Pitching practice apparatus

A pitching practice apparatus comprising:

• a framework unit including a vertically disposed generally rectangular main framework member;
• a backstop unit including a generally enlarged rectangular backstop member having an enlarged generally rectangular central opening formed therein;
• wherein, the backstop member is supported by the main framework member which is further provided with a rearwardly projecting base framework member;
• a generally flaccid strike zone unit including an enlarged generally rectangular strike zone member whose dimensions are significantly greater than the dimensions of the enlarged opening in the backstop member;
• wherein, the peripheral edges of the strike zone member are attached to the periphery of the backstop member adjacent said opening;
• such that the strike zone member forms a pouch;
• and, wherein the strike zone member is further provided with an anchor element;
• a strike zone obscuring unit including at least one obscuring member including a generally rectangular panel suspended at a selected height on the back stop member to obscure a portion of the opening in the backstop member;
• and,
• an auxiliary tensioning unit associated with the strike zone member for stretching the strike zone member into a tensioned state;
• wherein, the tensioning unit comprises an elasticized cord element having hooks formed on both ends;
• wherein, one hook engages the anchor element on the strike zone member and the other hook engages the base framework member.