The Impact Of Sport Performance Variables On Game Statistics In Ncaa Division II Softball Players

In elite levels of baseball, such as Professional and NCAA Division I, performance variables such as bat velocity (BV) and batted ball velocity (BBV) are well documented. Conversely, there is limited research on these variables and their overall impact on softball. In both baseball and softball, game statistics (GS) such as batting average (BA), slugging percentage (SP), and on-base percentage (OBP) are heavily analyzed. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between performance variables and in-game statistics on NCAA Division II softball players. METHODS: Eleven NCAA Division II softball athletes (age: 20.63 ± 1.36 years, height: 66.45 ± 2.46 inches, mass: 154.18 ± 19.46 pounds) participated in the study. Participants were tested on BV and BBV before the season began, with offensive statistics collected throughout the season. For data analysis, Pearson Product Correlations were run between BV/BBV and in-game statistics. RESULTS: BA and BBV had a negative fair relationship that was not statistically significant (r = -0.503, p = 0.115). SP and BV were found to have a fair, positive correlation that was not statistically significant (r = 0.448, p = 0.166). OBP and BBV had a fair negative correlation that was not statistically significant (r = -0.393, p = 0.231). CONCLUSION: There was no statistical significance between any of the variables collected, but there were fair trends between BA and BBV, SP and BV, and OBP and BBV. Thus, when evaluating softball athletes, sports performance variables may need to be taken into consideration for competition. SIGNIFICANCE/NOVELTY: Given the minimal research on assessing the relationship between performance variables and game performance in softball, this study found that more research is needed to identify if BV or BBV can provide valuable predictions on in-season offensive success.