Throwing ball velocity is one of the indicators that determine softball
performance. However, most of the training on throwing only focused on the
major muscles and they neglected the assisted muscles such as hand grip and
trunk rotation muscles that also crucial in improving the throwing
performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the effect of
hand grip strength training, and trunk rotation strength training towards the
throwing ball velocity among female collegiate softball players. 54 female
collegiate softball players were equally divided into three training groups
which are hand grip strength training group (HG), trunk rotation strength
training group (TR), and basic strength training group (CG). All the groups
performed the same basic strength training program with different additional
strength training according to the group`s treatment. Each group trained 3
days per week for 6 weeks. Throwing ball velocity was assessed before
(pretest) and after (posttest) the 6 weeks training program via one-way
between groups analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare the mean gained
score in throwing ball velocity between each group. The result shows that all
group significantly differences in throwing ball velocity (p
Batting velocity is an important component for successful hitting. Previous research has shown that batting velocity is influenced by increased muscular strength. Resistance training is broadly applied by strength and conditioning coaches to increase strength. However, recently, Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) has been proven to be able to increase muscular strength in high performance athletes. This study aimed to examine the effects of eight weeks of dynamic WB-EMS training on muscular strength and batting velocity among female collegiate softball players. Forty softball players were randomly assigned to two groups: DS-EMS (n = 20) and DS (n = 20). Both groups performed 100 basic dry swings per session using a standard bat. Additionally, DS-EMS group performed whole body electromyostimulation after the dry swing training. The training program was conducted three times a week and all participants were tested before (baseline) and after (week-8) the training programs. Both groups showed statistically significant increases in predicted 1RM torso rotational strength (p ≤ 0.01) and batting velocity (p ≤ 0.01) after 8 weeks of training. The WB-EMS group showed significant increase in predicted 1RM bench press, and predicted 1RM squat (p ≤ 0.01). The WB-EMS group showed greater increases (p ≤ 0.01) in batting velocity compared to control group. These data indicate that an 8-week of dry swing training supplemented by dynamic WB-EMS sessions may significantly increase strength and batting velocity among female collegiate softball players.