Ball Speed Research Articles

Comparison on Selected Fitness Indicator and Golf Performances among Elite and Non-Elite University Golfers

The purpose of the study was to investigate the differences of physical fitness between elite and non-elite golfers in the National Golf Academy, UUM. The two groups were compared based on their physical fitness (leg power, muscular endurance, muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, balance and abdominal muscle performances) and golf performances (handicap, 5-iron ball speed, 5-iron clubhead speed, 5-iron carry distance, average score, greens in regulations, and putts per round). Significant differences were found on handicap and predicted Vo2max variables (p < 0.05). Significant differences were also found on non-dominant leg vertical jump (20.6 ± 4.5 vs. 14.7 ± 5, p < 0.05) and push up performances (27.9 ± 10.1 vs. 16.4 ± 11.2, p < 0.05) between the elite and non-elite groups. Elite golfers have better performances in static balance (both dominant and non-dominant leg) and abdominal muscle performance where the significant level was found to be less than 0.05. While for golf performances, the difference between those two groups were found on the 5-iron clubhead speed, 5-iron ball speed, 5-iron carrying distance and average score (p < 0.05). These results can be used for developing training programmemes, as well as for the development of talent identification programmemes.
 Keywords: golf, fitness, performance, comparison, elite, university

Effects of lower limb position on ball speed in tennis ground strokes


 
 
 According to Schoenborn (2002) groundstrokes are 62% of all tennis strokes in competition. The forehand is considered the main “weapon” in modern tennis, along with the serve, and 74% of top 100 male players use a two handed backhand. This percentage rises to 92% in women. The forehand drive is of great importance in the male professional tennis and it is considered the most important stroke after the serve (Reid, Elliot, & Crespo, 2013).
 
 

Rubber Bat Effect of Maximal Ball Velocity in Table Tennis

This study is focused on the analysis of the characteristics and the effects on the ball speed of smash stroke using different types of bat rubber. The types of bat rubber researched in this study are inverted, pimpled out and hard rubber. The study samples are table tennis athletes of Table Tennis Student Activity Unit at UPI Bandung. The data of the study is obtained by conducting video analysis using motion software analysis system (Frame-DIAS IV). From the result of this study, speed data of each type of bat rubber is obtained. One-way ANOVA statistical test shows that there is no significant difference on the ball speed between inverted and hard rubber types. Another result shows that there are significant differences of ball speed which are produced by using inverted and hard rubber types. Some of the factors that influence these differences are pips orientation and thickness of each rubber. This test result shows that the selection of bat rubber types is vital in improving the quality of athlete performance.

Effect of Ball Weight on Speed, Accuracy, and Mechanics in Cricket Fast Bowling.

The aims of this study were: (1) to quantify the acute effects of ball weight on ball release speed, accuracy, and mechanics in cricket fast bowling; and (2) to test whether a period of sustained training with underweight and overweight balls is effective in increasing a player’s ball release speed. Ten well-trained adult male cricket players performed maximum-effort deliveries using balls ranging in weight from 46% to 137% of the standard ball weight (156 g). A radar gun, bowling target, and 2D video analysis were used to obtain measures of ball speed, accuracy, and mechanics. The participants were assigned to either an intervention group, who trained with underweight and overweight balls, or to a control group, who trained with standard-weight balls. We found that ball speed decreased at a rate of about 1.1 m/s per 100 g increase in ball weight. Accuracy and bowling mechanics were not adversely affected by changes in ball weight. There was evidence that training with underweight and overweight balls might have produced a practically meaningful increase in bowling speed (>1.5 m/s) in some players without compromising accuracy or increasing their risk of injury through inducing poor bowling mechanics. In cricket fast bowling, a wide range of ball weight might be necessary to produce an effective modified-implement training program.

