Abstract: An exercise device includes a base, a first platform and a second platform. Both platforms move between a forward position and a rearward position along each own path relative to the base. The exercise device includes a flexible member operatively coupled with the first and second platforms. Furthermore, a resistance mechanism is coupled with the flexible member and configured to resist movement of at least one of the first platform and the second platform. The resistance mechanism includes a disc positioned parallel to the base and is configured to allow the disc to rotate relative to a vertical axis of the base. In addition, the flexible member is configured to allow the disc to rotate reciprocally in response to movement of the first platform or second platform.

Abstract: A portable pitching mound apparatus for providing a lightweight, easily transportable, and foldable artificial pitching mound. The portable pitching mound apparatus includes a pitching mound assembly including pitching mound members made of plastic and hingedly attached end-to-end with wheels mounted to one of the pitching mound members and with a fastening assembly for fastening the pitching mound members together with the pitching mound members folded upon one another for easy transport.

Abstract: A device for monitoring athletic performance of a user has a wristband configured to be worn by the user. The electronic module may include a controller and a screen and a plurality of user inputs operably associated with the controller. The user inputs may include a user input configured to be applied by the user against the screen and in a direction generally normal to the screen. The controller may further be configured to generate one or more user interfaces in response to various user inputs and conditions. For example, the controller may generate workout mode interfaces and non-workout mode interfaces including various goal information, workout data, reminders and the like. In one or more arrangements, multiple types of information may be displayed simultaneously.

Abstract: A golf swing training assembly and method of operation aligns the feet of a golfer at a perfect golf stance; and allows the feet and the body to shift into a correct finish swing. A platform forms a static foundation upon which the golfer stands. A left foot Lazy Susan turntable and a right foot Lazy Susan turntable are operable on the platform to rotate about a central axle in two directions relative to the static platform to accommodate a traveling foot of golfer while swinging. The golfer positions the left foot and right foot on their respective Lazy Susan turntable to practice a golf stance or swing. A foot fastener on each Lazy Susan turntable detachably fastens feet to Lazy Susan turntable during rotation to prevent lateral movement by legs during the golf swing. A rotation restriction mechanism restricts rotation of the Lazy Susan turntables relative to platform.

Abstract: A device for monitoring athletic performance of a user has a wristband configured to be worn by the user. The electronic module may include a controller and a screen and a plurality of user inputs operably associated with the controller. The user inputs may include a user input configured to be applied by the user against the screen and in a direction generally normal to the screen. The controller may further be configured to generate one or more user interfaces in response to various user inputs and conditions. For example, the controller may generate workout mode interfaces and non-workout mode interfaces including various goal information, workout data, reminders and the like. In one or more arrangements, multiple types of information may be displayed simultaneously.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable pitching mound that offers the strength and durability of a traditional dirt mound that is compatible with turf fields and will not create an edge lip on a baseball field.

Abstract: A baseball training system configured to instruct a proper foot placement of a hitter in a hitters box includes a home plate having a body that forms an interior cavity, a foot positioning device secured to the home plate and configured to engage within the interior cavity. The foot positioning device is configured to extend outwardly from the interior cavity to a predetermined position within the hitters box and to provide visual location of a desired foot position.

Abstract: A batting trainer device that may be placed near a batter's rear foot and discourages the batter from over-rotating the rear foot. The device having a planar base member, a planar backing member, and a heel stop. The planar base member may be rotatably affixed to the planar backing member, and the heel stop may be removably affixed to the backing member. The backing member position relative to the base member may be adjustable with an adjustment means.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a baseball and softball pitcher's “leg drive” for training and coaching purposes and for developing a strong leg drive. The apparatus includes a lower ground engaging plate and an upper pitcher's foot supporting plate. The plates are slidingly secured to one another such that the upper plate is linearly moveable relative to the lower plate. A force measuring element is provided between the upper and lower plates. A pitchers rubber is secured to the upper plate. A pitcher uses the apparatus by stepping on the upper plate and pushing against the rubber while pitching, thereby linearly moving the upper plate against the element. The element thereby provides an output indicative of the pitcher's leg drive. The element can be a load cell or a spring mechanism. An audible sound is generated when the spring force is overcome.

Abstract: A batting trainer device that may be placed near a batter's rear foot and discourages the batter from over-rotating the rear foot. The device having a planar base member, a planar backing member, and a heel stop. The planar base member may be rotatably affixed to the planar backing member, and the heel stop may be removably affixed to the backing member. The backing member position relative to the base member may be adjustable with an adjustment means.

Abstract: An adjustable base assembly (10) having a base connector (30) and a base mounting platform (14) with a mating base connector (32) releasably connectable with the base connector (30) with a mounting stud (36) for attaching the bottom (26) against a playing surface (28). The connector (30) and the mating base connector (32) have at least two pairs of mating surfaces including one pair of locking surfaces (40 and 42) that prevents separation of the base (12) from the base mounting platform (14) in response to any lateral forces. Other pairs of different non-locking, mating engagement surfaces (48 and 50, 54 and 56, and 60 and 62) enable separation of the base (12) from the base platform (12) in response to different preselected minimum lateral threshold forces applied against another one of the sidewalls (18, 22 and 16).

Abstract: A baseball, softball and golf swing training device having a base platform, an adjustable and movable forward foot stop and an adjustable belt adjustably connected to a pair of straps for controlling the hips and may also include a pivot foot pedal for pivoting a hitter's rear foot with a heel lifting wedge, at least one adjustable pedal stopper for limiting the amount of pivot wherein the foot pedal pivots when swinging. The amount of rotation is dictated by a pair adjustable pedal stoppers and the adjustable forward foot stop dictates the distance a hitter steps forward into a pitch with the lead foot and the angle of the lead foot when stepping into a pitch. With respect to golf, the forward foot stop dictates the placement and angle of the forward foot when hitting a golf ball.

