This article falls under “studies you should know about,” a cornerstone of this website. For example, check out how long-distance running inhibits power or the 3 mechanical factors that positively influence velocity.

For many coaches, this might be in the “I Already Knew That” category. If so, here’s the scientific proof. If not, keep reading.

Study: Frequent Immediate Knowledge of Results Enhances the Increase of Throwing Velocity in Overarm Handball Performance (Stim and Pori 2017)

While this study focused on handball players, its findings are highly relevant to baseball. Learning from other sports can provide valuable insights, as shown in this article on shot put. Handball, though not popular in North America, could be an interesting sport to explore, especially for college coaches or scouts considering recruiting trips to Europe.

Study Design:

Participants performed 2 sets of 10 maximum-effort throws twice a week for 6 weeks, in addition to regular handball training. One group received feedback on throw velocity; the other did not.

Why is Feedback Important?

Feedback helps refine technique. In throwing, it’s hard to get accurate feedback on velocity without tools like a radar gun. Unlike basketball, where feedback is immediate and obvious, throwing relies on intrinsic feedback, which isn’t as precise. This is some wisdom from Lantz Wheeler. Augmented feedback, like knowing throw velocity, provides the quantitative data needed to make improvements.

Key Findings:

Both groups increased throwing velocity, but the group with velocity feedback improved more.

Additional Points:

1. Frequency of Feedback:

In this study, feedback was given on every throw. Research suggests that frequent feedback enhances performance, as shown in a study by Wulf et al. (1998) on skiing slalom. This principle likely applies to baseball, a complex movement where every throw differs slightly.

2. Timing of Feedback:

Immediate feedback is crucial. Knowing how hard you threw right after each attempt allows for better adjustments. Delayed feedback, such as post-game velocity reports, is less effective.

Bonus: Weighted Ball Information

A pre- and post-test using a heavy handball (800 grams vs. the standard 375 grams) showed that both groups improved their heavy ball velocity, with greater gains in the feedback group. This suggests positive carryover effects despite not training with the heavier ball, supporting the theory of generalized motor program flexibility (Schmidt and Wrisberg, 2008).

Thanks for reading

Graeme Lehman, MSc, CSCS