Baseball pitching training device

Abstract

A training device for assisting a user in achieving a proper throwing motion of one or more baseball pitch types is provided. The device includes a main body with a central portion and first and second end portions provided on the upper and lower ends of the central portion to define an elongated cylindrical shape. The device can also include a guide strip provided on the exterior surface of the main body and extending vertically along the central portion. The device may by thrown by a user using the same form and mechanics as a traditional baseball and can be used to train proper throwing mechanics by allowing a user to visually identify the rotational axis of the pitch after release. The elongated shape and increased height of the device enables a user to easily identify the rotational axis and make adjustments until proper mechanics are achieved.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001][own This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 725,704, filed on Aug. 31, 2018, to Brent L. Holman, entitled “Baseball Pitching Training Device,” currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Baseball pitchers, especially younger pitchers, often have difficulty learning to properly throw “off-speed” type pitches, such as breaking balls and changeups. Proper mechanics and form for these types of pitches can be difficult to repeat consistently, and it can often be difficult for pitchers to visualize why a pitch might be thrown improperly or inefficiently. Accordingly, a need exists for a baseball pitching training device that can assist users in teaching the proper technique, feel, and mechanics for throwing breaking ball and changeup pitches. Additionally, a need exists for such a training device that can enable the user to re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a baseball training device that helps pitchers achieve the correct mechanics, grip, and feel for throwing different types of baseball pitches. The device is designed to be held, gripped, and thrown in the same way as a traditional baseball, and it provides instant visual feedback to users about whether their pitches were thrown correctly. The elongated, non-spherical shape of the training device helps users identify the rotational spin axis of the device after it has been thrown, which informs them about whether they threw the desired pitch correctly. The training device has a height greater than its diameter, making it easy for users to identify the rotational axis of the training device. The elongated shape of the training device encourages users to throw with a downhill motion and use the proper mechanics for different types of baseball pitches. Overall, the training device helps users develop the proper form and mechanics for various types of baseball pitches.

Problems solved by technology

Baseball pitchers, especially younger pitchers, often have difficulty learning to properly throw “off-speed” type pitches, such as breaking balls and changeups.

Proper mechanics and form for these types of pitches can be difficult to repeat consistently, and it can often be difficult for pitchers to visualize why a pitch might be thrown improperly or inefficiently.

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