Reliability and validity of a talent identification test battery for seated and standing Paralympic throws

Paralympic throwing events for athletes with physical impairments comprise seated and standing javelin, shot put, discus and seated club throwing. Identification of talented throwers would enable prediction of future success and promote participation; however, a valid and reliable talent identification battery for Paralympic throwing has not been reported. This study evaluates the reliability and validity of a talent identification battery for Paralympic throws. Participants were non-disabled so that impairment would not confound analyses, and results would provide an indication of normative performance. Twenty-eight non-disabled participants (13 M; 15 F) aged 23.6 years (±5.44) performed five kinematically distinct criterion throws (three seated, two standing) and nine talent identification tests (three anthropometric, six motor); 23 were tested a second time to evaluate test–retest reliability. Talent identification test–retest reliability was evaluated using Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman plots (Limits of Agreement). Spearman’s correlation assessed strength of association between criterion throws and talent identification tests. Reliability was generally acceptable (mean ICC = 0.89), but two seated talent identification tests require more extensive familiarisation. Correlation strength (mean r_s = 0.76) indicated that the talent identification tests can be used to validly identify individuals with competitively advantageous attributes for each of the five kinematically distinct throwing activities. Results facilitate further research in this understudied area.     

The calibration and application of an individual scrummaging ergometer

Although the characteristic morphology of rugby forwards playing different positions in the rugby scrum has been well documented, a complete picture of the force characteristics that different players produce has not been evaluated. This is especially true for the movement of the centre of pressure (CoP) elicited during scrummaging in a forward direction. An individual scrummaging ergometer was therefore developed to measure the CoP of an individual scrum action using conventional torque calculations. Calibration of the measurement system revealed measured force errors within 16.6 N of the actual force and errors of less than 3.96 mm for CoP location determination. Thirty-nine club level rugby union players (22 front rows, 11 locks and six back rows) scrummed against the ergometer on an outdoor rugby field. Differences between the three groups were tested using one-way ANOVAs. The maximum force for different players was 2253.6 ± 649.0 N over the entire subject group. There were no differences in the individual compressive force between the groups [front rows: 2404.0 ± 650.3 N; locks: 2185.6 ± 568.9 N; back rows: 1826.9 ± 670.2 N (p = 0.143)]. Individually, front rows started at a higher position than back rows (p = 0.009) and were at a higher vertical position than locks when producing maximum force (p = 0.028). Front rows had lower variation in the CoP (p = 0.044) and less movement to achieve their maximum force (p = 0.020) than locks. Front rows moved less overall than back rows (p = 0.028) during the scrum trial. The design and application of the individual scrum ergometer showed with good limits of agreement that differences in force magnitude and CoP exist within scrummaging players. Practically, the application of this ergometer may assist in the individual optimisation of scrummaging performance.     

Football practice with youth players in the “Footbonaut”

In today’s leading football training centres, state-of-the-art performance diagnostic systems such as the “Footbonaut” allow controlled and standardized assessments of physical and mental components of agility, e.g. speed of action and ball control, that are considered to be decisive for talent identification and development. However, effects of induced physical and mental strain on performing football-specific practice patterns remain to be elucidated, particularly in youth players, and, thus, characterize the purpose of this study. 33 randomly assigned competitive football players (U14 to U16) performed a standardized Footbonaut practice pattern (i.e. 20 balls randomly drawn at 50?km/h each), prior to and immediately after either mentally demanding tasks (MDT; n?=?11; continuous Vienna Test System’s Stroop task and determination test), physically demanding tasks (PDT; n?=?11; consisted of 4?×?4?min of football-specific high-intensity intervals with 3?min of active recovery in between) or a control condition (CON; n?=?11). Continuous heart rates (HR) as well as self-perceptions of fatigue were assessed. Main findings revealed performances for speed of action (p?=?0.44; f?=?0.01) and ball control (p?=?0.15; f?=?0.03) that were not modulated in the face of induced physical and mental strain as indicated by increased HR following PDT (p?<?0.001; d?>?0.8), or in the face of increased self-perceptions of fatigue following PDT and MDT (both p?<?0.001; both d?>?0.8) compared to CON. This is in line with a suggested talent factor and previous reports on motivational trade-off aspects in youth players. However, the present study’s short-timed practice patterns make it difficult to reliably compare a measuring sensitivity to complex football-specific movement behavioural and technical proficiencies with respect to mental and physical strain of longer-lasting football games and, thus, need further investigation in favour of improving talent identification and development using the Footbonaut.     

