Batting trainer for inexperienced players

Abstract

This invention relates to a batting trainer consisting of a ball launching apparatus with a ball propulsion mechanism for propelling a ball and a training ball much lighter and smaller than a regulation baseball or softball that can train an inexperienced batter to practice hand-eye coordination on a smaller flying target for improved swing precision. The said ball launching apparatus can be in a form of a flying-ball launching toy gun, with said training ball being made of soft cellular plastic foam and having a circumference smaller than 60 mm and a weight lighter than 30 g. It will be safe for an inexperienced player to practice his / her swing with said batting trainer in a limited open space such as the backyard.

Description

BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to a batting trainer consisting of a ball launching apparatus with a ball propulsion mechanism for propelling a ball and a training ball much lighter and smaller than a regulation baseball or softball that can train an inexperienced batter to practice hand-eye coordination on a smaller flying target for improved swing precision, even in a limited open space such as one's backyard. BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART [0002] Hitting a baseball or softball well requires precise timing. To improve their swing, players must practice their swing mechanics repeatedly. For instance, players can practice their swing by receiving pitches from an automatic pitching machine or hitting a ball from a tee. Both of these practicing techniques help to improve player's hand-eye coordination. [0003] With the popularization of baseball sports, pitching machines are proliferated in the art. In use, a pitching machine is charged with a ball. The...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] Accordingly, one object of this invention is to provide a batting trainer for inexperienced players that is challenging, competitive, safe and fun to play with.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a batting trainer for inexperienced players to improve their hand-eye coordination for significantly increased hitting accuracy.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple and easy-to-install, maintenance-free batting trainer, with which it is safe to play everywhere.

[0011] These objectives are achieved by a batting trainer consisting of a ball launching apparatus with a ball propulsion me

Problems solved by technology

Nevertheless, none of them proved to be ideal for inexperienced young players for several reasons.

For example, the known automatic pitcher for training batters is sophisticated and expensive.

Besides, such machine accelerates ball throw at a considerable speed, which exposes the inexperienced players to substantial risk of being hit, even if a substitute training ball that is lighter than a hard, heavy regulation ball is used.

The predictable and unchangeable position of the ball may lose player's interests soon after a few battings.

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