U.S. patent application number 11/516078 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-06 for method for assessing biomechanical efficiency of the pitching delivery.
Invention is credited to Thomas R. House.
Application Number | 20080058126 11/516078 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39152469 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080058126 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
House; Thomas R. |
March 6, 2008 |
Method for assessing biomechanical efficiency of the pitching
delivery
Abstract
A method of assessing the biomechanical efficiency of a pitching
delivery relative to time elapsed through certain motions of the
pitching delivery. The method includes a pitching delivery
timeline. The pitching delivery timeline has a first time
requirement between 0.95 and 1.05 seconds within which a first
forward movement until a foot strike range of motion should be
completed. The pitching delivery timeline has a second time
requirement between 1.25 and 1.35 seconds and corresponds to the
time it takes to complete the first forward movement and a ball
release range of motion. The pitching delivery timeline has a third
time requirement from between 1.925 and 2.025 seconds and
corresponds to the time it optimally takes to move from the first
forward movement to a follow through range of motion. The method
includes comparing at least one of the time requirements with a
pitcher's delivery time for the corresponding range of motion.
Inventors: |
House; Thomas R.; (Del Mar,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER
75 ENTERPRISE, SUITE 250
ALISO VIEJO
CA
92656
US
|
Family ID: |
39152469 |
Appl. No.: |
11/516078 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/422 ;
473/451 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0002 20130101;
A63B 2024/0012 20130101; A63B 2069/0006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/422 ;
473/451 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. A method for assessing the biomechanical efficiency of a
pitching delivery, the method comprising: a. dissecting a pitching
delivery into a plurality of consecutively performed motions
comprised of a first forward movement, a foot strike range of
motion, a ball release range of motion and a follow through range
of motion; b. imposing a first time requirement between 0.95 and
1.05 seconds for moving from the first forward movement to the foot
strike range of motion from the plurality of motions; c. imposing a
second time requirement between 1.25 and 1.35 seconds for moving
from the first forward movement to the ball release range of motion
from the plurality of motions; d. imposing a third time requirement
between 1.925 and 2.025 seconds for moving from the first forward
movement to the follow through range of motion from the plurality
of motions; and e. comparing from a timed pitching delivery at
least one time requirement provided in steps b, c and d with the
corresponding motion provided in said respective steps.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein in step b, said first forward
movement to said foot strike range of motion defines a lift and
thrust critical point and a stride and momentum critical point.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein in step c, said first forward
movement to said ball release range of motion defines a lift and
thrust critical point, a stride and momentum critical point, an
equal and opposite critical point, a delayed shoulder rotation
critical point, a stack and track critical point and a swivel and
stabilize critical point.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein in step d, said first forward
movement to said follow through range of motion defines a lift and
thrust critical point, a stride and momentum critical point, an
equal and opposite critical point, a delayed shoulder critical
point, a stack and track critical point, a swivel and stabilize
critical point and release critical point.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0003] The present invention is directed to methods for assessing
biomechanical efficiency as its relates to the performance of
making pitching or throwing motions.
[0004] The sport of baseball is well-known in the art, and
essential to such sport is the pitcher. The mechanics of pitching,
although generally well understood, are complicated. Along these
lines, not only are the biomechanics associated with the pitching
motion complex, further complicating factors arise due to the
specific physics and motions of the particular ball that is
pitched, whether it be a curve ball, change-up, slider, knuckle
ball, fast ball, and the like. In this regard, each particular
pitch has its own unique characteristics and physics associated
therewith.
[0005] Further compounding the complexities associated with the
pitching motions is the unique "signature" motion that each
individual makes when throwing a pitch. In this respect, and
despite prior art techniques that are operative to teach uniform
throwing motions, each individual pitcher will make distinctive
throwing motions and exhibit unique biomechanical changes that are
unique to that individual. As a consequence, in order to make a
proper assessment of a pitcher's pitching ability, as well as to
provide effective coaching, is it imperative to not only take
conventional throwing biomechanics into consideration, there must
further be considered how those mechanics apply to the unique
throwing style of a specific pitcher.
