J 2022

Visual constraints and swing timing in softball batting: pitcher vs. pitching machine

CARBOCH, Jan, Petra PRAVECKOVA, Petra SMEJKALOVA, Tomas KOCIB, Jiří ZHÁNĚL et. al.

Basic information

Original name

Visual constraints and swing timing in softball batting: pitcher vs. pitching machine

Authors

CARBOCH, Jan (203 Czech Republic, guarantor), Petra PRAVECKOVA (203 Czech Republic), Petra SMEJKALOVA (203 Czech Republic), Tomas KOCIB (203 Czech Republic) and Jiří ZHÁNĚL (203 Czech Republic, belonging to the institution)

Edition

Physical Activity Review, 2022, 2300-5076

Other information

Language

English

Type of outcome

Článek v odborném periodiku

Field of Study

30306 Sport and fitness sciences

Country of publisher

Poland

Confidentiality degree

není předmětem státního či obchodního tajemství

References:

Impact factor

Impact factor: 0.900

RIV identification code

RIV/00216224:14510/22:00125559

Organization unit

Faculty of Sports Studies

DOI

UT WoS

000779790300008

Keywords in English

perception; visual cues; anticipation; perception-action coupling

Tags

Změněno: 3/4/2023 07:38, Mgr. Pavlína Roučová, DiS.

Abstract

V originále

When players practice batting against a pitching machine, there are some visual constraints that can affect the movement behaviour of the batter due to the absence of visual information sources that are available in competition performance (pitcher motion). This study sought to compare the timing of softball swing phases whilst batting against a pitcher and a pitching machine. Semi-experienced batters were recorded using a high-speed camera (200 fps) hitting balls (same pitch type) when batting against a pitcher and a pitching machine. Results showed significant differences in specific phases of swing timing under both conditions and each player was affected individually, mostly in the movement initiation (heel of the front leg) and duration of leg on – forward swing initiation. Practice task constraints that removed information sources were shown to have affected batters in specific phases of their swing. Therefore, pitching machines should be used wisely, and coaches should be aware of issues of how the use of pitching machines can affect the softball swing, even with lower level softball players. Furthermore, analysing participants as a group, as opposed to assessing individual differences within the group, can lead to inaccurate results and interpretations individual player’s motor responses and behaviour can be affected in different ways.