(53) OPTIMIZING POSITION ASSIGNMENTS IN DIVISION I SOFTBALL PLAYERS USING INTER-POSITION PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE DIFFERENCES: A PILOT STUDY

Purpose: This study aimed to classify collegiate softball player defensive positions by measuring strength, power, speed, change of direction (COD), and sport-specific performance differences via pre-season performance testing. Methods: This study evaluated the performance of 12 infield (INF) and 7 outfield (OUT) softball players at an NCAA Division I school (n=19). Position groups (PG) were designated by the team’s coaching staff based on their primary role as INF or OUT. Countermovement jumps (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pulls (IMTP) were performed using dual force plates to evaluate strength and power. CMJ and IMTP metrics were normalized using player body weight. Sprint speed was measured using 10m (t10) and 20m (t20) sprints timed with laser timing gates. Momentum (p) was calculated for speed tests. Change of direction (COD) ability was measured using left and right 505 agility test (L-t505, R-t505) results. Left and Right COD deficit (L-CODD, R-CODD) was calculated using the difference between L-t505 or R-t505 and t10. Bat speed was measured using an accelerometer and throw speed was measured using a radar gun. Group means were compared using independent samples T-tests and effect sizes were calculated using Hedge’s g. Results: OUT had much greater normalized CMJ impulse (g=1.01), mean power (g=0.95), peak force (g=1.08, p=0.04), and modified reactive strength index (g=0.84) than INF. OUT had slightly higher average normalized CMJ jump height than INF (g=0.34). OUT had moderately greater normalized peak IMTP force than INF (g=0.79). OUT were slightly faster than INF in the 10m (g=0.21) and 20m (g=0.31) sprints but INF generated more momentum with a moderate to large effect (10m, g=0.71; 20m, g=0.99, p=0.03). INF had faster R-t505 (g=0.569) and smaller R-CODD (g=0.730) and L-CODD (g=0.427). INF had much faster bat speed (g=0.96), while OUT had slightly faster throw speed (g=0.23). Conclusions: These results suggest there are inherent physical performance differences between softball players in different PGs. OUT demonstrates superior speed and throwing abilities to INF, likely due to their need to cover a greater area and make longer throws during defensive play. This study is the first to demonstrate increased relative strength and power among outfield players and future studies should investigate its cause further. INF are designated by greater body mass, bat speed, and COD abilities. Improved COD in INF is potentially reflective of a greater need for rapid reaction and COD during defensive gameplay but further study is needed to confirm this hypothesis. Practical Applications: Position group differences in elite softball players may be used to inform future coaching decisions when it comes to assigning player positions and identifying talent based on player strengths and weaknesses. Future research with more robust samples and more frequent testing should evaluate differences between individual positions to further optimize this process. Acknowledgements: None