The effect of ball-carrying technique and experience on sprinting in rugby union

Abstract

There are several ways of carrying the ball in rugby union, which could influence the speed at which a player can run. We assessed 52 rugby players (34 males, 18 females) during a maximum sprint over 30 m without the ball, with the ball under one arm, and with the ball in both hands. Timing gates were used to measure time over the initial 10 m and the last 20 m. It has previously been reported (Grant et al., 2003 Grant, S. J., Oommen, G., McColl, G., Taylor, J., Watkins, L.Friel, N. 2003. The effects of ball carrying method on sprint speed in rugby union football players. Journal of Sports Sciences, 21: 1009–1015. [Taylor & Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) that running with the ball produces a slower sprinting speed than running without the ball. We hypothesized that the decrease in speed caused by carrying the ball would become less marked with the experience of the player. The male and female players were each divided into two groups: a “beginner” group that consisted of players in their first or second season and an “experienced” group that was composed of players who had played for more than two seasons. A 2 × 3 mixed-model analysis of variance was used to identify differences (P < 0.01) between the beginner and experienced groups in the three sprinting conditions. The times for the males for the first 10 m sprints without the ball, with the ball under one arm, and with the ball in both hands were 1.87 ± 0.08 s, 1.87 ± 0.08 s, and 1.91 ± 0.1 s for the beginners, and 1.87 ± 0.1, 1.88 ± 0.1 and 1.88 ± 0.12 for the more experienced players respectively. The times for the females for the first 10 m without the ball, with the ball under one arm, and with the ball in both hands were 2.13 ± 0.16 s, 2.19 ± 0.17 s, and 2.20 ± 0.16 s for the beginners, and 2.03 ± 0.12 s, 2.03 ± 0.09 s, and 2.04 ± 0.1 s for the more experienced players respectively. For the last 20 m of the 30-m sprint, there were differences between the different sprint conditions (P < 0.001) but no differences that were attributable to experience (P = 0.297). The times for the males over the last 20 m without the ball, with the ball under one arm, and with the ball in both hands were 2.58 ± 0.19 s, 2.61 ± 0.12 s, and 2.65 ± 0.12 s for the beginners, and 2.59 ± 0.12, 2.62 ± 0.23, and 2.65 ± 0.18 s for the more experienced players respectively. The times for the females over the last 20 m without the ball, with the ball under one arm, and with the ball in both hands were 3.25 ± 0.38 s, 3.35 ± 0.42 s, and 3.40 ± 0.46 s for the beginners, and 3.04 ± 0.32 s, 3.06 ± 0.22 s, and 3.13 ± 0.27 s for the more experienced players respectively. No gender-specific differences were detected. The results of this study suggest that practising sprints while carrying a ball benefits the early phase of sprinting while carrying the ball.     

Predicting the throwing velocity of the ball in handball with anthropometric variables and isotonic tests

Abstract

The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the influence of general anthropometric variables, handball-specific anthropometric variables, and upper-limb power and strength on ball-throwing velocity in a standing position (ν_ball), and (2) predict this velocity using multiple regression methods. Forty-two skilled male handball players (age 21.0 ± 3.0 years; height = 1.81 ± 0.07 m; body mass = 78.3 ± 11.3 kg) participated in the study. We measured general anthropometric variables (height, body mass, lean mass, body mass index) and handball-specific anthropometric parameters (hand size, arm span). Upper-limb dynamic strength was assessed using a medicine ball (2 kg) throwing test, and power using a one-repetition maximum bench-press test. All the variables studied were correlated with ball velocity. Medicine ball throwing performance was the best predictor (r = 0.80). General anthropometric variables were better predictors (r = 0.55–0.70) than handball-specific anthropometric variables (r = 0.35–0.51). The best multiple regression model accounted for 74% of the total variance and included body mass, medicine ball throwing performance, and power output in the 20-kg bench press. The equation formulated could help trainers, athletes, and professionals detect future talent and test athletes' current fitness.     

