Ground Reaction Force Evaluation during a Baseball Practice Swing Movement

Abstract

This study was designed to compare and evaluate the batting motion of skilled baseball players and unskilled novices. The batting motion, floor reaction forces acting on each foot, and swing speed of 6 skilled baseball players and 6 unskilled novices were recorded using a motion capture system, two force plates, and a speed gun. The batting motion was divided into four phases: stance, pivot foot loading, swing (impact), and follow-through. This study analyzed movements of the center of gravity, floor reaction force, and joint moment during the batting motion, with comparison based on players' baseball experience. Results suggest that a lower center of gravity is better and that the foot movement during batting is important.