Bilateral Leg Differences in Soccer Kick Kinematics Following Exhaustive Running Fatigue

Background: Understanding fatigue effects on kicking technique with both legs would allow coaches to design soccer-specific training programs. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to examine whether fatigue effects on soccer kick kinematics would differ between the preferred and the non-preferred leg. Methods: Ten adult amateur male players (age: 24.5 ± 5.8 yrs; height: 179.2 ± 4.3 cm; mass: 79.3 ± 5.4 kg; training age: 11.5 ± 2.9 yrs) performed two instep kicks with their preferred and non-preferred leg prior to and after running on a treadmill till exhaustion. Three-dimensional kinematics were collected pre and post-fatigue. Results: Analysis of variance indicated a statistically significant decline in ball speed after fatigue for both legs (P < 0.05). Maximum linear and angular velocity for all joints was significantly lower post fatigue for both preferred and non-preferred leg (P < 0.05). Similarly, alterations on joint kinematics were evident for both legs. Conclusions: Soccer kick performance declined after fatigue and this reduction was higher for the non-preferred leg compared to preferred leg performance. These findings indicate the need for specific exercises during the training process in order to reduce the effects of fatigue, especially for the non-preferred leg.

Characterisation of ball degradation events in professional tennis

Tennis balls are acknowledged to degrade with use and are replaced at regular intervals during professional matches to maintain consistency and uniformity in performance, such that the game is not adversely affected. Balls are subject to the international tennis federation’s (ITF) ball approval process, which includes a degradation test to ensure a minimum standard of performance. The aim of this investigation was to establish if the ITF degradation test can assess ball longevity and rate of degradation and determine if there is a need for a new degradation test that is more representative of in-play conditions. Ball tracking data from four different professional events, spanning the three major court surfaces, including both men’s and women’s matches were analysed. The frequency of first serves, second serves, racket impacts and surface impacts were assessed and the corresponding distribution of ball speed and (for surface impacts) impact angle was determined. Comparison of ball impact frequency and conditions between in-play data and the ITF degradation test indicated the development of a new test, more representative of in-play data, would be advantageous in determining ball longevity and rate of degradation with use. Assessment of data from different surfaces highlighted that grass court subjected the ball to fewer racket and surface impacts than hard court or clay. In turn, this appears to influence the distribution of ball speed on impact with the surface or racket, suggesting a surface-specific degradation test may be beneficial. As a result of these findings a new test protocol has been proposed, utilising the in-play data, to define the frequency of impacts and impact conditions to equate to nine games of professional tennis across the different surfaces.

Changes in Lower Extremity Kinematics and Temporal Parameters of Adolescent Baseball Pitchers During an Extended Pitching Bout

Background: Few studies have investigated detailed 3-dimensional lower extremity kinematics during baseball pitching in adolescent athletes during extended play. Changes in these parameters may affect performance outcomes. Purpose: To investigate whether adolescent baseball pitchers experience changes in lower extremity kinematics and event timing during a simulated game-length pitching bout. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Twelve male adolescent pitchers (aged 14-16 years) threw 6 sets of 15 fastball pitches from an artificial pitching mound to a target at regulation distance. Joint angles and angular velocities at the hip, knee, and ankle of both legs were collected throughout the phases of the pitching cycle as well as stride length, pelvis orientation, pitch duration, timing of foot contact and ball release, ball speed, and pitching accuracy. Paired t tests (P < .05) were used to compare the dependent variables between the last 5 pitches of the second (baseline) and sixth (final) sets. Results: During the stride phase, decreased maximum angular excursions for hip extension (baseline: 14.7° ± 9.8°; final: 11.6° ± 10.3°; P < .05) and ankle plantar flexion (baseline: 30.2° ± 14.5°; final: 24.2° ± 15.3°; P < .05) as well as maximum angular velocity for knee extension (baseline: 144.9 ± 63.3 deg·s−1; final: 121.7 ± 62.0 deg·s−1; P < .05) were observed between sets in the trailing leg. At foot contact, pitchers had decreased hip flexion (baseline: 69.5° ± 10.1°; final: 66.5° ± 11.8°; P < .05) and increased hip abduction (baseline: 20.7° ± 8.9°; final: 25.4° ± 6.0°; P < .05) in the leading leg in the final set. Compared with the baseline set, ball speed significantly decreased in the final set (29.5 ± 2.5 m·s−1 vs 28.3 ± 2.5 m·s−1, respectively; P < .05). Conclusion: Kinematic changes and decreased ball speeds observed in the final set suggest that adolescent pitchers are unable to maintain lower extremity kinematics and performance as a result of extended play. Clinical Relevance: The results from this study may warrant further investigation into how altered lower extremity kinematics may affect trunk and upper extremity function, performance, and risk of injuries during pitching in adolescent athletes, particularly during actual game play.

