This document discusses the benefits of using 2D video analysis to evaluate pitching mechanics. It can provide biofeedback that reveals flaws coaches and players may not be aware of. Certain motion parameters are difficult to see with the naked eye but video analysis makes them visible. Only a few pitches from different angles are needed to assess mechanics. Key metrics like shoulder rotation, trunk lean, knee flexion and stride length are important to measure. Comparing measurements to normative data ranges can help identify areas for improvement. The goal is to optimize mechanics for better performance and injury prevention.

1. PRESENTED BY
BILLY REILLY, MS, PT, CSCS
CLINICAL DIRECTOR JAG NYC
JAG Physical Therapy
West Orange Warren Hackensack Union
Old Bridge
Princeton Cedar Knolls Woodbridge Fairfield New
York City
JAGPT.COM
Video Analysis:
Pitching Mechanics

2. Benefits of 2D Video Analysis
VideoAnalysis:PitchingMechanics
To the Coach or Player
Biofeedback
• Not always doing what you think
you’re doing
Allows the coach to apply specific drills
to address flaws

3. Benefits of 2D Video Analysis
To the Health Professional
 Can allow visibility into strength and
flexibility deficits
 Lead to proper training techniques to
address
VideoAnalysis:PitchingMechanics

4. Why is it important?
Can break down specific points in motion:
 Certain things you can see with the
naked eye
 A lot of things you can’t
VideoAnalysis:PitchingMechanics

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8. Accuracy of 2D Analysis
VideoAnalysis:PitchingMechanics
The evaluation of an inexpensive, 2D, video based
gait assessment system for clinical use
(U. Chris Ugbolue, et al. Gait & Posture 38 (2013) 483–489)
 Good inter/intrarater reliability
 Only in sagittal plane
Reliability of 2-Dimensional Video Assessment
of Frontal-Plane Dynamic Knee Valgus
During Common Athletic Screening Tasks
(Allan Munro, Lee Herrington, and Michael Carolan
Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 2012, 21, 7-11)
Good inter/intrarater reliability in frontal plane
Did not test in sagittal or transverse plane

9. Views to Evaluate
VideoAnalysis:PitchingMechanics
Front view
As directly in line from home plate to
pitching rubber
Saggital or side view
In line with 1B, 3B and rubber.
Posterior or back view(not always feasible
or necessary)
Same as front view

10. How Many Pitches Needed
VideoAnalysis:PitchingMechanics
 Only 3 or so pitches from each view
 Mechanics(whether good or bad, tend to be
replicable)

11. What Are You Looking For?
VideoAnalysis:PitchingMechanics
List of parameters
ER at foot contact 53 degrees ± 30
Foot position at contact 10 cm closed± 10cm
Shoulder abd at foot contact 96±10
Front knee flexion at FC 47±9
Stride length(% body height) 80±4
Max ER in cocking phase 174±10
Lateral trunk lean 25±8
Forward trunk lean 34±8
Shoulder abd in cocking 88±7
Front knee flexion at release 37±13

12. Landing Foot Position
VideoAnalysis:PitchingMechanics
Landing 10 cm closed SD +/- 10

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Shoulder ER at Foot Contact
53±30 degrees

15. Lateral Trunk Lean and Shoulder Abduction
VideoAnalysis:PitchingMechanics
Shoulder abd- 88 ±7 degrees
Lateral trunk lean- 25 ±8 degrees

16. “The Inverted W”
VideoAnalysis:PitchingMechanics

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Stride Length
80% ± 4 body height

19. Knee Flexion at Foot Contact
VideoAnalysis:PitchingMechanics
47 ±9 degrees

20. Shoulder ER (Acceleration Phase)
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174º ±10

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22. Trunk Flexion
VideoAnalysis:PitchingMechanics
34 ±8 degrees

23. Knee Flexion at Release
VideoAnalysis:PitchingMechanics
37 ±13 degrees

24. “Signature” Positions
VideoAnalysis:PitchingMechanics
 i.e. Balance Position; if back foot in
contact with mound at release point
 Either quite variable or just not studied
 If it seems like contributing verified poor
mechanics- address it it
 If not- leave alone

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Key Message
 Not only do these positions correlate with
greater velocity and performance, they
correlate with better arm health and
safety
 This is where the training/PT staff can
work together with the coaching staff for
the better of the player(team)

26. Billy Reilly, MS, PT, CSCS
JAG Physical Therapy
West Orange
Warren
Cedar Knolls
Union
Hackensack
Woodbridge
Princeton
Fairfield
Old Bridge
New York City
Please email us at info@jagpt.com for additional information
www.JAGPT.com
VideoAnalysis:PitchingMechanics