ABSTRACT: Effect of overweighted forearm training on bat swing and batted-ball velocities of high school baseball players
Here is another study that I was a part of at La Tech – this one was done to see if adding weight to the forearms while training (taking swings) would help improve bat speed and batted ball velocity.
EFFECT OF OVERWEIGHTED FOREARM TRAINING ON BAT SWING AND BATTED‐BALL VELOCITIES OF HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PLAYERS (Resistance Training/Periodization) David J. Szymanski, Jeff M. Albert, Dustin L. Hemperley, Hung‐Sheng Hsu, Roland M. Moore, Jeff D. Potts, Josh G. Reed, Justin E. Turner, Jeremy P. Walker, and R. C. Winstead. Louisiana Tech University/Applied Physiology Lab, Ruston, LA
In baseball it is important to increase sport‐specific power. This may allow a hitter to swing his bat and hit a ball with greater velocity.
PURPOSE: To examine the effects of 12 weeks of overweighted forearm training on bat swing velocity (BV) and batted‐ball velocity (BBV) of high school (HS) baseball players.
METHODS: Thirty HS baseball players were randomly assigned by a stratified sampling technique to 1 of 2 training groups. Group 1 (n = 15) and group 2 (n = 15) performed the same progressive full‐body resistance exercises while training 3x/wk for 12 weeks according to a stepwise periodized model. Both groups also took 105 dry swings a day with their standard game bat 3x/wk for 12 weeks. In addition, group 2 wore a weighted device (neoprene sleeve with lead inserts) on the forearms for additional resistance while taking dry swings. A 2:1 ratio of resistance was used (70 swings with device & 35 swings without device). Resistance began at 113.4 g (4 oz) and increased by 113.4 g (4 oz) every 2 weeks for the 12‐week study. By week 11 the resistance was 680.4 g (24 oz). Instantaneous BV and BBV were recorded pre‐ and posttraining by a SETPRO SPRT5ATM chronograph and Speed TracTM radar gun. Throwing velocity (TV) and dominant, non‐dominant, and total grip strength were also measured pre‐ and posttraining by a JugsTM radar gun and a Jamar TM hand dynamometer. A 3 repetition maximum (RM) parallel squat and bench press were measured at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of training.
RESULTS: Both groups showed statistically significant increases (p < 0.05) in instantaneous BV (4.2 & 6.0%), BBV (7.4 & 7.8%) and TV (2.5 & 3.1%) (m∙s‐1 ± SD) after 12 weeks of training; however, there were no differences between the 2 groups. Both groups showed statistically significant increases in dominant (4.9 & 5.0%), non‐dominant (3.2 & 3.3%), and total (4.1 & 4.7%) grip strength (kg ± SD) after 12 weeks of training; however, there were no differences between the 2 groups. Both groups demonstrated statistically significant increases in predicted 1RM parallel squat and bench press after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of training; however, there were no differences between groups.
CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that a 12‐week stepwise periodized training program can significantly increase instantaneous BV, BBV, TV, and grip strength among HS baseball players. The use of additional resistance worn on the forearm while swinging did not contribute to further statistical increases in instantaneous BV or BBV.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Both training protocols increased BV and BBV in HS hitters. Since there was no statistically significant difference between groups on these variables, it is recommended that HS coaches use the program performed by group 1. Perhaps the resistance used on the forearms was not great enough or resistance is not needed on the forearms to make further improvements in BV and BBV. Previous research has indicated that additional forearm and grip strength did not contribute to further improvements in BV. Since the baseball swing is a sequential, rotational movement that incorporates the entire body, perhaps additional resistance should be placed elsewhere on the body, be thrown, or be on the bat itself to produced significantly greater increases in BV. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: This investigation was partially funded by Eagle Training Systems, Inc. Jenks, OK.
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Interesting that the study did not address swing quickness, meaning the time from decision to contact
Due to the fact that the baseball swing is a sequential, rotational movement that incorporates the entire body and in addition I will add that the swing is led by the forward,[positive] rotation of the hips[ the large muscles of such,] So would you say that the hips could have or not have generated significantly more BV. by swinging say a 50 oz bat during your [Resistance/Periodization] than the wrist weights you used? I feel that due to the fact that timing and swinging a bat at live pitches during games creates a total different swing approach to hitting a baseball than dry swings so consequently coaches, parents and players who experiment with this theory should approach it with caution and not think that just swinging heavier bats or weights prior to going to hit will solve their hitting problems as most players have the false impression that the bat weights on the on deck circle has anything to do with successful contact when they get into the batters box which is pure [BALONEY.] Just like superstition is,[PURE BALONEY.] Although I do believe that regularly swinging bats slightly heavier than one’s regular bat under a constructive time program has significant assets to one’s swing and bat control which also integrates consistent muscle memory.
kom_ervin@yahoo.com
one study did use a weighted bat of about 62 oz and that did show some improvement. all of the studies that have measured extra resistance or exercises for the forearms have basically shown no difference….as in doing extra strengthening of the hands/forearms doesn’t equate to improved bat speed. the weighted implements is much different, and has always been shown to be significantly effective.
of course both of these things are related to training….not hitting. what i mean by training is an effort to improve your physical ability – ie stronger, more powerful, better conditioned…stuff like that. improving from a training standpoint is great but surely does not substitute for improving hitting skills like mechanics, hitting approach, mental toughness and all the other aspects that make up a good hitter. there is some overlap – I’ve seen many players improve their swing mechanics as they do their bat speed training – but I agree with you very much that just doing bat speed training does not correlate perfectly to a higher batting average or slugging percentage….it just gives you more ability to do those things. it would be like getting a faster car….but you still need the driving skills or you’ll crash!