The Effects of Medicine Ball Training on Batting Velocity in Female Collegiate Softball Players

Softball batting performance, characterised by bat velocity and rotational strength, is crucial for competitive success. This study explores the effect of medicine ball training, a widely used yet understudied method, on these key performance metrics. This study examines the impact of an 8-week medicine ball training program on torso rotation strength and batting velocity in female collegiate softball players. Forty participants were divided into a control group and a medicine ball group, performing 100 bat swings thrice weekly. Additionally, the medicine ball group undertook full-body medicine ball exercises thrice weekly. Results showed a significant main effect, <i>F</i>(1, 38) = 5.00, <i>p</i> = 0.03, partial eta squared = 0.12 for torso rotation strength test and <i>F</i>(1, 38) = 4.01, <i>p</i> = 0.05, partial eta squared = 0.10 for batting velocity, signifying there is a difference in the effectiveness of the two training approaches. Pre- and post-intervention tests showed significant improvements in both groups, with the medicine ball group exhibiting notably greater enhancements. Torso rotation strength and batting velocity increased significantly in the medicine ball group, demonstrating large effect sizes (Cohen’s d=1.15 and Cohen’s d=1.17, respectively). In contrast, the control group showed a substantial improvement in torso rotation strength (Cohen’s d=0.86) but a minor increase in batting velocity (Cohen’s d=0.22). These results suggest that medicine ball training effectively boosts key performance metrics in female softball players, offering valuable insights for designing more effective athletic training programmes.