Date of Award
Spring 4-6-2022
Document Type
Distinction Paper
Degree Name
Exercise Science and Health Promotion-BS
Department
Health & Sport Sciences
Advisor
Erica Van Dop
First Committee Member
Erica Van Dop
Second Committee Member
Joe Wilkins
Third Committee Member
Meredith Meyer
Keywords
Strength and Conditioning, Periodization, softball, throwing velocity, off the bat velocity
Subject Categories
Exercise Science | Higher Education | Sports Sciences
Abstract
Overhand throwing velocity, underhand throwing velocity and off the bat velocity are measures that impact performance of softball athletes. The purpose of strength and conditioning programs is to improve athletic performance for athletes. Strength and conditioning coaches can achieve this through programming. One aspect of programming that this study looked at is periodization. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a periodized strength and conditioning program on these performance measurements in NCAA DIII collegiate softball athletes. Sixteen (n=16) NCAA DIII softball athletes were selected based on their participation on the Otterbein softball team. The athletes underwent pre and post testing of body composition, squat and chest press 1RM, anaerobic power, overhand throwing velocity, underhand throwing velocity, and off the bat velocity. The athletes participated in a 12 week periodized program. The 12 weeks were split into three, four-week blocks focusing on endurance, strength and power. The athletes showed significant difference in lean body mass, squat strength, chest press strength and anaerobic power. There was no significance in overhand throwing velocity, underhand throwing velocity and off the bat velocity in the athletes. These findings suggest that a periodized program elicits strength and anaerobic power gains in athletes. Due to a small sample size and softball trained population further research needs to be done to determine if there is a relationship between periodization and performance measures with a larger sample size, a longer period of time, or in a different age group.
Licensing Permission
Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use
Recommended Citation
Jenkins, Sage, "The Effects Of A Periodized Strength And Conditioning Program On Overhand Throwing Velocity, Underhand Throwing Velocity And Off The Bat Velocity in DIII Collegiate Athletes" (2022). Undergraduate Distinction Papers. 117.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_dist/117