Fitness Differences in High School Girls Softball Relative to their Primary Position

Fitness Positional Differences in Girls Softball

Abstract

^{The purpose of this study was to determine differences in linear speed, lower-body strength and power, and softball-specific skills in high school girls softball players relative to their primary position. Retrospective analysis was conducted on data collected from a private strength and conditioning facility on 32 high school softball players, which included: age, height, and body mass; 0-9.14 and 0-18.29 m sprint times; standing broad jump (SBJ) distance; hitting and throwing velocity; and absolute and relative three-repetition maximum (3RM) front squat and hexagonal bar deadlift. Players self-reported their primary position, and the sample was split into pitchers (n = 6), catchers (n = 7), infielders (n = 10), and outfielders (n = 9). A Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the position groups (p<0.05). The results indicated that catchers had a greater SBJ (p = 0.005), and absolute (p = 0.015) and relative (p = 0.003) 3RM front squat, compared to pitchers. Outfielders had a greater absolute (p = 0.012) and relative (p = 0.004) 3RM front squat compared to pitchers. The nature of catching (constantly squatting and rising from the ground) may place a greater emphasis on lower-body power and strength. Outfielders would also benefit from greater lower-body strength for tasks like hitting and sprinting. The pitchers from this sample may need targeted lower-body strength development.}