[0006] Unfortunately, however, there has not heretofore been
available any type of methodology for assessing pitching
performance (i.e., in terms of biomechanical efficiency of the
pitching delivery) that not only takes into account the critical
motions or points associated with the delivery of a pitch but also
takes into account the unique "signature" of an individual in
making this delivery. There is likewise lacking in the art any type
of method for assessing the biomechanical efficiency of a pitcher
making a pitching motion that can be utilized to evaluate all types
of pitchers and pitching motions, and further can be utilized as a
coaching tool to ensure the pitcher's biomechanical efficiency is
conserved when making a pitching motion. Still further, there is
lacking in the art any type of methodology for assessing the
biomechanical efficiency of a pitcher making a pitching motion that
can be used to not only evaluate, correct and improve pitching
performance, but can further be utilized to predict potential
injury that can arise with incorrect or suboptimal biomechanical
pitching delivery as well as predict a pitcher's longevity.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates
the above-deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the present
invention is directed to a method for assessing the biomechanical
efficiency of a pitcher's pitching delivery, regardless of the
pitcher's unique "signature" throwing style. The methodology of the
present invention further can be utilized as part of a coaching
model to improve the pitcher's biomechanical efficiency of his
pitching delivery, and may be likewise utilized as a tool to
predict potential strain of a pitcher based upon his or her
pitching motions, and can further be utilized to predict the
longevity of an individual's pitching ability.
[0008] To that end, the present invention provides for a time line
within which multiple critical points of a pitcher's delivery are
identified and assessed. The critical points consist of balance and
posture, lift and thrust, stride and momentum, equal and opposite,
delayed shoulder rotation, stack and track, swivel and stabilize,
and ball release, which when completed from start to finish defines
the entire pitching motion. Crucial to the present invention is for
the pitcher to perform or move through certain of the critical
points within certain time frames. In this regard, lift and thrust
and the stride and momentum points along the pitching delivery time
line, which begin with a first forward movement to a foot strike
position, must be made between 0.95 seconds and 1.05 seconds in
order for the pitcher to optimize biomechanical efficiency of the
pitching delivery. Similarly, the equal and opposite, delayed
shoulder rotation, stack and track and swivel and stabilize motions
must be performed preferably within 1.25 to 1.35 seconds from the
initiation of the pitching motion. Still further, the pitcher
optimally completes the release of the pitch by approximately 1.925
to 2.025 seconds from the initiation of the pitching motion.
[0009] To the extent a pitcher, using his unique signature throwing
style, can perform the critical motions within the respective time
frames, optimal biomechanical efficiency of the pitching delivery
will be realized. To the extent one or more critical points is not
properly made or made within the time constraints for achieving
optimal biomechanical efficiency, appropriate coaching may be made
to improve that particular aspect of the individual's pitching
delivery. In this respect, regardless of which specific critical
point is sub-optimally performed, to the extent each critical point
can be performed within the time ranges specified for performing
such motion(s) optimal biomechanical efficiency of the pitcher's
delivery will be substantially conserved. Alternatively, to the
extent these critical points cannot be performed within the
specified time ranges, such inability can be indicative of a
pitcher's incapability of maximizing biomechanical efficiency and
thus can predict decline in performance and susceptibility to
injury, the latter being caused by strain and overexertion of the
pitching delivery.
[0010] Advantageously, the methods of the present invention can
serve as extremely useful tools in evaluating pitching performance,
especially in relation to recruiting and drafting pitchers on the
collegiate and professional levels. The methods can further be used
as coaching methods to correct and improve upon a pitcher's
existing biomechanical efficiencies, and likewise as a means of
predicting potential injury and loss of pitching talent. The
methods are also capable of being easily deployed, do not require
substantial biomechanical analysis, can be utilized to evaluate the
performance of any individual pitcher regardless of his or her
unique pitching style, and may be readily deployed using known,
existing biomechanical assessment technology.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] These and other features and advantages of the various
embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect
to the following description and drawing, in which like numbers
refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a pitching delivery timeline for assessing
biomechanical efficiency of the pitching delivery.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Referring now to the drawing wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present invention only
and not for purposes of limiting the same, there is shown in FIG. 1
a pitching delivery timeline 12 for use in assessing biomechanical
efficiency of the pitching delivery 10. In this regard, the
teachings of the present invention are set forth in the Applicant's
publication entitled The Art and Science of Pitching as most
recently published by Coaches Choice.TM. and the National Pitching
Association, the teachings of which are expressly incorporated
herein by reference.
