Abstract: Softball pitching is a complex and dynamic movement involving the integration of multiple joints, muscles, and biomechanical principles. Unlike the overhand motion in baseball, softball pitching utilizes a windmill or underhand motion that places unique stresses on the musculoskeletal system. This review aims to synthesize current biomechanical research related to softball pitching, focusing on kinematic and kinetic variables, energy transfer through the kinetic chain, muscle activation patterns, and common mechanical inefficiencies that can lead to injury.
The literature indicates that the windmill pitch consists of six phases: wind-up, stride, arm rotation, release, deceleration, and follow-through. Proper sequencing of these phases is critical for performance and injury prevention. Peak angular velocities at the shoulder often exceed 5000°/s during release, emphasizing the importance of trunk-shoulder coordination. The kinetic chain concept plays a central role, as energy generated from the lower body and core must efficiently transfer to the upper limbs. Ground reaction force (GRF) data suggest the importance of stride and drive leg strength, while EMG analyses highlight high muscular demand in the deltoids, latissimus dorsi, gluteals, and rectus femoris.
A common finding across studies is that mechanical deficiencies, such as early trunk rotation or inadequate stride length, increase the risk of overuse injuries, particularly in the shoulder and lumbar spine. This review also explores the impact of fatigue, developmental differences (e.g., youth vs. collegiate pitchers), and training interventions aimed at improving mechanics.
Overall, this review highlights the critical role of biomechanical analysis in understanding softball pitching. By applying these insights, coaches and clinicians can better tailor strength training, corrective exercises, and pitching technique to enhance performance and reduce injury risks. Continued interdisciplinary research combining biomechanics, motor control, and sports medicine is essential for advancing the science of softball pitching.
Keywords: Biomechanics, Softball pitching, Windmill motion, Kinematic chain, Ground reaction force, Injury prevention, Muscle activation
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DOI:
10.17148/IJARCCE.2025.14393
