Kinematics and Kinetics of Elite Windmill Softball Pitching

Abstract

Excessive distraction stress at the throwing shoulder is similar to that found in baseball pitchers, which suggests that windmill softball pitchers are at risk for overuse injuries. Normative information regarding upper extremity kinematics and kinetics for elite softball pitchers has been established.

Shoulder Injuries in US High School Baseball and Softball Athletes, 2005–2008

“…Typically, fewer pitchers are developed for softball than for baseball teams, which could be a result or a cause of a lack of pitch count regulations. 4 This study found that a higher proportion of baseball shoulder injuries lasted 7 to 21 days (42%) compared with a previous study that found that 27% of shoulder injuries resulted in Ͼ5 days' time loss. 8 Although this may suggest that baseball shoulder injuries are increasing in severity over time, additional research is needed.…”

“…Paradoxically, softball pitchers may pitch six 7-inning games during a weekend tournament, resulting in 1200 to 2000 pitches being thrown during a 3-day period, 4,11 whereas baseball pitchers are typically rested for several days before competing 10 and only 100 to 150 pitches are thrown in a 3-day period. 4,11 The significant difference in the number of pitches thrown between baseball and softball pitchers could be attributed to the pitch count rules that are strictly enforced in baseball and the lack of these rules in official softball leagues. Typically, fewer pitchers are developed for softball than for baseball teams, which could be a result or a cause of a lack of pitch count regulations.…”

“…Video analysis of specific shoulder injury mechanisms, such as pitching mechanics, could provide coaches and athletic trainers with scientifically based evidence to develop targeted interventions and correct improper throwing techniques to prevent injury. 4 To maximize the benefits that can be gained from athletic participation in sports such as baseball and softball, physicians, coaches, athletic trainers, and researchers must work collaboratively to develop interventions to enhance the safety of our athletes.…”

“…3 The number of softball athletes has doubled in the past 2 decades. 4 The Amateur Softball Association of America annually registers more than 83 000 youth girls' fast-pitch softball teams comprising more than 1.2 million girls.…”

Shoulder Injuries Among US High School Athletes, 2005/2006–2011/2012

“…6 Short-term effects of shoulder injuries include pain and reduction in athletic participation, whereas long-term effects can result in lifelong shoulder pain, instability, and osteoarthritis. 7 Previous epidemiologic surveys of shoulder injuries in athletes have focused on their occurrence in specific sports, [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] the mechanics of shoulder injuries in repetitive throwing sports, [18][19][20][21] risk factors of specific body part injuries (including shoulder) in specific sports, 5,[22][23][24][25] and diagnosis of particular types of shoulder injuries. 6,[26][27][28] One previous study investigated all shoulder injuries among high school athletes during 2 academic years.…”