<P> Knowledge of the kinematic parameters of these phases is critical for physicians, physical therapists, and athletic trainers to devise better diagnostic and rehabilitative protocols that are specific to the athletes . A previous study by Alexander et al. demonstrated that the majority of kinematic parameters have low magnitudes and vary among pitchers during the windup phase . In a follow - up study, Werner et al. examined the parameters of the second and third phases, which they termed the "delivery phase". They found 7 specific parameters of pitching mechanics that correlate to risk of shoulder injury: shoulder abduction, shoulder flexion, knee flexion angle at SFC, stride length, stride angle, and elbow and hip angles at REL . Monitoring these kinematics would aid in reducing shoulder stress . Mean shoulder abduction and shoulder flexion angles at SFC were 155 ° ± 16 ° and 168 ° ± 35 °, respectively . As the stride foot contacted the ground, the knee demonstrated a mean value of 27 ° ± 9 ° of flexion . Stride length averaged 89% ± 11% of body height . Stride position varied between subjects, with a mean value of--3 ± 14 cm; this indicates that when the foot contacted the ground, on average it landed slightly to the first - base side of home plate for right - handed pitchers, and to the third - base side for left - handers . The elbow flexion angle was 18 ° ± 9 ° and the lower trunk (hip) angle moved toward a closed position of 52 ° ± 18 ° at REL . This indicated that greater degrees of shoulder abduction at SFC and greater stride angle decreased the magnitude of shoulder compression force . Conversely, longer stride, open REL hip position, and greater degrees of elbow flexion at REL and of shoulder and knee flexion at SFC all increase shoulder compression force . </P> <P> Normative ranges for kinematic parameters have been established for an elite population of windmill pitchers . Specific pitching mechanic parameters correlate with clinically significant injury patterns . Interventions that take into account the aforementioned data could decrease shoulder forces, thus translating to lower rates of time - loss injury in this group of athletes . </P> <P> The fastest pitch on record was thrown by Eddie Feigner of "The King and His Court" who was clocked at 104 mph . Feigner was at his best in the 1950s, and it is doubtful if this figure is correct . More recently, measured with modern radar guns, the best women are clocked at up to 75 mph and the best men at 85 mph . </P> <P> The fastpitch swing can be broken down into 7 components: 1 . Stance 2 . Grip 3 . Bat Position 4 . Shift of Weight 5 . Hand Position 6 . "Squishing the Bug" 7 . Follow Through and Finish . There are many drills as well that can help aid in the advancing of one's mechanisms including hitting of a tee and soft toss drills . The swing must be very concise and compact since the ball is coming very fast and there is little time to react . </P>

Who holds the record for fastest softball pitch