[0014] The pitching delivery timeline 12 is dissected into multiple
critical points of a pitcher's 14 delivery. The pitching assessor
coach can determine strengths and weaknesses for each critical
point in the pitching delivery timeline 12 or the assessor may
determine strengths or weaknesses for a combination of critical
points along the pitching delivery timeline 12. The pitcher 14 with
inefficient mechanics and poor timing is limiting his/her potential
control, consistency, and velocity, as well as exposure to an
increased risk of injury.
[0015] In this regard, the pitching motion is a complex movement
that requires the body to coordinate and time the energy transfer
through the body and onto the baseball; however, the optional
pitching delivery is comprised of a set of events that happen, as
discovered by the Applicant, in a set sequence within specific
timing parameters. To maximize the efficiency of the delivery, each
of these respective events must be executed in the correct sequence
within the right timeframe. Thus, the delivery timeline 12 provides
an assessor with a method for assessing biomechanical efficiency of
the pitching delivery 10 to determine the pitcher's 14 potential,
regardless of the pitcher's unique throwing style.
[0016] The first critical point is a balance and posture 16
position. The balance and posture 16 position initiates with a
setup 18 also commonly referred to as a pitching stance. The setup
18 is an initial starting position that will facilitate absorbing,
directing, and delivering energy. The setup 18 requires balance
which involves aligning the pitcher's 14 head, spine, and belly
button between the ball of the foot at the start of delivery, when
the knees are flexed and the weight is equally distributed between
the feet, which are spread within the width of the torso. Posture
involves finding a spine to hip angle, as well as an angle of
flexion in the knees that will stabilize and maintain the head and
spine, while the body remains in-line to the plate with little or
no head movement throughout the pitcher's 14 delivery. The balance
and posture 16 position is completed with a first forward movement
20. The first forward movement 20 initiates a time t.sub.0 22, for
assessing the critical points of the pitching delivery. The time is
used for comparison with the established time requirements of the
method for assessing biomechanical efficiency of the pitching
delivery, as will be discussed in further detail below. The
assessor uses the first critical point, balance and posture 16, to
determine if the pitcher 14 can facilitate absorbing, directing,
and delivering energy to the baseball before the pitcher 14 makes
any movement in the pitching delivery.
[0017] The first forward movement 20 leads into the second critical
point along the pitching delivery timeline 12 known as a lift and
thrust 24. The pitcher's 14 first forward movement 20 must
accomplish shifting total body critical mass toward home plate by
leading with the rear end. The lift and thrust 24 concludes with a
maximum leg lift 26. The maximum leg lift 26 is the maximum height
or the maximum distance toward second base reached by the pitcher's
14 lift knee. The maximum leg lift 26 occurs when the pitcher 14
lifts the front leg as high or as far toward second base as
possible. For example, if the pitcher 14 is pitching right-handed,
the leg that is lifted off the ground is the left leg. Both the
first forward movement 20 and:the maximum leg lift 26 must be
accomplished without compromising balance and posture 16. A proper
maximum leg lift 26 will maximize stride length and stride speed,
thus optimizing the available energy created by linear weight
transfer into later points on the pitching delivery timeline 12.
This second critical point helps the assessor determine if the
pitcher 14 transitions from the first forward movement 20 to the
maximum leg lift 26 in a manner that will optimize the velocity and
control of the baseball.
[0018] The maximum leg lift 26 leads into the third critical point
along the pitching delivery timeline 12 classified as a stride and
momentum 28 movement or motion. Stride is the distance and
direction the pitcher's body travels from back foot into front foot
contact. Stride is affected by lift leg height and lift leg angle
with the head and spine staying upright, in line, and behind the
body from first forward movement 20 throughout the stride and
momentum 28 critical point. Momentum is maximized when the body
only moves forward on stride and direction line. Stride and
momentum 28 concludes with a foot strike 30. The foot strike 30
occurs when the first foot contacts the ground with the pitcher's
14 stride leg. The foot strike 30 is a critical measuring point
along the pitching delivery timeline 12 because it corresponds to a
time, t.sub.1 32. The elapsed time between the first forward
movement 20 and the foot strike 30 is represented by
t.sub.1-t.sub.0. The time elapsed between the first forward
movement 20 and the foot strike 30 should be between 0.95 seconds
and 1.05 seconds. Thus, the lift and thrust 24 and the stride and
momentum 28 points along the pitching delivery timeline must be
between 0.95 seconds and 1.05 seconds in order for the pitcher 14
to optimize biomechanical efficiency of the pitching delivery 10.
