For today’s article I wanted to dip your toe in a concept called energy flow. Energy flow in biomechanics refers to the analysis of how mechanical energy is generated, transferred, and absorbed throughout the body’s different segments during movement, essentially tracking the “flow” of energy through the kinetic chain, from larger proximal joints to smaller distal ones. This concept is generating buzz in the research community, so I wanted to start with the first energy flow article in softball by Oliver et al. (2021). This study measured 29 youth participants for isometric strength and range of motion and tracked energy flow from the pelvis, trunk, upper arm, forearm and hand. They found:
- Drive leg hip external rotation isometric strength was positively related to net energy outflow at the trunk and upper arm.
- Overall net energy outflow was positively related to pitch velocity.
- Range of motion was not related to any aspect of energy flow.
Implications: I don’t think it’s groundbreaking to say that energy transfer throughout the kinetic chain is related to a pitcher’s performance. But I think that this confirms what pitching coaches have long believed. What this doesn’t tell us is how to best achieve better energy flow. Energy flow involves BOTH force and velocity, which means that we have to be strong and fast to generate more energy (also not groundbreaking). How I interpret this as a coach is that, when training pitchers, focusing on small movements in a slow fashion will not help players generate more energy. We must encourage fast movements in young pitchers and focus on whole-body mechanics to help athletes learn how to sequence efficiently. We should also do other exercises, such as medicine ball throws, to help promote rotational sequencing. Furthermore, this also says that hip strength is important to generate energy. Doing more exercises to get stronger hips should also be a part of the routine, even in younger athletes.
People to Follow
I have highlighted Gerry DeFilippo before on the newsletter, but his recent post about sprints hits particularly well for this time of year. We are about to get into season, which means our athletes (that includes pitchers) need to be training explosively. Here are some great ideas on how to vary your workouts.