Hip and upper extremity kinematics in youth baseball pitchers

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between dynamic hip rotational range of motion and upper extremity kinematics during baseball pitching. Thirty-one youth baseball pitchers (10.87 ± 0.92 years; 150.03 ± 5.48 cm; 44.83 ± 8.04 kg) participated. A strong correlation was found between stance hip rotation and scapular upward rotation at maximum shoulder external rotation (r = 0.531, P = 0.002) and at ball release (r = 0.536, P = 0.002). No statistically significant correlations were found between dynamic hip rotational range of motion and passive hip range of motion. Hip range of motion deficits can constrain pelvis rotation and limit energy generation in the lower extremities. Shoulder pathomechanics can then develop as greater responsibility is placed on the shoulder to generate the energy lost from the proximal segments, increasing risk of upper extremity injury. Additionally, it appears that passive seated measurements of hip range of motion may not accurately reflect the dynamic range of motion of the hips through the progression of the pitch cycle.     

Hochintensives Intervalltraining im Sportunterricht

Background and aim

This study examined the effects of a 6-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs. low-intensity endurance training (LOW), applied during physical education on motor performance, mood and perceived exertion.

Methods

Over a period of 6 weeks, 85 pupils (34 male; 51 female; age: 11.9?±?0.9 years) performed 11 sessions of either HIIT (20?min, intervals from 10?s to 4?min at about 90–100% of average running speed of 6?min run [v_mean]) or LOW (30?min, intervals from 6–25?min at about 65–85% v_mean). Before and after the 6?week intervention each pupils’ anthropometry and motor performance (20?m sprint, standing long-jump, lateral jumping from side to side, push-ups, sit-ups, 6?min run) were assessed. Session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after each session and mood was assessed by questionnaire following the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 11th session.

Results

RPE (p?<?0.05) was higher and mood more positive (p?<?0.05) with HIIT compared to LOW. Performances in the 6?min run (p?<?0.001; part. η²?=?0.473), 20?m sprint (p?<?0.001; part. η²?=?0.226), standing long-jump (p?<?0.05; part. η²?=?0.056), push-ups (p?<?0.001; part. η²?=?0.523) and sit-ups (p?<?0.001; part. η²?=?0.146) improved following HIIT and LOW with no significant time?×?group interaction (except for the sit-ups [p?<?0.05; part. η²?=?0.048]).

Conclusions

HIIT and LOW improved the performances in 6?min run, 20?m sprint, standing long-jump and push-ups similarly. However, the improvements in HIIT compared to LOW were achieved in 30% less time. As time is limited in physical education classes, HIIT offers a new perspective for improving endurance and motor performance in children. The positive mood associated with HIIT demonstrates the applicability in physical education.

     

Influence of shaft length on golf driving performance

The aim of this study was to determine how shaft length affects golf driving performance. A range of drivers with lengths between 1.168 m and 1.270 m, representing lengths close to the 1.219 m limit imposed by R&;A Rules Limited (2008 R&;A Rules Limited. 2008. Rules of golf, St. Andrews: R&;A Rules Limited, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.  [Google Scholar]), were assembled and evaluated. Clubhead and ball launch conditions and drive distance and accuracy were determined for seven category 1 golfers (handicaps 0.21 ± 2.41) who performed shots on a purpose-built practice hole. As shaft length increased from 1.168 m to 1.270 m, initial ball velocity increased (+1.8 m/s, P < 0.01). Ball carry (+4.3 m, P = 0.152) also increased, although not significantly so. Furthermore, as shaft length increased, for all club comparisons there was no decrease in accuracy. Ball launch conditions of spin components and launch angle remained unaffected by shaft length. Launch angle increased (0.8°, F = 1.074, P = 0.362) as driver shaft length increased. Our results show that clubhead and ball velocity together with ball carry tended to increase with no loss of accuracy.     

The effects of localised fatigue on upper extremity jump shot kinematics and kinetics in team handball

Team handball is a popular sport worldwide that requires numerous throws to be made throughout the course of a game. Because of the upper extremity demands of repetitive throwing, it is possible that fatigue can alter the mechanics of a shot. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of localised fatigue on jump shot kinematics and kinetics. Eleven male team handball players (23.1 ± 3.1 years; 185.1 ± 8.3 cm; 89.7 ± 12.2 kg) volunteered. An electromagnetic tracking system was used to examine the jump shot prior to and following localised fatigue. The fatiguing protocol consisted of throwing a 2.2 kg medicine ball into a rebounder until volitional fatigue. No significant kinematic or kinetic differences were observed following fatigue. Shoulder external rotation was ?74.8 ± 14.9° prior to and ?79.0 ± 14.7° following fatigue at MER. Scapula, external rotation at ball release (BR) prior to fatigue was ?2.2 ± 7.0° and ?3.2 ± 11.1° following fatigue. Scapular internal rotation, at maximum shoulder internal rotation (MIR), changed from 18.4 ± 11.2° to 20.4 ± 11.8°. Ball velocity decreased from19.8 m · s^–1 to 18.8 m · s^–1 (P = 0.12). Accuracy percentage in the pre-fatigue trials was 60.8 ± 14.1% and 52.8 ± 12.7% following fatigue (P = 0.20). While no significant changes were observed, it is possible that other fatiguing protocols that more closely represent the aerobic and throwing demands of the sport may have a greater effect on the kinematics and kinetics of the jump shot.     

