US 6,500,078 B1 · Training device for baseball pitchers

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a baseball pitcher training device for training a pitcher in controlling his lower and upper body portions during the pitch preparation phase as well as the delivery and follow-through phase. The device comprises a portable balance beam and a simulated pitching “rubber” mounted thereon from which the pitcher initiates his pre-pitch movements. The balance beam provides a limited width foot landing area after pitch delivery to limit lower and upper body movement and ensure alignment with the plate to improve pitch accuracy. This embodiment is used primarily for pitch delivery from the stretch position. A second embodiment includes an enlarged mound platform area which is removably placed over the end of the balance beam/rubber area of the first embodiment to provide a more stable pitching area and is used for delivery from the full wind-up position. Both embodiments are lightweight and portable, useable indoors or on a practice field, and have been successfully used by either left or right-handed pitchers.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A baseball pitcher training device for training a pitcher to maintain proper control of his upper and lower body portions prior to and during delivery of a baseball pitch, said training device comprising:

an elongated balance beam of limited width having an upper and lower surface;
support means attached to the lower surface of said balance beam at opposite ends thereof to provide stability to said balancing beam;
friction means on said upper surface of said balance beam covering substantially the entire surface;
a pitching rubber mounted on the upper surface of said balance beam adjacent to one end thereof;
and
foot locating means operably positioned on said balance beam whereby a pitcher positions his feet on said balance beam with one foot adjacent to said rubber and the other foot adjacent to said foot locating means in his initial stance position and proceeds through the various steps required to deliver a pitch with said other foot landing on said balance beam on the opposite side of said foot locating means without over or under rotating the upper and lower body portions of said user.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Training device for baseball pitchers

Life of this patent

Training device for baseball pitchers

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13