Abstract des Autors

Co-ordination of the complex movements involved in pitching can be promoted by thorough knowledge of the pitching motion. Three-dimensional high speed photography was used to record the fastball actions of six members of the Australian National pitching squad. The Direct Linear Transformation (DLT) method of motion analyses for 3-D space reconstruction from 2-D images was used to record the movement of selected anatomical features. Phase-locked cameras operating at 200fps were used to record the pitching action. A detailed analysis of the mechanics of the first balance position, the break of the hands, the fully cocked or power position and the movement of body segments to ball release are presented and compared to pitching literature. Results indicated that elite Australian pitchers generally exhibited a throwing technique which was consistent with the literature. Discrepancies were, however, recorded for the movement of the stride limb during the pivot and the timing of the pivot limb drive. Verf.-Referat