Trunk axial rotation in baseball pitching and batting

The purpose of this study was to quantify trunk axial rotation and angular acceleration in pitching and batting of elite baseball players. Healthy professional baseball pitchers (n = 40) and batters (n = 40) were studied. Reflective markers attached to each athlete were tracked at 240 Hz with an eight-camera automated digitizing system. Trunk axial rotation was computed as the angle between the pelvis and the upper trunk in the transverse plane. Trunk angular acceleration was the second derivative of axial rotation. Maximum trunk axial rotation (55 ± 6°) and angular acceleration (11,600 ± 3,100 °/s²) in pitching occurred before ball release, approximately at the instant the front foot landed. Maximum trunk axial rotation (46 ± 9°) and angular acceleration (7,200 ± 2,800 °/s²) in batting occurred in the follow-through after ball contact. Thus, the most demanding instant for the trunk and spine was near front foot contact for pitching and after ball contact for batting.     

Einstellungen von Sportlehramtsstudierenden zur Sprachbildung im Sportunterricht

An assessment of attitudes toward language awareness in physical education classes offers the possibility to evaluate learning and teaching opportunities related to this topic offered at universities. However, valid research instruments for this undertaking are currently lacking. The present article reports on the development and validation of a questionnaire for assessing attitudes toward language awareness in sports classes (“Erfassung von Einstellungen zur Sprachbildung im Sportunterricht,” ESBiS). A validation study of the ESBiS included N?=?254 student physical education teachers, 37.8% female, mean age 22.16 years, standard deviation 2.74 years. Explorative factor analysis identified a five-factor structure with the ESBiS factors linguistic goal and performance transparency, promotion of writing, language-corrective feedback, use of scaffolding, and advancement of technical vocabulary. The analyses indicate good factorial validity and reliability of the individual scales. The ESBiS factors can be satisfactorily modelled using confirmatory factor analyses. The ESBiS instrument thus demonstrates good psychometric quality. Furthermore, in some instances, very low positive correlations of the ESBiS factors with the validation criterion of multicultural attitudes could be shown. Additionally, correlation analyses with individual characteristics of the student physical education teachers showed that the developed instrument has sensitivity and discriminatory ability.     

Physical performance in female handball players according to playing position

Demands for female handball players are not yet sufficiently specified, especially not with respect to position-specific performance. For optimal match preparation, individual training based on specific demands of each position is necessary. Consequently, the aim of the study was to gain insight into position-specific differences in female handball players in order to establish position-specific training recommendations. Data from 652 female players from German leagues of all levels were analyzed using a test-battery assessing handball-relevant physical performance factors. Players were tested during their usual training in their regular training locations for running, throwing speed, jumping height, reaction-speed, basic running endurance, arm and abdominal muscle strength and hamstrings and lower back flexibility. Significant differences between positions were found for several parameters, while the differences were pronounced variably at the different performance levels. For example, goalkeepers performed worst in the Half-Cooper test (p?<?0.001) at elite level with wings displaying the best values. Halfbacks had the highest throwing speed (p?<?0.001) and jumping heights (p?<?0.002) at elite level. Goalkeepers were slowest for best and mean value out of five attempts (p?<?0.001; p?<?0.010) in 20?m sprint but, together with wings outperformed half and centre backs at elite level in 30?m sprint (best out of two attempts, p?<?0.001). Goalkeepers also did fewer chin ups than wing and back players at elite level (p?<?0.003). The present study demonstrated positional differences regarding physical performance parameters, thus suggesting the need to intensify position-specific training, especially for goalkeepers during preparation and in-season. Also, position-specific testing during selection-processes might be indicated.     

