Relationship between countermovement jump metrics and fastball velocity in Division II collegiate pitchers
Presenter(s)
Joe Navratil and Joe Pearson
Abstract
Introduction: Pitching a baseball is one of the most demanding and complex movements in sports, characterized by the generation of high forces and angular velocities throughout the kinetic chain, from the lower extremities to the throwing arm. Within this context, fastball velocity has emerged as a paramount performance variable, serving as a primary indicator of pitching effectiveness and a significant factor in a pitcher's professional longevity and value. Multiple studies have investigated the lateral ground reaction forces of pitching using force plate technology; however, there is limited research comparing pitching velocity to lower extremity force generated through a countermovement jump (CMJ). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between fastball velocity and CMJ force plate performance metrics. Methods: Data was collected retrospectively from 23 division II collegiate pitchers recruited from the Winona State Baseball team that reported no injuries to upper or lower extremities. The pitchers were between the ages of 18 to 22 years and weighed 140 to 230 pounds. Each athlete performed 3 countermovement jumps, with a 10 second rest between repetitions. Hands were kept on hips to isolate lower body and remove the skill of timing the arms with the jump. Weekly testing was completed over a 3-month period during the fall season. High speed cameras and radar technology were used to track the pitcher's average fastball velocities. Speeds were assessed weekly over a 3-month duration during the fall season. Results: There is no strong correlation between average fastball velocities and CMJ force plate metrics. Intraclass correlation values were weak for both Peak Relative Braking Force (icc-value=0.36) and Net Positive Impulse (icc-value=0.36). Conclusion: There is a weak correlation when comparing CMJ force plate metrics and average fastball velocity in division II college pitchers. This may be due to complex biomechanical demands of pitching. Practical Applications: The results of this study indicate that CMJ performance metrics including peak relative braking force and net positive impulse are not strongly correlated to fastball velocities. However, these metrics may provide valuable information on where to target training to potentially enhance pitching velocity. For future research, upper extremity force plate testing should be looked at along with lower extremity data to provide a better indicator for fastball velocities.
College
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Department
Health, Exercise & Rehabilitative Sciences
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Becky Heinert
Location
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 9:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1a=9am-10am
Poster Number
57
Relationship between countermovement jump metrics and fastball velocity in Division II collegiate pitchers
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Introduction: Pitching a baseball is one of the most demanding and complex movements in sports, characterized by the generation of high forces and angular velocities throughout the kinetic chain, from the lower extremities to the throwing arm. Within this context, fastball velocity has emerged as a paramount performance variable, serving as a primary indicator of pitching effectiveness and a significant factor in a pitcher's professional longevity and value. Multiple studies have investigated the lateral ground reaction forces of pitching using force plate technology; however, there is limited research comparing pitching velocity to lower extremity force generated through a countermovement jump (CMJ). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between fastball velocity and CMJ force plate performance metrics. Methods: Data was collected retrospectively from 23 division II collegiate pitchers recruited from the Winona State Baseball team that reported no injuries to upper or lower extremities. The pitchers were between the ages of 18 to 22 years and weighed 140 to 230 pounds. Each athlete performed 3 countermovement jumps, with a 10 second rest between repetitions. Hands were kept on hips to isolate lower body and remove the skill of timing the arms with the jump. Weekly testing was completed over a 3-month period during the fall season. High speed cameras and radar technology were used to track the pitcher's average fastball velocities. Speeds were assessed weekly over a 3-month duration during the fall season. Results: There is no strong correlation between average fastball velocities and CMJ force plate metrics. Intraclass correlation values were weak for both Peak Relative Braking Force (icc-value=0.36) and Net Positive Impulse (icc-value=0.36). Conclusion: There is a weak correlation when comparing CMJ force plate metrics and average fastball velocity in division II college pitchers. This may be due to complex biomechanical demands of pitching. Practical Applications: The results of this study indicate that CMJ performance metrics including peak relative braking force and net positive impulse are not strongly correlated to fastball velocities. However, these metrics may provide valuable information on where to target training to potentially enhance pitching velocity. For future research, upper extremity force plate testing should be looked at along with lower extremity data to provide a better indicator for fastball velocities.
Comments
navratil, joe; Pearson, Joseph R