 13 (1): 180-191.
Standard Identifier	Handle 10385/1411
Permalink	http://hdl.handle.net/10385/1411
Rights Statement	In Copyright
Rights Holders	Journal of Sports Science and Medicine