NECST BAS: Japanese Startup Revolutionizing MLB Player performance with Biomechanics
While Major league Baseball (MLB) is often seen as the pinnacle of the sport, some teams are turning to a Japanese startup for cutting-edge insights. NECST BAS, a company based in Chiba, Japan, is making waves with its advanced biomechanics analysis, helping MLB teams optimize player performance and minimize injuries. This innovative approach is challenging conventional wisdom and highlighting the expertise of Japanese researchers in the field of sports science.
The Rise of Biomechanics in Baseball
Sports science is increasingly influencing baseball, with data-driven training and strategies becoming essential for success. Biomechanics, the study of movement, is a key area where advancements are transforming how players train and perform. By using specialized equipment to measure and analyze an athlete’s movements, teams can identify areas for improvement and reduce the risk of injuries. This approach has led to the emergence of companies like NECST BAS, which are providing valuable insights to professional baseball teams.
Founded in 2014, NECST BAS combines advanced measurement systems with expertise in sports science to assess a player’s physical strengths, pitching mechanics, and swing movements. Their analysts then provide practical advice to improve performance and prevent injuries, essentially acting as baseball consultants. In August 2022, the company opened the NECST BAS ETLITS laboratory in Ichikawa, Chiba, serving as both a research center and training facility. This laboratory has quickly gained a reputation, attracting professional and amateur players seeking to enhance their skills.
Did You Know? The global sports analytics market is projected to reach $5.2 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 21.7% from 2021. MarketsandMarkets
NECST BAS and the Chicago Cubs
In September 2024, NECST BAS made headlines by signing a contract with the Chicago Cubs, a major League Baseball team. This partnership was unexpected, as new baseball concepts and training methods typically originate in the United States before spreading to Japan. The Cubs’ decision to collaborate with a Japanese company underscores the innovative work of Japanese researchers in movement analysis.
The ETLITS laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art measuring technology and staffed by analytics experts, including Jinji Tsutomu, formerly of the Japanese institute of Sports Sciences. Tsutomu’s achievements include supporting the Japanese softball team that won a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. The laboratory analyzes each athlete’s unique characteristics to develop personalized efficiency strategies and training programs, offering integrated services in one location.
To analyze an athlete’s movements, 48 markers are placed on the body, and 14 high-performance cameras track their motion. Power plates under the pitcher’s mound measure the force applied during a step, as well as the reaction force from the ground.This provides extensive data on finger movements, ball rotation, energy production, and transmission efficiency. Analysts use this facts to suggest improvements in pitch speed, ball control, throwing mechanics, and targeted training programs. The approach also helps evaluate injury risks, such as elbow stress.
Representatives from the Cubs were impressed by the accuracy of NECST BAS’s measurements, particularly the detailed tracking of finger movements. “They were shocked by the level of accuracy of our measurements, but there is nothing special for us – this is just part of our standard analysis,” said CEO Nakao. “The fingertips are the end point where the energy is transmitted to the ball at the time of the separation, so it makes sense to track them in such detail.”
Pro Tip: implementing biomechanical analysis can lead to a 10-5% improvement in player performance and a 20-30% reduction in injuries.
Advanced Visualization Technology
Another advantage of the ETLITS laboratory is its advanced visualization technology. High-performance cameras capable of shooting 1,000 frames per second track the slightest movements of the pitcher’s fingers with high resolution. While the training center “Driveline Baseball” in the United States, known for visits by Yu Darvish and Shohei Ohtani, uses a science-based approach, ETLITS uses even more advanced cameras. In 2018, Nakao and Tsutomu visited Driveline to compare methods and concluded that NECST BAS was ahead in many areas.
Following their visit in September 2023, the Cubs continued to engage with NECST BAS through online meetings. In March 2024, NECST BAS was invited to the Cubs’ spring training, where they analyzed the movements of 20 Cubs pitchers, demonstrating their methods to General Manager Jed Hoyer. “At first, only a few people watched the session,” Tsutomu recalled. “But the rumor that something captivating was happening quickly spread – and soon the coaches, analysts, and employees of the research and development department began to gather around.We did not even show our process completely, but the speed, accuracy, and level of detail of the analysis were highly rated.”
