【Paper Published】VR Technology Scientifically Elucidates Baseball "Pitch Selection Ability"
Lecturer Genta Ochi and Kodai Kato (graduated in 2023) developed a novel method to scientifically ev
Discovery: Pitch Selection Ability and Executive Function Independently Contribute to Batting Performance
Research Overview
Lecturer Genta Ochi and Kodai Kato (graduated in 2023) developed a novel method to scientifically evaluate baseball batters' pitch selection ability (the ability to distinguish between strikes and balls) and demonstrated that pitch selection ability is closely related to actual batting performance. This research was published on October 17, 2025, in the international sports science journal "Sports."
Research Background and Objectives
In baseball, "pitch selection ability" is a critical factor that affects batting performance. Batters with excellent pitch selection ability not only increase their chances of drawing walks but also improve their batting average by selectively hitting pitches in favorable zones. However, no established method existed to objectively measure pitch selection ability and apply it to training.
This study developed a method to quantitatively evaluate pitch selection ability in an environment close to actual game situations by utilizing VR (Virtual Reality) technology.
Research Methods
Measurement Items:
- VR Pitch Selection Task: Presented 80 actual pitches filmed with a 360-degree camera through a VR headset, and participants made strike/ball judgments
- Spatial Stroop Task: Evaluated executive function (spatial interference processing ability) by having participants judge the consistency/inconsistency between arrow direction and position on screen
- Batting Performance Analysis: Compiled batting average, on-base percentage, walk rate, and other statistics from official game data from Fall 2020 to Fall 2023
Key Research Findings
- Relationship Between Pitch Selection Ability and Batting Performance
- VR pitch selection task accuracy showed significant positive correlations with on-base percentage (r = 0.57) and walk rate (r = 0.82)
- Strike judgment accuracy was found to be particularly important
- Relationship with Executive Function
- Players with faster reaction times on the spatial Stroop task (vertical direction) had more accurate strike judgments (r = -0.67)
- Discovered that cognitive processing speed supports part of pitch selection ability
- Independent Contributions
- Mediation analysis demonstrated that pitch selection ability and executive function each independently contribute to batting performance
Research Significance and Future Directions
This research established a groundbreaking method to scientifically evaluate baseball's "pitch selection ability," which had previously been a black box. By using VR technology, it has become possible to easily recreate actual pitching situations and objectively measure players' pitch selection ability.
In the future, development of pitch selection training programs using VR and comprehensive batting ability improvement programs combining cognitive training are expected. This has the potential to significantly contribute to improving baseball players' competitive abilities.
Research Information
Paper Title: Pitch Selection Ability and Spatial Executive Function Independently Predict Baseball Batting Performance
Authors: Yoshitaka Morishita¹²³*, Genta Ochi¹²†, Daiki Takahashi², Kodai Kato², Wataru Uchiyama⁴, Yasuyuki Nishihara²
(*First author, †Corresponding author)
Affiliations:
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare
- Department of Health and Sports Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Osaka University of Economics
- Niigata Sogo Gakuen
Journal: Sports
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13100367
Research Funding: JSPS KAKENHI 22K11644 (PI: Yoshitaka Morishita), 22K17739 (PI: Genta Ochi)