THE EFFECTS OF A 5-WEEK GOLF SPECIFIC STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING INTERVENTION ON SWING PERFORMANCE FACTORS

BackgroundThe effects of golf specific strength and conditioning interventions on performance are scarcely researched. However, a multitude of research exists relative to golf related injuries. From those studies, it has...

Biomechanical Comparison of Three Perceived Effort Set Shots in Team Handball Players.

Plummer, HA, Gascon, SS, and Oliver, GD. Biomechanical comparison of three perceived effort set shots in team handball players. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 80-87, 2017-Shoulder injuries are prevalent in the sport of team handball; however, no guidelines currently exist in the implementation of an interval throwing protocol for players returning from an upper extremity injury. These guidelines exist for the sport of baseball, but team handball may present additional challenges due to greater ball mass that must be accounted for. The purpose of this study was to examine kinematic differences in the team handball set shot at 50, 75, and 100% effort which are common throwing intensities in throwing protocols. Eleven male team handball players (23.09 ± 3.05 years; 185.12 ± 8.33 cm; 89.65 ± 12.17 kg) volunteered. An electromagnetic tracking system was used to collect kinematic data at the pelvis, trunk, scapula, and shoulder. Kinematic differences at the shoulder, trunk, and pelvis were observed across effort levels throughout the set shot with most occurring at ball release and maximum internal rotation. Significant differences in ball speed were observed between all 3 effort level shots (p < 0.001). Team handball players are able to gauge the effort at which they shoot; however, it cannot be assumed that these speeds will be at a certain percentage of their maximum. The results of this study provide valuable evidence that can be used to prepare a team handball player to return to throwing activities.

野球打撃における左右への打ち分けに寄与する2つのインパクトメカニズム：打球速度と各メカニズムの貢献

野球打撃における左右への打ち分けに寄与する2つのインパクトメカニズム：打球速度と各メカニズムの貢献

四ローラ式ボール発射機の発射機構の開発

Ball shooting machine (pitching machine) is used for practicing ball sports, and it is widely prevalent. However, there are few pitching machines that can throw a ball with a gyro spin, such as a football or rifle bullet, in which the axis of the ball spins in the same direction as the ball travels. In this study, a new ball shooting machine, which can throw in the ball in a wide range of speeds and all pitch types (no, top, down, side and gyro spin balls) was invented by introducing a launch mechanism using four rollers (two launch and two gyro rollers). The shooting machine is able to arbitrarily change the rotational speed of the four rollers and the crossing angle of both gyro rollers. Shooting tests were conducted using the prototype shooting machine to confirm the ability of its performance. From the experiment results, the prototype machine had a maximum ball speed of 42.5 m/s, a spin rate of exceeding 5000 rpm, and a ball of any pitch type could also be shot. In addition, the position accuracy (shot accuracy) at the targeted fall position in the opponent's court was high because the gyro spin and other pitch types (no, top and side spins) were less than 140 mm and 40 mm (the diameter of one table tennis ball), respectively. The prototype machine had the necessary launching performance for table tennis practice of a college student level.

