Determining the most reliable variable to define stride foot contact in baseball pitchers
Description
Introduction: Stride foot contact (SFC) is a key reference point in pitching because it approximates hip-shoulder separation (HSS), which involves the transfer of energy between the hips and the trunk. The problem is that there is no standard for defining SFC. Some use ground contact, while others use when the foot has weight-bearing onset. Without a standard, the measure of HSS will be interpreted differently. This study’s focus was to examine whether HSS aligns more closely with ground contact or weight-bearing onset.
Methods: Three pitchers were tested using 3D motion sensors on the pelvis and thorax to measure HSS, along with insole pressure sensors, and high-speed video. 3D motion graphs were used to identify the point of maximum HSS. SFC was evaluated by determining whether the point of HSS corresponded closer to ground contact based on video or weight-bearing onset based on pressure insoles, with the assumption that the best definition of SFC will be where peak HSS occurs.
Results: Across all pitchers, HSS aligned closer with weight-bearing onset than with ground contact. Ground contact was observed to identify SFC prematurely, while HSS and weight-bearing onset consistently matched the timing of functional movement. The closer relationship between HSS and weight-bearing onset highlights its validity for defining SFC.
Discussion: These results suggest HSS provides a more valid reference for defining SFC and supports weight-bearing onset as the closer marker. Establishing a standardized definition based on HSS could improve the consistency of research and give coaches and clinicians stronger tools to evaluate and work with pitchers.
Citation Information
Snook, Drew and McClinton, Shane, "Determining the most reliable variable to define stride foot contact in baseball pitchers" (2026). Office of Research DMU Research Symposium. 17.
https://digitalcommons.dmu.edu/researchsymposium/2025rs/2025abstracts/17
Determining the most reliable variable to define stride foot contact in baseball pitchers
Introduction: Stride foot contact (SFC) is a key reference point in pitching because it approximates hip-shoulder separation (HSS), which involves the transfer of energy between the hips and the trunk. The problem is that there is no standard for defining SFC. Some use ground contact, while others use when the foot has weight-bearing onset. Without a standard, the measure of HSS will be interpreted differently. This study’s focus was to examine whether HSS aligns more closely with ground contact or weight-bearing onset.
Methods: Three pitchers were tested using 3D motion sensors on the pelvis and thorax to measure HSS, along with insole pressure sensors, and high-speed video. 3D motion graphs were used to identify the point of maximum HSS. SFC was evaluated by determining whether the point of HSS corresponded closer to ground contact based on video or weight-bearing onset based on pressure insoles, with the assumption that the best definition of SFC will be where peak HSS occurs.
Results: Across all pitchers, HSS aligned closer with weight-bearing onset than with ground contact. Ground contact was observed to identify SFC prematurely, while HSS and weight-bearing onset consistently matched the timing of functional movement. The closer relationship between HSS and weight-bearing onset highlights its validity for defining SFC.
Discussion: These results suggest HSS provides a more valid reference for defining SFC and supports weight-bearing onset as the closer marker. Establishing a standardized definition based on HSS could improve the consistency of research and give coaches and clinicians stronger tools to evaluate and work with pitchers.
