Core Training Program Improves Exit Velocity in High School Baseball Players

Straightforward here…

Rotational training program for HS baseball players improved batted ball exit velocity (measured off batting tee) by statistically significant 3.1 mph but did NOT improve throwing velocity

• 24 high school baseball players (age 14-18) were randomly split into 2 groups - control and rotational training (RT).  
• Both groups did the same baseball practice twice per week for 2-hours each practice.
• The RT group did an additional 1-hour session after school 2x/week for 6 weeks. 
• The RT program consisted of several exercises (see image below) with weighted walks loaded ~50% bodyweight for ~27m and ~1-3 sets of ~8-20 reps (details in the article linked at bottom of page).

Summary:

This paper investigates the effects of core training on high school baseball performance. The study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a resistance training program targeting the muscles of the core in order to increase force production in torsional movements such as throwing and hitting in baseball. The study involved 24 male high school baseball players who were randomly assigned to either a control group or a core training group. The control group attended baseball-specific workouts twice a week for six weeks, while the core training group participated in a six-week core training program in addition to the baseball-specific practice. Throwing velocity and ball-exit velocity were assessed before and after the six-week intervention period using a radar gun. The results showed that neither group experienced an increase in throwing velocity, but the core training group did experience a significant increase in ball-exit velocity. The study concluded that a six-week core training program led to increased ball-exit velocity among high school baseball players.

Summary:

This paper investigates the effects of core training on high school baseball performance. The study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a resistance training program targeting the muscles of the core in order to increase force production in torsional movements such as throwing and hitting in baseball. The study involved 24 male high school baseball players who were randomly assigned to either a control group or a core training group. The control group attended baseball-specific workouts twice a week for six weeks, while the core training group participated in a six-week core training program in addition to the baseball-specific practice. Throwing velocity and ball-exit velocity were assessed before and after the six-week intervention period using a radar gun. The results showed that neither group experienced an increase in throwing velocity, but the core training group did experience a significant increase in ball-exit velocity. The study concluded that a six-week core training program led to increased ball-exit velocity among high school baseball players.

Link to article

Felion, C. W., & DeBeliso, M. (2020). The effects of core training on high school baseball performance. Athens J. Sports, 7, 173-188.