野球の打撃動作における打撃条件の違いが上肢のキネマティクスに及ぼす影響：ティーおよび飛来球打撃条件による比較

The purpose of this study was to compare the kinematic characteristics of the upper body between baseball tee batting and pitched ball batting in order to gain basic knowledge for improvement of batting skill. Ten male collegiate baseball players (age: 20.7±1.1 yr; height: 1.75±0.05 m; body mass: 76.3±7.1 kg; athletic career: 12.7±2.7 yr) participated. They performed 2 kinds of batting: tee batting (TB) and machine-pitch batting (MB) using a pitching machine (approximate ball speed 33.3 m/s), which were set at middle ball height for the strike zone. Three-dimensional coordinate data were acquired with a motion capture system. Kinematic variables such as maximum bat-head speed, swing time, bat angle, joint angles of the upper limbs, and segment angle of the upper trunk were calculated. Differences between TB and MB were analyzed statistically using paired t-test (p<0.05). The maximum bat-head speed was significantly greater in TB than in MB, but swing times divided into 2 phases showed no significant differences between MB and TB. In the first half of the swing, the bat inclination angle was significantly larger in MB than in TB. The joint angles of the barrel-side shoulder abduction, knob-side shoulder adduction and internal rotation were significantly larger in MB than in TB, and those of the barrel-side shoulder internal rotation and individual elbow pronations were significantly larger in TB than in MB. The clockwise rotational angle of the upper trunk was significantly larger in TB than in MB. In the last half of the swing, the joint angles of the barrel-side shoulder abduction, knob-side shoulder flexion and adduction were significantly larger in MB than in TB, and that of the knob-side elbow pronation was significantly larger in TB than in MB. The changes in upper body movement in MB affected the radius of rotation of the bat about the vertical axis to control the bat easily. The movements in the last half of the swing largely resulted from those in the first half of the swing, and did not contribute to timing adjustment. These results indicate that the initial configuration of the bat and upper limbs, and movements at the beginning of the bat swing contribute to the timing adjustment of the bat for a pitched ball. The results of the present study suggest that it could be useful to pay attention to the movement of the bat and upper body in the first half of the swing as TB practice in order to improve timing adjustment.

탄력밴드를 이용한 1회성 동체 PNF 스트레칭이 고등학교 야구선수의 피칭속도에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 고등학교 야구선수를 대상으로 운동 전 탄력밴드를 이용한 1회성 동체 PNF 스트레칭 운동을 통해 동체의 관절가동범위 및 구속변화에 어떠한 영향을 주는지를 알아봄에 연구의 목적이 있다. 이를 위하여 현재 I 광역시 소재 고등학교 소속 야구선수 11명을 대상으로 동체 PNF 스트레칭을 던지는 팔을 중심으로 전방 및 후방향으로 각 30회 실시한 후 동체 관절가동범위와 구속을 측정하였으며, 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 동체 PNF 스트레칭 운동 후 동체 관절가동범위는 유의한 증가를 보였다. 둘째, PNF 스트레칭 운동 후 최고, 최저 및 평균구속은 유의하게 증가하였다. 셋째, PNF 동체스트레칭 운동 후 선수들의 투구시 힘듦 정도는 유의하게 감소하였다. 이러한 결과는 야구선수들의 탄력밴드를 이용한 1회성 동체 PNF 스트레칭 운동을 통해 ROM 증가 및 구속증가를 기대할 수 있음을 나타낸다. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of thoracic dynamic stretching with elastic band on the ROM and ball speed for baseball player. For this purpose, 11 baseball players of the I city high school and university performed thoracic dynamic stretching with elastic band before throwing a ball. After stretching, we measured the ROM and ball speed and compared. The results were as follows. First, ROM after stretching showed a significant increase immediately compared with before stretching. Second, the speed of the ball was significantly increased after stretching compared with before. These results indicated that thoracic dynamic stretching with elastic band for baseball players might have a positive effect on ball speed as well as ROM.

