An Introduction to the Importance of the Kinetic Chain and Biomechanics in Pitching

www.intl.elsevierhealth.com/journals/jbmt

It is no secret that the best pitchers at the highest level have spent countless hours perfecting their throwing motion. They did not just get on the mound, and start throwing heat effortlessly. However, what some may not know, is that it takes a lot more than training just the upper body to throw a baseball well. When training to be a dominant pitcher, you must take into account that the body and its muscle functions are all part of a kinetic chain. It is also important to recognize that the smallest of biomechanical deviations can affect a pitch. As a result, performance specialists and coaches alike must be sure to take a holistic approach to training and creating the perfect pitcher. Power while pitching is generated in the lower body, transferred through the core, and released through the upper body at the end of a throw. Like Liebenson discusses, muscles stabilize joints like the rigging of a ship, and proper core co-contractions can increase spinal stability by 36-64%¹. Imagine the effect this has on a pitcher, when they are properly utilizing the whole kinetic chain vs having a weak core. The pitcher with a strong core, will have more velocity and control over his pitches, compared to one without the equal disposal of a proper transferal of forces throughout the kinetic chain. This concept also goes for pitching with proper biomechanics. For example, when a pitcher is deficient in part of the kinetic chain, over-compensation can occur in a different part of the chain, while trying to create an equal amount of power. This is when injury starts to occur, as Whiteley goes on to analyze in his review.

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As one small example, it is found that pitchers that deviated from the norm of average stride foot placement, and had a more “open foot position” had an extra 2.1N of force generated at the anterior aspect of the shoulder per degree of open foot placement². This may not seem like a significant amount of force over the course of one pitch, or even one outing on the mound. However, when a deviation like this is combined with other biomechanical and kinetic chain issues, it adds up, and pitchers find themselves predisposed to injury and at risk of decreased longevity.

References:

¹ Liebenson, C. (2007, April 23). A modern approach to abdominal training. Retrieved from www.intl.elsevierhealth.com/journals/jbmt

²Whiteley, R. (2007, March 1). Baseball throwing mechanics as they relate to pathology and performance – A review. Retrieved from http://www.jssm.org