The time requirement between the first forward movement 20 and the
foot strike 30 is an essential assessment tool, because if the
pitcher 14 is outside the required time range, this will notify the
assessor that the pitcher has a weakness. That weakness may
manifest itself by way of decreased ball velocity, decreased
control of the ball, or it may make the pitcher 14 more prone to
injury. This information may prove very valuable when assessing the
pitcher 14. Conversely, if the pitcher 14 is within the range of
time required by the pitching delivery timeline 12, this will
notify the assessor that the pitcher's 14 movement between the
first forward movement 20 and the foot strike 30 is solid and
should be considered a strong point in the pitcher's 14 pitching
delivery.
[0019] The foot strike 30 leads into the fourth critical point,
namely, equal and opposite 32 arms position. The equal and opposite
32 arms position is important for balance and timing throughout the
delivery, and refers to the "mirror imaging" in position of the
glove arm to the throwing arm. In other words, from the time the
hands separate the ball and glove, to the time the ball and
throwing forearm lay back into external rotation, every joint in
both arms, hands to wrist angle, forearms to elbows angle, elbows
to shoulders angle, will be equal on both sides of the body. The
equal and opposite 32 position helps coordinate body balance,
posture, stride direction, and momentum with the timing and
translation of weight transfer and kinetic sequencing during a
pitching delivery. The equal and opposite 32 position concludes
with a maximum shoulder separation 34. The maximum shoulder
separation 34 is required for maximizing and stabilizing the
optimal angle difference between the front hip and back shoulder.
If the maximum shoulder separation 34 is done properly it may
optimize the translation of energy generated by total-body linear
momentum into hip and shoulder rotational momentum.
[0020] The maximum shoulder separation 34 leads into a delayed
shoulder rotation 36 critical point. The delayed shoulder rotation
36 requires the pitcher to refrain from allowing the back shoulder
to start rotating forward until the body is as close to home plate
as stride, momentum, strength, and flexibility will allow. Optimal
energy translation requires efficient total-body timing and
sequencing on the stride line, keeping the hips and shoulders
separated, and delaying the rotation of the throwing shoulder as
long as possible while the torso moves toward home plate. The
delayed shoulder rotation 36 contributes substantially to the
rotational momentum of the pitcher 14.
[0021] The delayed shoulder rotation 36 ends when the pitcher 14 is
in a position where the shoulders are squared up perpendicular to
home plate 40. The next critical point is referred to as a stack
and track 38. The stack and track 38 occurs when the hips and
shoulders rotate and shoulders square up perpendicular to the home
plate 40, the lower back is in full extension, head and spine stay
upright as legs deliver torso on stride and direction line to the
home plate. Stack refers to torso posture staying upright and
vertical with the head over the shoulders, as the hips and
shoulders sequence their rotation around the spine. Track refers to
the torso continuing to move forward, while the legs deliver the
hips, and the hips rotate the shoulders and square up to home
plate. The stack and track 38 concludes with the pitcher's 14
forearm back in external rotation 42.
[0022] The following critical point is a swivel and stabilize 44
movement. The swivel and stabilize 44 movement combined with the
stack and track 38 make up the final phase of timing and sequencing
in the pitching delivery. As the shoulders rotate and square up
perpendicular to the target, the throwing forearm lays back in
external rotation 42, and the glove swivels to stabilize over the
landing foot, somewhere in front of the torso between shoulders and
belly button. Done properly, the swivel and stabilize movement
helps maximize the efficiency of directional or linear momentum and
the rotational momentum of the hips and shoulders. The glove must
stabilize and then stop to direct and help the pitcher time the
final sequencing of energy coming up through the body into the
throwing arm. Sequencing the swivel and stabilize movement 44
involves stopping the glove over the front foot in front of the
torso; swiveling the glove at that point to a "glove up, palm to
torso" position; stabilizing the glove elbow in a slot straight
under the armpit; and squaring the shoulders up as the torso tracks
to the glove. The swivel and stabilize 44 movement ends with a ball
release 46. The ball release is the exact position and moment the
baseball leaves the pitcher's 46 hand.
