Analysis of the Association Between Physical Function Screening Tests and Hitting and Pitching Technical Errors in Youth Baseball Players

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between OnBaseU Screening Tests and technical errors in hitting and pitching among youth baseball players, to evaluate the potential of such screening tools to identify performance inefficiencies. Design: Cross-sectional study Methods: A total of 110 male youth baseball players (62 hitters, 48 pitchers) participated. OnBaseU Screening Tests were administered, and technical errors were assessed using standardized evaluation criteria. Chi-square tests examined associations between screening outcomes and errors, and logistic regression analyses identified independent predictors. Results: In hitters, significant associations were observed between screening outcomes and technical errors, such as the Separation Test with flying elbow (χ 2 ＝ 10.747, p ＝ 0.001, φ＝ 0.416) and the Shoulder 46 Test with drifting (χ 2 ＝ 4.276, p ＝ 0.039, φ＝ 0.263). Logistic regression further demonstrated that the Toe Tap Test predicted ready position errors (OR ＝ 4.060, 95% CI [1.250－13.185], p ＝ 0.020), while the Lateral Step Test predicted hanging back (OR ＝ 3.627, 95% CI [1.017－12.938], p ＝ 0.047). For pitchers, the Pelvic Tilt Test significantly predicted short stride (OR ＝ 0.128, 95% CI [0.029－0.573], p ＝ 0.007). Conclusions: The results demonstrate that OnBaseU screening is capable of identifying key technical errors in both hitting and pitching among youth baseball players. These insights may assist coaches and clinicians in designing individualized corrective and preventive training strategies, thereby contributing to performance optimization and long-term athletic development.