Eric Sogard. Baseball Player Mechanics Analysis - Oakland A’s


The analysis of some aspects of the technique can help to explain the athlete’s performance, injuries and his/her future possibilities. With the information that we present in this blog I’m not intended to replace a scientifically organized evaluation process, but just to play with the available information.

Mr. Sogard has a reported groin strain in 2009 and a back strain that kept him out of the game for about 60 days in 2012.
The analysis of his running technique shows an external rotation of his feet creating a landing with the external frontal aspect of his feet. This rotation also generates a torque at the knee level. As a consequence of his feet position in the ground, the push-off is happening with a non-efficient and risky foot-leg-ground angle.
Complete extension of the right leg, efficient push-off
External rotation of the left foot before landing
Foot in angle in relation to the direction of the running
Push-off with foot in angle generates torque at the knee level
External rotation of the left foot during landing
External rotation of the right foot during landing
Landing with ankles tense in front of the hip with the heel



During batting, his left foot remains in the same position long after the bat contact the ball creating a torque at the knee level.
Even though the hip rotates some degrees during the swing phase, it stops immediately before the bat contacts the ball. Because the upper body continues rotating, it generates 1) an extra effort of the upper body 2) an increment of load in the lower back.
Initial position
Hip and Shoulders rotation. Left foot remains in place
Hip and Shoulders rotation. Left foot remains in place
Hip stops rotation and Shoulders continues rotating. Foot remains in place

                                             

Conclusions: High risk of injury in the right knee and lower back during batting aggravated by the running technique. A moderate risk in the left knee.

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