[0023] The ball release 46 is another critical measuring point
along the pitching delivery timeline 12, because it corresponds to
a time, t.sub.2 48. The elapsed time between the first forward
movement 20 and the ball release 46 is represented by
t.sub.2-t.sub.0. The time required by the pitching delivery
timeline 12 to elapse between the first forward movement and the
ball release 46 is 1.25 to 1.35 seconds. Thus, if the pitcher 14 is
outside the time range, the assessor will know that the pitcher 14
has a weakness in the pitching delivery between the two movements.
Additionally, t2-t1 represents the time elapsed between the foot
strike 30 and the ball release 46. Therefore, the assessor may
dissect and critique a certain sequence in the pitching delivery
timeline 12. For example, the pitching delivery timeline 12
requires a time between 0.2 and 0.4 seconds elapsed between the
foot strike 30 and the ball release 46, also known as the pitch
cycle. The pitch cycle is an important part of the pitching
delivery because everything that happens prior to the ball release
simply prepares the pitcher to be in the optimal position to
deliver the ball effectively. Release point happens after the foot
strike 30 from the ground up, efficiently timing and sequencing
each successive link of energy in the pitcher's body out onto the
baseball. If the pitcher cannot complete the critical points
between the foot strike and the ball release within the required
time, the assessor may conclude that the pitcher has weaknesses in
that particular area of the pitching delivery.
[0024] The ball release 46 should occur as close to home plate as
genetics, biomechanics, strength, and flexibility will allow. The
ball release 46 occurs at the end of the swivel and stabilize 44
critical point and initiates the final critical point, a release
50. If the release 50 is efficient it demonstrates proper timing
and sequencing of the pitcher's 14 kinetic energy chain. An
efficient release 50 point occurs 8 to 12 inches in front of the
landing foot and is sequenced when torso has tracked as far forward
as strength, flexibility, and momentum will allow, shoulders have
squared up perpendicular to the target, throwing arm has laid back
in maximum external rotation and glove has swiveled over front
foot. At this point and time the low back initiates flexion and
throwing forearm snaps forward with internal rotation to deliver
the ball in an arm path unique to each pitcher. The back foot
should not come off the ground until the baseball leaves the
throwing hand and the back foot drag line should end on the center
line between the middle of rubber and the middle of home plate. At
the end of the release 50 point is a follow through 52. The follow
through 52 should take place with little or no head movement. The
pitcher's eyes remain stable and focused on the target until the
ball crosses home plate. The follow through 52 is an important
point because it allows the assessor to determine whether the
motions prior to the follow through 52 are efficient. Basically,
the more efficient the pitcher 14 is until the ball is released,
the more efficient the follow through 52 will be after the release
50. At the end of the release 50 a time t.sub.3 54 is recorded
which, concludes the pitching delivery timeline 12.
[0025] The time t3-t0 represents the time elapsed from the first
forward movement 20 until the follow through 52. This time should
be between 1.925 and 2.025 seconds for that range of motion to be
considered efficient. The time t3-t1 represents the time elapsed
from the foot strike 30 until the follow through 52. This time
should be between 0.875 and 1.075 seconds for that range of motion
to be considered efficient. The time t3-t2 represents the time
elapsed from the ball release 46 until the follow through 52. This
time should be between 0.575 and 0.775 seconds for that range of
motion to be considered efficient. If any of the times along the
pitching delivery timeline 12 recorded for the pitcher 14 is not
within the ranges discussed above, then this signifies an
inefficient range of motion for a particular set of critical
points.
[0026] While an illustrative and present embodiment of the
invention has been described in detail herein, it is to be
understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously
embodied and employed. It should further be understood that the
invention described herein may be utilized in a wide variety of
applications that will be readily appreciated by those skilled in
the art, which can include recruiting/drafting players,
rehabilitation, and pitcher training, among others. It should also
be appreciated that the present invention may find applications for
other sports where the optimal ability to throw, such as football,
plays an important role.
* * * * *