Batting pattern variations across training methods and competitive levels in baseball players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in batting kinematics among baseball players of different levels under various training conditions. Twenty right-handed collegiate baseball players in Taiwan (national = 10, pathway = 10) were recruited. All participants performed tee batting (TB), front-toss (FT), and side-toss (ST) drills while their kinematic parameters were recorded. The results revealed more interaction effects during FT (e.g., back arm abduction, F 2,36 = 4.66, p = 0.01, η² = 0.20; lead elbow flexion, F 2,36 = 4.08, p = 0.04, η² = 0.18). Additionally, during TB, significant interaction effects were observed at foot contact ( F 2,36 = 6.32, p < 0.01, η² = 0.26) and at ball contact for lead elbow flexion ( F 2,36 = 4.08, p = 0.04, η² = 0.18). These findings suggest that baseball players of different competitive levels adopt different batting patterns depending on the training modality, particularly during FT and TB. The potential reasons may include the game-like nature of FT and the strategic dependence on TB for offensive tactics.