Challenges and future Prospects
After the successful exhibition, NECST BAS officially signed a contract with the Cubs. “For teams, the release of highly paid players due to injuries is a huge loss,” Tsutomu emphasized.”Our goal is to reduce injuries and increase performance.” Even though NECST BAS has not yet established itself in the Major League, rumors of the partnership with the Cubs have spread, leading other MLB teams to explore potential collaborations.
In December 2024, Tsutomu participated in the MLB winter meeting, where he was selected by the American Baseball Biomechanics Society as one of five researchers to present on preventing elbow injuries. His presentation generated significant interest, with agents seeking advice on improving their clients’ performance.
Despite the recognition in the United States, Tsutomu questions whether Japan fully appreciates its achievements in movement analysis. While Japanese studies in biomechanics and movement tracking have been highly developed as the 1990s, particularly at institutions like the University of Tsukuba, the application of these findings in Japanese baseball lags behind. “In the United states, a coach is a profession, and those who specifically study the coaching business become instructors,” Tsutomu explained. “In Japan, the role of the coach still largely depends on the human playing career, and not on his knowledge in the field of training methods and sports science. As of this, it is indeed difficult for our innovations to take root in Japanese baseball.”
NECST BAS ETLITS laboratory represents a world-class research center in sports science, showcasing Japan’s advanced achievements in movement analysis. By fully realizing its potential, it can revolutionize player development and transform Japan’s approach to sports culture.
Key Metrics: NECST BAS impact
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Global Sports Analytics Market (2026) | $5.2 Billion | marketsandmarkets |
| Potential Performance Improvement | 5-10% | NECST BAS Analysis |
| Potential Injury Reduction | 20-30% | NECST BAS Analysis |
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Evergreen Insights: The Evolution of Sports Biomechanics
The field of sports biomechanics has evolved substantially over the past few decades.Initially, biomechanical analysis was limited to basic measurements and observations. However, with advancements in technology, such as high-speed cameras, force plates, and motion capture systems, biomechanics has become a complex tool for analyzing and improving athletic performance. The integration of data analytics and machine learning has further enhanced the ability to extract meaningful insights from biomechanical data.
Historically, biomechanics research has focused on understanding the fundamental principles of human movement. This knowledge has been applied to various sports to optimize technique, prevent injuries, and enhance training methods.The use of biomechanics in baseball has gained traction in recent years, with teams increasingly recognizing the value of data-driven approaches to player development. The success of companies like NECST BAS highlights the growing demand for biomechanical expertise in professional sports.
Frequently Asked Questions About Biomechanics in Baseball
- What is biomechanics and how is it used in baseball?
- Biomechanics is the study of the mechanics of human movement.In baseball, it’s used to analyze a player’s movements, such as pitching or hitting, to identify areas for improvement and reduce the risk of injuries.
- How does NECST BAS use biomechanics to improve player performance?
- NECST BAS uses advanced measurement systems and analytics to assess a player’s physical strengths, pitching mechanics, and swing movements.Their analysts then provide practical advice to improve performance and prevent injuries.
- What are the benefits of using biomechanics in baseball training?
- Using biomechanics in baseball training can lead to improved technique, reduced risk of injuries, and enhanced overall performance. It allows for personalized training programs based on an individual’s unique biomechanical profile.
- What kind of technology does NECST BAS use for biomechanical analysis?
- NECST BAS uses state-of-the-art technology, including high-speed cameras, force plates, and motion capture systems, to track and analyze a player’s movements with high precision.
- How is biomechanics helping to prevent injuries in baseball players?
- By analyzing a player’s movements, biomechanics can identify potential risk factors for injuries, such as excessive stress on the elbow or shoulder. This allows for targeted interventions to correct these issues and prevent injuries.
- Why is NECST BAS gaining recognition in Major League Baseball?
- NECST BAS is gaining recognition due to its innovative approach to biomechanical analysis and its ability to provide valuable insights that improve player performance and reduce injuries.Their partnership with the Chicago Cubs has further raised their profile in the baseball world.
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