Implementing Motor Preference Profiling To Optimize Hitting Performance In Division II Collegiate Softball Players
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Presenter(s)
Miyako Deloney
Abstract
PURPOSE: Softball hitting is a complex motor skill that requires players to quickly identify pitch type and location while simultaneously executing a coordinated swing. Individual differences in motor abilities and movement tendencies can influence performance. Implementing motor preferences (MP) may allow for more individualized and effective training strategies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the implementation of testing to identify MP profiles and evaluate targeted training on individualized profiles by assessing hitting performance metrics.
METHODS: Twenty-two NCAA Division II (DII) softball players performed MP assessments to determine their MP profiles. Seventeen players met inclusion criteria and were included in the final statistical analysis. Players underwent MP testing that involved comparing various balance positions and determining their sturdiest position via tester observation and player feedback. The MP profiles included in this study: Aerial vs. Terrestrial, Flexion vs. Extension leg, Move Dial, Associated vs. Disassociated, Axial vs. Large, Horizontal vs. Vertical, and Motor Shoulder. Each player was categorized for each MP profile based on the 11 MP assessments conducted. The Hittrax Pro and Blast Motion were used to measure performance metrics including ball exit velocity (BEV), bat speed (BS), and attack angle (AA). Descriptive statistics identifying individual performance metrics were calculated, and a Paired t-Test was conducted in SPSS. Significance was determined with a p-value of p < 0.05.
RESULTS: The data from this study revealed a statistically significant increase in BS after MP testing and targeted hitting practice (p = 0.002, d = 0.923). No statistically significant differences were found for BEV and AA (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest implementing MP testing and individualized training may be an effective approach for improving hitting performance, with the greatest improvement observed in BS among collegiate softball athletes.
College
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Department
Health, Exercise & Rehabilitative Sciences
First Advisor/Mentor
Becky Heinert
Second Advisor/Mentor
Justin Geijer
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Format of Presentation or Performance
Pre-Recorded Video
Implementing Motor Preference Profiling To Optimize Hitting Performance In Division II Collegiate Softball Players
PURPOSE: Softball hitting is a complex motor skill that requires players to quickly identify pitch type and location while simultaneously executing a coordinated swing. Individual differences in motor abilities and movement tendencies can influence performance. Implementing motor preferences (MP) may allow for more individualized and effective training strategies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the implementation of testing to identify MP profiles and evaluate targeted training on individualized profiles by assessing hitting performance metrics.
METHODS: Twenty-two NCAA Division II (DII) softball players performed MP assessments to determine their MP profiles. Seventeen players met inclusion criteria and were included in the final statistical analysis. Players underwent MP testing that involved comparing various balance positions and determining their sturdiest position via tester observation and player feedback. The MP profiles included in this study: Aerial vs. Terrestrial, Flexion vs. Extension leg, Move Dial, Associated vs. Disassociated, Axial vs. Large, Horizontal vs. Vertical, and Motor Shoulder. Each player was categorized for each MP profile based on the 11 MP assessments conducted. The Hittrax Pro and Blast Motion were used to measure performance metrics including ball exit velocity (BEV), bat speed (BS), and attack angle (AA). Descriptive statistics identifying individual performance metrics were calculated, and a Paired t-Test was conducted in SPSS. Significance was determined with a p-value of p < 0.05.
RESULTS: The data from this study revealed a statistically significant increase in BS after MP testing and targeted hitting practice (p = 0.002, d = 0.923). No statistically significant differences were found for BEV and AA (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest implementing MP testing and individualized training may be an effective approach for improving hitting performance, with the greatest improvement observed in BS among collegiate softball athletes.
