The Influence which the Introduction of the Metal Bat has exerted
　　　　　　on the Technique and Tactics of High School Baseball in Japan

　　　　　　　　　　Gen FUKUI (Nippon Sport Science University)

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Abstract

　　The purpose of this study was to clarify how the adoption of the metal bat made the technique
of the team at bat and the tactics they used change in high school baseball after the 1970s.
　　When a baseball tool changes, the technique and tactics change greatly. One such change oc-
curred with the introduction of "the metal bat" in Japanese baseball after World War II.
　　One doesn't think about a change in baseball technique and tactics regarding only the change
in the style of play, but one must also think about how this fit in to economical changes as well
and the society as a whole.
　　To date, there has been no historical research conducted on a change in baseball technique and
tactics from the point of view of technique alone. Previous studies of Japanese baseball history
are the following: A historical study on the baseball from its introduction to the present discus-
sions of baseball technique, on the baseball stadium, and on the relationships between the tools
and the tactics put together.
　　The following facts were confirmed by this study.
　　1 ) Increase in the population of baseball players brought about the introduction of the metal
　　　　bat
　　2 ) A change was seen in the technique of the team at bat and the tactics used by them due to
　　　　the introduction of the metal bat.
　　3 ) The defense adapted to the change in technique and tactics of the team at bat, and adjusted
　　　　their style of play accordingly.