The purpose of this study was to quantify the relationship between age and available response time in fastpitch softball for pitchers, which is necessary to evaluate the efficacy of interventions designed to decrease player response times and determine if player protective equipment are necessary. High speed video was used to measure ball impact location relative to home plate, swing speed, and ball exit velocity of 588 swings taken by 87 female fastpitch softball players 9 to 24 years old. Available response time considered age-appropriate ball aerodynamics, field dimensions, ball impact location, and pitcher advancement during pitch delivery. Mean available response times were reported for each age group, with the lowest observed for collegiate-aged participants at 326 ms. Available response time was observed to decrease as age increased, but did not undergo rapid change between any age groups. In light of prior investigations regarding response time in softball, the results of this study suggest older participants may not have enough time to execute a protective manoeuvre.
Keywords: Reaction time; bat performance; injury; risk; safety.