Factors affecting ball velocity in baseball pitchers

Abstract

Background: Baseball is a sport played between two teams that alternate between offence and defence. For pitchers, ball velocity is crucial, making understanding the factors influencing pitching speed essential. This study aimed to determine the factors that affect ball velocity in baseball pitchers.

Methods: The study used a descriptive study design with a literature review approach, which took secondary data from journals related to factors that affected ball velocity in baseball pitchers. Five articles published within the last five years (2019–2024) were analyzed to identify factors affecting ball velocity in baseball pitchers. The inclusion criteria comprised studies published within the previous five years and on factors influencing pitching velocity. Meanwhile, the exclusion criteria included irrelevant articles, studies with subjects other than baseball pitchers, and studies with incomplete data or without full access.

Results: The results showed that external and internal factors affect a pitcher’s ball velocity. External factors, such as the biomechanics of pitching and the training program run, while internal factors, such as height and age.

Conclusion: External factors, such as the biomechanics of the pitching motion and the implemented training program, play a crucial role in determining a pitcher’s throwing speed. Additionally, internal factors, including the pitcher’s height and age, were found to have a significant impact on ball velocity.