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Serving the scholastic field hockey and lacrosse community since 1998Archive for June 16, 2007
June 16, 2007 — Inside the Journal of Athletic Training, part 13: Softball
Thirteenth of 14 parts.
Today’s entry concerns a stick-and-ball sport which, in some places, has developed equipment-happy parents and coaches.
Softball:
Main results: The nature of injuries in practices and games is radically different; 71 percent of injuries during games came from some sort of contact, while 55 percent of injuries in practices are in non-contact situations.
Recommendations: Adjustments in training and biomechanics of throws, including the windmill tosses of the pitcher.
What the study directors missed: A discussion on whether present equipment introduced in some places such as Garden City, Mich. or in some youth leagues is necessary, given the low instances of batted or thrown-ball injuries.
What the study directors underreported: The three most frequent injuries in college softball are collisions with opposing players; contact with the ground; and no contact whatsoever. These three injuries, none of which would be ameliorated with protective equipment, account for 45 percent of all game injuries.
Equipment recommendations made: None.
Equipment recommendations not made: The face shield, the padded vest, the breakaway base, and making the infield bigger.