Visuelle Bewegungskontrolle geführter Kraftübungen bei jungen Erwachsenen und Senioren

In the context of strength training in rehabilitation, visual movement control can be helpful to ensure correct movements. However, there are only a few studies that deal with the effectiveness of feedback during resistance exercises. To investigate the effect of feedback during guided exercise, 18 young adults (28.8?±?5.5 years) and 12 senior citizens (67.9?±?4.1 years) were tested. Subjects performed shoulder press exercises (3 sets, 15 repetitions) with and without visual movement control in a randomized order. On day 1, the subjects trained without load, and on day 2 they trained at 50% of their single repetition maximum. Joint articulation at the elbow was recorded using elbow extension and flexion. Autocorrelation was used to determine the reproducibility of movements. Subjects achieved better reproducibility of the movement with feedback than without (χ²?=?19.73; p?<?0.001). There was no effect of the load on motion accuracy (p?>?0.05), but the age group showed a significant effect (χ²?=?6.00; p?=?0.014). The younger group shows a higher degree of movement accuracy. In summary, visual movement control is useful in guided exercises to control movement execution. In clinical setting, this may be a way to control the motion performance of guided strength exercises and to ensure purposeful muscle work. Further studies should clarify the effect of visual feedback on the movement quality in unguided strength exercises.     

Shooting motion in high school,collegiate, and professional men’s lacrosse players

The purposes of this research were to quantify the kinematics of the lacrosse shot, based on arm dominance and player experience level. Male players (N = 39; 14–30 years; high school [n = 24], collegiate [n = 9], professional [n = 6]), performed overhead shots using dominant and non-dominant sides. Motion was captured using a high-speed, 12-camera optical system and high-speed filming. Body segment rotational velocities and joint angles were determined at key points in the shot cycle from foot contact (0% of shot) to ball release (100% of shot). All players shot with less anterior trunk lean, less transverse shoulder rotation, and slower trunk-shoulder rotational velocities with the non-dominant side than the dominant side (all p < 0.05). Professional players produced crosse angular velocities 21% faster than high school or collegiate players (p < 0.05). Transverse shoulder rotation range of motion on both dominant and non-dominant and trunk rotation sides was highest in the professional players (p < 0.05). These kinematic features enable professional players to produce faster ball speeds than younger players (138 ± 7 km/h vs. 112 ± 15 km/h, respectively; p < 0.05). Less anterior lean or suboptimal rotation sequence could increase proximal shoulder forces that could contribute to injury as in other throwing sports.     

Biomechanics of increased spin velocity of flying discs during forehand throws by skilled and unskilled throwers

We aimed to assess the relationship between throwing distance and kinematic release parameters of the flying disc in unskilled throwers, and to assess the relationship between kinetic variables acting on flying discs and the change in spin velocity during long forehand throws by skilled and unskilled throwers. Ten skilled and eleven unskilled throwers performed throws at maximum effort. Reflective marker positions on the disc and body were recorded with a 3D motion capture system during the throws to derive kinematic variables of a disc and kinetic variables acting on the disc. The analysis interval was from maximum external shoulder rotation to disc release. Significant correlations were observed between the throwing distance and spin velocity in skilled (r = 0.722, P < 0.05) and unskilled throwers (r = 0.794, P < 0.01), between the change in spin velocity and the angular impulse of moments of force, in unskilled throwers (r = 0.703, P < 0.05), and between the change in spin velocity and the angular impulse of torque among skilled throwers (r = 0.680, P < 0.01). Therefore, a strategy for increasing spin velocity in unskilled throwers could be used to generate a larger torque, similar to that observed in skilled throwers.     

Quantifying ice hockey goaltender leg pad kinematics and the effect that different leg pad styles have on performance

Goaltender leg pad innovations, whether the result of professional player feedback or National Hockey League equipment regulations, are rarely tested for their effects on the goaltender’s body. This study quantified peak drop velocity and range of motion of four different ice hockey goalie leg pads with respect to the goaltenders’ legs during butterfly manoeuvres. Twelve junior goaltenders, ranging from 16 to 20 years of age, performed five butterfly manoeuvres in each of the four leg pad conditions (flexible-tight leg channel, flexible-wide leg channel, stiff-wide leg channel and control). The pad conditions followed similar kinematic patterns in the sagittal and frontal planes. In the transverse plane, the stiff-wide pad achieved significantly greater external rotation (~10°) during the butterfly compared to the flex-tight and the flex-wide leg pad conditions. Goaltenders performed significantly faster butterflies in the flex-tight (3.05 m/s) and the flex-wide (3.0 m/s) leg pad conditions compared to their own control (2.82 m/s) leg pads (P = 0.018 and P = 0.004, respectively). The kinematic information obtained during this study provides ice hockey goaltender equipment manufacturers with a baseline understanding of how leg pads move with respect to the goaltender’s legs. Future leg pad modifications can then be compared to these data to understand the modification’s effect on the goaltender’s body and performance ensuring that leg pads continue to improve both the safety and performance of goaltenders.     

