Baseball training method and device therefor

Abstract

A Baseball / Softball Training Method and Device Therefor is disclosed. Also disclosed is a device that enables users to experience a very realistic batting practice withouth the high cost associated with an automated pitching machine. The device is low cost and very small in profile. The device further does not require any pitching skill in order to provide a very realistic hitting experience. The game using the device further includes a novel ball that is smaller and much softer than a conventional baseball. Finally, the ball may have holes formed in a portion of its cover to permit the user to create controllable differential drag on one side of the ball when launched to the batter.

Description

[0001] This application is filed within one year of, and claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 460122, filed Apr. 4, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates generally to games and devices and, more specifically, to a Baseball Training Method and Device Therefor. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Baseball is one of the, if not the most popular organized sport in the entire world. In the United States, it is still referred to as the National Pastime, and is played by children at a very young age, and there is extreme competition even at these early levels. While pitching and fielding are very important to a player's overall skill rating, pitching is a talent that depends largely on purely natural physical ability. Fielding, on the other hand, is a skill that even players of average physical skills can be taught the fundamentals that, with practice, can lead to above-average skills. What truly separates ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a baseball training method and device that allows users to experience a realistic batting practice without the high cost of an automated pitching machine. The device is low cost and small in profile, and does not require any pitching skill to provide a realistic hitting experience. The ball used in the system is smaller and softer than a conventional baseball, and may have holes or indentations to create differential drag on the ball when launched to the batter, resulting in curved ball movement when in flight."

Problems solved by technology

The problem with the pitching machine is that it is prohibitively expensive for the average family or many schools to purchase.

As a result, its use is limited to those that can afford it, and only then in specialized batting practice cages.

The problem with this device and method is that the quality of the training really depends on the quality of the “pitcher.” If the pitches are easy to hit, and lack any spin or the high speed that emulate game pitching, then the batter will not get any real valuable training experience.

As such, this device and method is limited as well, because it is rare that a batter has a high-quality pitcher to hit against.

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