The Facility

The Wake Forest Pitching Lab is located inside the Chris Hurd Player Development Center at David F. Couch Ballpark. Featuring the latest biomechanical evaluation equipment and technology, the state-of-the-art facility enables our staff to conduct comprehensive 3-D motion analyses of our players and develop training programs focused on the development and health of our pitching staff.

The industry-leading equipment and cutting-edge technology utilized in the Wake Forest Pitching Lab include:  

  • 16 motion capture cameras
  • 4 HD high-speed video cameras
  • 3 force plates embedded in pitching mound
  • 2 portable force plates
  • Trackman Pro video system
The 3-D motion analyses carried out in the pitching lab are instrumental in ensuring the short-term and long-term health of the Wake Forest pitching staff. We can precisely measure movement patterns and identify potentially dangerous pitching mechanics and determine if adjustments in a player's throwing motion need to be made. This enables us to prescribe customized, targeted sets of corrective exercises for our athletes to utilize in both the training room and weight room.

From a player development standpoint, 3-D motion capture can show us the sequence of the delivery at ultra high speeds which helps us identify where stress on the throwing arm is coming from and what changes need to be made to alleviate that stress. The use of the force plates tells us the amount and direction of force throughout the delivery. Synchronizing the motion capture and force plate data with Trackman enables us to see the impact these factors have on the rhythm and timing of the delivery.

In the end, the pitching lab gives our staff the information they need to collaborate and create innovative and effective development programs for each pitcher designed to keep him healthy and make him better at his craft.