Date of Award

8-1985

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Human Performance and Health Education

First Advisor

Dr. Mary L. Dawson

Second Advisor

Dr. Roger Zabik

Third Advisor

Dr. Harold Ray

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify the specific kinematic and kinetic variables associated with a successful fast ball, drop ball, and rise ball using the windmill style softball delivery. The subjects chosen for the investigation were female pitchers who participated in the Women's National Fast-Pitch Softball Tournament held in Buffalo, New York from August 17, 1984 to August 24, 1984.

After analyzing the data obtained from these subjects, the investigator concluded that: (a) there is a great deal of variability between the fast ball pitching mechanics of elite windmill style softball pitchers; (b) the success of a drop ball is dependent upon a small degree of hip and shoulder rotation and a large degree of hip and shoulder closure; and (c) the success of a rise ball is dependent upon a large degree of hip and shoulder rotation and a small degree of hip and shoulder closure.

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