An examination of pre-activity and post-activity training practices of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and Division III baseball coaches

Abstract

Baseball includes complex multi-joint and multi-planar activities involving a majority of the musculature of the body. Research pertaining to training practices including pre-activity and post-activity stretching continues to evolve along with related sport science recommendations. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the pre-activity and post-activity warm-up, stretching, and training practices of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I and Division III baseball coaches. A total of 686 questionnaires were distributed via email to head collegiate baseball coaches from NCAA Division I and III universities. The questionnaire was designed to gather demographic, professional, and educational information, as well as specific pre-activity and post-activity stretching usage by the coaches. The responses were examined by computing frequency counts and means where applicable. For the statistical analysis, both SPSS version 27.0 and JMP version 13.0 software packages were utilized. Pearson's Chi-squared tests were run where applicable. Results indicated just over 77% of coaches in the present study affirmed the importance of a pre-activity dynamic warmup. When comparing coaching specific certification to pre-activity flexibility practices, it is clear not all coaches comply with suggested pre-activity flexibility recommendations. This study indicates it is important for baseball coaches to re-evaluate their own practices, perhaps cross-checking them with practices of their peers and staying current with ongoing research.