Department of Health and Human Performance Faculty Articles

Title

The biomechanics of situational baseball: Execution and perception of left-handed pitcher’s pick-off moves to first base

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2007

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide an in-depth analysis of the pick-off play in baseball. Ten collegiate left-handed pitchers and nine base-runners participated in this study. The pitchers were videotaped with four cameras to derive three-dimensional data while performing deliveries in the directions of first base and home plate in a laboratory setting. Deliveries were performed from flat ground. Differences between these deliveries were measured through ten selected joint and segment angles. The base-runners completed two distinct procedures in which they viewed video footage of left-handed pitchers and estimated the intended delivery direction. Base-runners were subsequently interviewed to determine the reasoning behind their decisions. The pitchers' data revealed differences between delivery types in nearly all of the selected angles (P < 0.01). The base-runners' data demonstrated that their ability to discriminate delivery types improved when allowed more viewing time per trial (P < 0.01). Additionally, commonalities exist among the base-runners' focal points on the pitcher while making decisions regarding delivery direction and the kinematic differences between deliveries in left-handed pitchers. The practical significance of these results, however, may be more difficult to interpret.

Publication Title

Sport Biomechanics

Volume

6

Issue

1

First Page

2

Last Page

16

ISSN

1476-3141

DOI Number

10.1080/14763140601058375

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