| Description |
Increasing baseball bat velocity is the goal of many baseball strength and conditioning programs, as fast bat velocity is essential for successfully hitting a baseball. Despite the desire to increase bat velocity, few studies have examined the effectiveness of training using rotational and linear plyometric exercises in baseball batting specific motions. This study investigates the effects of a combination rotational and linear plyometric program on baseball bat swing velocity. Participants consisted of healthy male NCAA Division I baseball hitters. Twelve participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups, an experimental and a control group. All participants performed standard off-season baseball practice and weight training. The experimental group also completed a rotational and linear plyometric exercise program two times per week for 8 weeks, while the control group had no intervention. Bat velocity was assessed prior to training, after 4 weeks of training, and after 8 weeks of training. A 2x3 mixed factorial repeated measures design was used to investigate the effects of the rotational and linear training program on bat velocity. Significance was set at alpha < 0.05. No significant main group effect, time effect, or time and group effect was found. However practical significance was found, as the plyometric training group had a 9.5% improvement in bat velocity and the control group had a 1.7% improvement in bat velocity at the end of the study. Therefore, the use of normal practice and weight training, and a combination rotational and linear plyometric program had no significant effect on baseball bat velocity, but did account for some positive increases. This study serves as a starting point for further research needed to improve bat velocity in Division I College baseball players. |
