The experimental data of the response time of the participants were used for repeated-measures ANOVA with pitch, ball speed, and ball position as the within-subjects factors. The results showed that the ball position significantly affected baffle release time,
F(1, 11) = 12,566.72,
p < 0.001, η
p2 = 0.999. When the ball was lower, the participants released the baffle earlier. Baffle release time was significantly affected by ball speed,
F(2.39, 26.29) = 61,266.12,
p < 0.001, η
p2 > 0.999. When the ball was moving faster, the participants released the baffle earlier. The interaction between ball speed and ball position was significant,
F(2.31, 25.42) = 2,297.45,
p < 0.001, η
p2 = 0.995. Importantly, pitch significantly affected baffle release time,
F(1.98, 21.83) = 40.63,
p < 0.001, η
p2 = 0.787 (see
Figure 7). Additionally, the interaction between pitch and ball position was not significant,
F(1.80, 19.81) = 0.02,
p = 0.968, η
p2 = 0.002. The interaction between pitch and ball speed was significant,
F(3.70, 40.65) = 3.58,
p = 0.016, η
p2 = 0.246 (see
Figures 8 and
9). The interaction of pitch, ball position, and speed was not significant,
F(2.62, 28.87) = 0.32,
p = 0.783, η
p2 = 0.029. The results showed that the pitch still affected baffle release time even when a clear judgment was not made.