Date of Award

12-2006

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Human Performance and Health Education

First Advisor

Timothy J. Michael

Second Advisor

Timothy J. Michael

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Campus Only

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a six-week training program utilizing elastic pitching cords on the speed and accuracy of the underhand softball pitch in female, collegiate softball pitchers. Eight female, collegiate softball pitchers participated as subjects in this study. Four subjects maintained their typical training program (Control Group) and four subjects utilized the elastic pitching cords (Experimental Group). All subjects completed a Pre-Test, a six-week training program, and a Post-Test. The Pre- and Post-Tests consisted of an assessment of the speed and accuracy of the underhand pitch as well as a biomechanical analysis of the pitch. There was a significant increase in overall and accurate peak and mean arm angular and hip horizontal velocities ( deg·sec- 1 ) from the Pre- to the Post-Test in the Experimental Group but not the Control Group. There was an increase in overall and accurate peak pitching speeds (mi·hr- 1 ) in both groups however these variables were significantly greater in the Experimental Group compared to the Control Group during the Post-Test. There was a significant increase in accuracy score from the Pre- to the Post-Test in the Experimental Group but not the Control Group. In conclusion, six weeks of training with the pitching cords resulted in improvements in speed and accuracy of the softball pitch.

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