Single Functional Movement Screen items as main predictors of injury risk in amateur male soccer players

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) has been applied to identify predisposed players, mainly in professional sports, and their injury risk. Empirical evidence on the FMS in amateur soccer is scant. Furthermore, the composite FMS score contains upper, lower, and core-related body items, which might be related differently in soccer-specific injury incidences. The aim of this study was twofold: to investigate the relationship between the composite FMS score and the injury incidence of amateur soccer players and to analyze the contribution of single FMS test items to the injury state. In all, 83 amateur male soccer players (23?±?4 years old) were evaluated using the FMS prior to the preparation period of the 2016/2017 season. Injuries (lower extremities, non-contact, time loss) were continuously documented throughout the first competition period. The composite FMS score differed significantly (p?=?0.017) between injured (15.1?±?2.5) and non-injured (16.5?±?2) players. A twofold increase in the risk of injury was found for a composite FMS score of 14 or less. Significant correlations between single test items with a score?≤?2 and injured players were found for the trunk stability push-up exercise (χ²?=?17.4, df?=?1, p?<?0.001, φ?=?0.5) and the rotary stability exercise (χ²?=?6.7, df?=?1, p?=?0.009, φ?=?0.3). The composite FMS score seems to be an indicator of injury risk in amateur soccer with injured players having lower core stability and lower core strength.     

A three-dimensional analysis of the contributions of upper limb joint movements to horizontal racket head velocity at ball impact during tennis serving

In this study, we examined the relationship between upper limb joint movements and horizontal racket head velocity to clarify joint movements for developing racket head speed during tennis serving. Sixty-six male tennis players were videotaped at 200 Hz using two high-speed video cameras while hitting high-speed serves. The contributions of each joint rotation to horizontal racket velocity were calculated using vector cross-products between the angular velocity vectors of each joint movement and relative position vectors from each joint to the racket head. Major contributors to horizontal racket head velocity at ball impact were shoulder internal rotation (41.1%) and wrist palmar flexion (31.7%). The contribution of internal rotation showed a significant positive correlation with horizontal racket head velocity at impact (r = 0.490, P < 0.001), while the contribution of palmar flexion showed a significant negative correlation (r = ? 0.431, P < 0.001). The joint movement producing the difference in horizontal racket head velocity between fast and slow servers was shoulder internal rotation, and angular velocity of shoulder internal rotation must be developed to produce a high racket speed.     

Quantitative analysis of kinematics and kinetics of catchers throwing to second base

Abstract

The catcher has the most demanding position in the games of baseball and softball with no regulations on how many throws they make during game. It was the purpose of this study to describe the kinematics and kinetics of the throwing motion in catchers when throwing down to second base. It was hypothesised that younger and older catchers would display significantly different throwing kinematics and kinetics. Thirty-eight baseball and softball catchers volunteered to participate. Twenty participants were considered younger (aged 9–14, 10.95 ± 1.76 years, 151.11 ± 15.64 cm, 47.94 ± 18.84 kg) and 18 were deemed the older group (aged 15–23, 18.11 ± 2.61 years, 170.91 ± 8.67 cm, 74.88 ± 10.74 kg). Participants received a pitch and completed five accurate throws to second base in full catching gear. The average ball speed of the older catchers was 21 ± 3.58 meters per second (47 ± 8.02 mph) while the younger catchers averaged 17.2 ± 4.0 meters per second (38.6 ± 8.96 mph). Older catchers had greater shoulder elevation at ball release and significantly greater shoulder external rotation at foot contact and shoulder maximum external rotation than younger catchers. It is clear that chronological age plays a role in the throwing mechanics observed in catchers throwing down to second base, however the effects of these differences are not fully understood (i.e., skeletal maturity, experience, strength).