Kinematic analyses of seated throwing activities with and without an assistive pole

In Paralympic seated throwing events, the athlete can throw with and without an assistive pole. This study aimed to identify and compare performance-related kinematic variables associated with both seated throwing techniques. Twenty-nine non-disabled males (21.9 ± 2.6 years) performed 12 maximal throws using a 1-kg ball in two conditions (no-pole and pole). Automatic 3D-kinematic tracking (150 Hz) and temporal data were acquired. There was no significant difference between ball speeds at the point of release between conditions (no-pole = 12.8 ± 1.6 m/s vs. pole = 12.9 ± 1.5 m/s). There were four kinematic variables that were strongly correlated with ball speed when throwing with or without an assistive pole. These variables were elbow flexion at the start phase (pole r = .39 and no-pole r = .41), maximum shoulder external rotation angular velocity during the arm cocking phase (pole r = .42), maximum shoulder internal rotation angular velocity during the arm acceleration phase (pole r = .47), and should internal rotation angular velocity at the instant of ball release (pole r = .40). The pole clearly influenced the throwing technique with all four strongly correlated variables identified in this condition, compared to only one during the no-pole condition. When using the pole, participants produced significantly higher shoulder internal rotation angular velocities during the arm acceleration phase (pole = 367 ± 183°/s vs. no-pole = 275 ± 178°/s, p < .05) and at the instant of ball release (pole = 355 ± 115°/s vs. no-pole = 264 ± 120°/s, p < .05), compared to throwing without the pole. These findings have implications for the development of evidence-based classification systems in Paralympic seated throwing, and facilitate research that investigates the impact of impairment on seated throwing performance.

The physics of juggling a spinning ping-pong ball

Juggling a spinning ball with a ping-pong paddle represents a challenge both in terms of hand-eye coordination and physics concepts. Here, we analyze the ping-pong ball's motion, and explore how the correct paddle angle relates to the ball's spin and speed, as it moves vertically up and down. For students, this requires engaging with concepts like momentum, angular momentum, free-body diagrams, and friction. The activities described in this article include high-speed video motion tracking of the ping-pong ball and the investigation of the frictional characteristics of the paddle. They can be done in a physics lab or at home, requiring only inexpensive or commonly used equipment, and can be undertaken by high school or college students.

Validity of the standing and jump spike tests for monitoring female volleyball players of different levels of competition

The purpose of this paper was to study whether the standing spike test and the jump spike test are valid ways to measure the spike speed for players of different ages. The sample included 27 players from the under-18 Spanish national team and the senior Spanish national team. The variables that were studied include the ball speeds of the standing spike and jump spike tests and the level or age group of the players. The results show that players from the senior national team had significantly higher average and peak speeds for the standing spike and jump spike than players from the under-18 national team (p<0.001). For national team under-18 and senior players, significant correlations were found between average and peak ball speeds for both the standing spike test and the jump spike test (p<0.001). The results show that the standing spike test and the jump spike test are valid tests for monitoring the performance of female volleyball players in development. This article provides values which can be used as references to guide the training process in young players.

Futsal Match-Related Fatigue Affects Running Performance and Neuromuscular Parameters but Not Finishing Kick Speed or Accuracy.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of futsal match-related fatigue on running performance, neuromuscular variables, and finishing kick speed and accuracy.Methods: Ten professional futsal players participated in the study (age: 22.2 ± 2.5 years) and initially performed an incremental protocol to determine maximum oxygen uptake (: 50.6 ± 4.9 mL.kg−1.min−1). Next, simulated games were performed, in four periods of 10 min during which heart rate and blood lactate concentration were monitored. The entire games were video recorded for subsequent automatic tracking. Before and immediately after the simulated game, neuromuscular function was measured by maximal isometric force of knee extension, voluntary activation using twitch interpolation technique, and electromyographic activity. Before, at half time, and immediately after the simulated game, the athletes also performed a set of finishing kicks for ball speed and accuracy measurements.Results: Total distance covered (1st half: 1986.6 ± 74.4 m; 2nd half: 1856.0 ± 129.7 m, P = 0.00) and distance covered per minute (1st half: 103.2 ± 4.4 m.min−1; 2nd half: 96.4 ± 7.5 m.min−1, P = 0.00) demonstrated significant declines during the simulated game, as well as maximal isometric force of knee extension (Before: 840.2 ± 66.2 N; After: 751.6 ± 114.3 N, P = 0.04) and voluntary activation (Before: 85.9 ± 7.5%; After: 74.1 ± 12.3%, P = 0.04), however ball speed and accuracy during the finishing kicks were not significantly affected.Conclusion: Therefore, we conclude that despite the decline in running performance and neuromuscular variables presenting an important manifestation of central fatigue, this condition apparently does not affect the speed and accuracy of finishing kicks.

