Baseball |
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| Baseball players use a 2-point stance that is peculiar to baseball. However, the concept of "lift off", where the start is linked to an aspect of progressive force production, which culminates in the recovery phase. In baseball, the recovery phase begins with the first step after the batter makes contact with the ball; the catcher, infielder or outfielder's reaction to the ball on contact. The pitcher's plant leg after the wind up is another example of recovery following the first step. However, like the long distance runner's comparision to sprinters; pitchers compares favorably with the "lift off" concept of the space shuttle. The pitcher recovers and the shoulders, hips and arm accelerate until the ball is released; then in a downward snapping action...the pitcher decelerates. The ball travels at peak acceleration speed, maintains speed and decelerates (performance paradigm). When the subject of running is brought up concerning baseball...one generally thinks "offense"...base running; base stealing. Mario Rico, Co-Head SoftBall Coach, Batting and Pitching Coach extraordinaire at Los Angeles Valley College talked about a performance paradigm which consist of force production, force reduction and propriorception. Players must execute all aspects of this performance pardigm when batting and then repeat this process in the running process. Once the player makes the transition from batter to runner they must see the ball which provides information immediately to the brain concerning the running distance. The stride length will be adjusted to the distance and the rhythm of stride during the recovery phase. The players accelerate to peak speed based off of the running distance. Base runners are similar to 200 meter sprinters in that they must accelerate in the curve by rounding the base [aiming at the inside tip of the bag], maintaining peak speed in between bases and decelerating or sliding into the designated base. Defensively, just because players wear gloves do not alter the fact that they are runners and must use the principles of running correctly if they are to experience peak performance. This means running with the glove until they are hand shaking distance from the ball. Then and only then do they extend their hand towards the ball. Conclusion: Acceleration is still the factor which provides the greatest contribution to running distance. It is recommended that players, including pitchers; use stadium stairs [long step] or a gradual upgrade to practice acceleration. The player should start and try to maintain moderate while emphasizing leg drive. |