Pitching kinematics have direct and indirect effects on pitch location in NCAA baseball

Kinematics and release parameters are important factors of throw location; yet an understanding of their relationship has yet to be achieved. This study sought to explore this relationship. Kinematic data were collected for 77 collegiate pitchers. Fifty-seven kinematic parameters were included in path analyses for horizontal and vertical plate locations. Release angles were set as mediating variables (MED) between independent and dependent variables. Eleven kinematic variables directly (13 indirectly) affected the vertical plate location, while 23 kinematic variables directly affected the horizontal plate location (10 indirectly). Linear mixed models revealed that lateral trunk flexion at ball release (<i>R</i> ²=0.908, BIC=-598, ICC=0.528) best explained vertical plate location. Trunk flexion at foot contact (<i>R</i> ²=0.944, BIC=-607, ICC=0.776), mediolateral center of mass displacement at foot contact (<i>R</i> ²=0.974, BIC=-573, ICC=0.918) and ball release (<i>R</i> ²=0.967, BIC=-593, ICC=0.865), and pelvis rotation at ball release (<i>R</i> ²=0.965, BIC=-588, ICC=0.895) models were identified for the horizontal plate location. Results indicate that the relationship between pitching kinematics, release conditions, and throw location is complex. Biomechanics can influence release parameters, which in turn impacts the throw location. This work may serve to understand better how biomechanics influence performance.