The role of lower limbs during tennis serve.

Tennis serve is the most important shot in tennis. Lower limbs generate about 50% of the total force developed during the serve, but limited information is available about their role. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of lower limbs during first and second serve and its relationship between jump height and ball speed during tennis serve. Eight professional tennis players (age: 20±3 years; height 181±3 cm; height with racket: 283±5 cm; playing experience 13±3 years) were tested with counter movement jump (CMJ) and CMJ with free arm swing (CMJF). Moreover, jump height and serve speed during first and second serve were measured. No significant differences between the first and the second serve jump height were observed. Significant difference between the best CMJ and jump height during the first (37.29±4.94 vs. 12.42±3.28, P=0.0006; effect size [ES]: >2.0) and the second (37.29±4.94 vs. 13.04±2.46, P=0.0002; ES: >2.0) serve was noted. Significant difference between the best CMJF performance and the best jump height during the first (44.46±6.22 vs. 12.42±3.28, P=0.0006; ES: >2.0) and the second (44.46±5.82 vs. 13.04±2.46, P=0.0002; ES: >2.0) serves were detected. Slightly significant Spearman positive correlations between jump height and first (P=0.049; r=0.71) and second (P=0.047; r=0.71) serve speed was computed. Reaching higher impact point during tennis serve could allow to serve faster. On the other hand, because tennis serve is a complex coordinative movement of the entire kinetic chain, coaches should focus more coordinative skills of their athletes.

Dissociating perception from judgment in the action-specific effect of blocking ease on perceived speed.

The action-specific approach to perception claims that a person's ability to act directly influences perceptual processes related to spatial vision. For example, a person's ability to block a moving ball impacts perceptual judgments of the ball's speed. However, an alternative explanation is that action rather than perception influences judgments. Here, we explore this distinction directly. Our method produces two distinct effects, one that is clearly a judgment-based effect and is based on the outcome of the trial (trial-outcome effect) and one that is under debate as to whether or not it is perceptual and is based on the ease with which the ball can be blocked (paddle-size effect). We explored whether these two effects would produce convergence or dissociations across various populations and manipulations. A dissociation is evidence for two separate underlying processes, whereas if the two effects did not dissociate, this would be consistent with claims that both effects were judgment-based. In Experiment 1, we examined whether older and younger adults would show a dissociation between the two effects given some precedent for older adults to show greater susceptibility to nonperceptual factors in their judgments. In Experiment 2, we used a cover story to excuse poor performance and examined its effects on both types of effects. Both experiments revealed dissociations, suggesting that while one effect is judgment-based, the other effect is not. Coupled with prior research, we conclude that the action-specific effect of ease to block a ball on estimated ball speed is perceptual.

The effects of induced variability in the performance on shot in soccer

The effects of induced variability in the improvement on shot at goal in soccer were examined. The hypothesis tested was that induced variability would be more beneficial for performance than repetition practice; 20 young soccer players ( N = 20) trained with induced variability, and 21 ( N = 21) trained with repetition method. Accuracy and ball speed were analyzed in three moments: pre-test, post-test carried out after 10 training sessions and re-test, applied at short term (one week). The induced variability group improved the accuracy on post-test ( p = 0.005) and re-test ( p = 0.0001). The repetition training group improved the accuracy on re-test ( p = 0.0001). The ball speed increased in both groups on post-test and re-test ( p = 0.0001). The induced variability improves the accuracy of the kicks at end of training, and short term after periods without practice. The repetition practice is effective to perform after no practice time only. The practice in both conditions leads to an increase in the ball speed at end of training as after periods without practice.