A Three-Dimensional Cinematographic Analysis of the Fastball and Curveball Pitches in Baseball

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3-D) high speed photography was used to record the fastball (FB) and curveball (CB) actions of six members of the Australian National pitching squad. The direct linear transformation (DLT) method of motion analysis for 3-D space reconstruction from 2-D images was used to record the movement of selected anatomical features. Laterally positioned phase-locked cameras operating at 200 fps and a front-on camera operating at 300 fps were used to record the pitching action. Mean pitching velocities for the FB and the CB were recorded. A kinematic analysis of the two pitching motions from the first balance point following the completion of the pump and pivot to follow through are presented. The actions are very similar for the two pitches, as would be expected if disguised to confuse the batter. Minor differences were noted, however, for stride length, forearm action prior to release, and wrist action at release.