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

[0008]The training device of the present invention can be gripped and thrown in the same manner as a standard baseball and used to assist a user in developing proper form and mechanics for various types of baseball pitches. According to one embodiment, the training device can be held using the traditional grip for throwing a breaking ball type pitch. The training device may then be thrown by the user in the same manner that a traditional breaking ball type pitch is thrown. The elongated shape of the training device encourages the user to throw the training device with a downhill motion and utilize the proper “hooking” motion of the user's wrist during release of the pitch to create optimal forward rotational spin. Upon release, the elongated shape and guide strip can provide immediate visual feedback as to whether the user achieved the desired vertical and forward rotational spin axis for a breaking ball type pitch and therefore assist in training the user in developing the proper mechanics for the breaking ball type pitch.

[0009]According to another embodiment, the training device can be held using the traditional grip for a circle changeup type pitch. The training device may then be thrown by the user in the same manner that a traditional circle changeup type pitch is thrown. The elongated shape of the training device can encourage the user to throw the training device with their hand staying behind the baseball and then pronate during release. The elongated and cylindrical shape of the training device can also provide a greater surface area for the user's hand (and particular, the third, fourth and fifth end fingers) to remain in contact with the training device and encourage greater pronation during release to provide the optimal rotation and spin associated with a circle changeup. In addition, the training device can provide immediate visual feedback to the user as to whether the user threw the pitch with proper mechanics. In particular, when used in connection with the training of a circle changeup pitch, the training device should be released and have a generally horizontal type rotation that symbolizes the desired arm-side run effect of a proper changeup pitch.

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.

Images