Abstract: A foot pivot sports training aid is disclosed. The training aid may include a platform coupled to a base. The platform may rotate around the base. The platform may include an upwardly projecting baffle with an inwardly facing contour and/or a sloped surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the swing of a batter or golfer broadly comprises a frame, a forward pedestal, a rear pedestal, and a rear pedestal biasing element. The frame may include at least one horizontal member. The forward pedestal may support a forward foot of the user and may couple to the frame. The rear pedestal may support a rear foot, couple to the frame, be operable to rotate, and be biased to pivot forward. The rear pedestal biasing element may couple to the rear pedestal and urge the rear pedestal to pivot forward.

Abstract: The invention is a pivot device for use with baseball training devices. The pivot device is removable and replaceable to allow it to be cleaned to maintain proper functioning of the pivot device and/or to be replaced when the pivot device is worn out.

Abstract: A training device includes a plate assembly pivotally connected to a support member. The plate assembly includes an angled top plate that is removably mounted onto a flat balance plate. The support member includes a rectangular mounting bracket that is transversely disposed across an enlarged base, the balance plate directly teetering on the mounting bracket. In use, the training device can be used to train a hitter to maximize lower body power using sensory and auditory feedback. Specifically, the hitter centers his rear foot on the angled top plate which promotes weight loading on the inner portion of the rear leg. The hitter then initiates the hitting process by driving the lower body forward until the balance plate pivots forward and strikes the base, thereby providing the user with audible and tactile response. This lower body drive creates significant momentum that powers rotation of the bat through the hitting zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pitcher's aid for strike zone accuracy that serves the purpose of guiding a pitcher's body to the left or right side, inside/outside, of home plate in order to provide familiarity with how their body can be used to locate a pitch to the desired target. The new and unique invention utilizes a lightweight, rugged material and a small size to stay portable and provide the pitcher with an invention that can be used anywhere and anytime he wishes to practice. Practicing with this invention gives a pitcher confidence when pitching to either side of home, which in turn provides them with more confidence in their pitches, and provides them with the knowledge that they can get the outs needed when called upon by their coach.

Abstract: A baseball swing training device includes a rear foot pivot limiting mechanism, wherein the rear foot pivoting mechanism includes a rotating element and a rotation limiting element. The rear foot pivot limiting mechanism may be adapted to limit the rotation of a user's pivot foot to a prescribed degree of rotation and communicate to the user when the prescribed degree of rotation has been completed. The baseball swing device may further include a foldable base including two positions at which the adjustable rear foot pivot limiting mechanism may be implemented, wherein the first position is adapted for use by a right handed hitter and the second position is adapted for use by a left handed hitter.

Abstract: A batter training apparatus and method for training batters to attain optimal biomechanics for most effectively hitting a ball, with a proper rotation of a batter's hips and proper follow through with a batter's arms, wrists and shoulders. The training apparatus includes a belt worn over the hips that has a cable extending behind and between the hips. A tether connects the belt to a support post, preventing forward motion of the batter's body, but allowing and conditioning the hips to rotate. The support post sits at the rear of a platform that is about the size of a batter's box. An elastic cord connected to a forward arm and attached to the front of the platform, pulls a batter's wrists, arms and shoulders forward during proper follow through, conditioning the batter to swing the bat efficiently.

Abstract: A swing training apparatus includes a rotation mechanism and a wearable shoe attachment device. The rotation mechanism includes a first plate connected to a second plate so that the first plate rotates with respect to the second plate about a shared plate axis of rotation. The wearable shoe attachment device is connected to the first plate. The wearable shoe attachment device positions a shoe of an athlete so that as the athlete rotates a foot and the shoe enclosing the foot with respect to a part of the foot and about a foot axis of rotation, the foot axis of rotation and the plate axis of rotation coincide. The wearable shoe attachment device connects to the first plate so that the swing training apparatus moves with the foot while walking or running. The wearable shoe attachment device includes three straps that secure a shoe snuggly to the rotation mechanism.

Abstract: A softball training device includes a plate assembly pivotally connected to a support member. The plate assembly includes a flat, circular balance plate and a downwardly protruding kick stand formed on its rear end. The support member includes an enlarged base and rectangular mounting bracket transversely disposed on the base, the balance plate directly teetering on the mounting bracket. In use, the training device can be used to train a hitter to maximize lower power drive. Specifically, the hitter centers her rear foot on the balance plate and positions her other foot in front of the device. The hitter then loads her weight rearward, the kick stand keeping the balance plate horizontal. The hitter finally transfers her weight forward through accelerated hip and torso rotation so that the balance plate pivots forward and strikes the base to create an audible signal. With hips and torso initiating the forward movement, the arms are similarly pulled forward so the bat travels through the hitting zone.

Abstract: A training device for detecting improper or proper form for batting and pitching. The present invention makes use of two sensors that will detect the positioning of the user during the pitching or batting motion. The invention helps detect whether the user is “lunging” or “rushing” and encourages users to keep their upper body back during the motion of pitching or batting. The present invention can also be used for other sports that require users to perform similar body mechanics.

Abstract: The invention is a training device for baseball batters and, more generally, is a training device for any athletic motion that utilizes a foot pivoting movement. The invention has a mat, pivot device and toe hold. The mat is approximately the size of baseball batters box. For baseball training, the mat is placed in the batters box such that the pivot device is facing the rear. The baseball player places his rear foot on the pivot device and his front foot in one of the toe holds. The baseball player trains by maintaining rear foot contact on the pivot, and pivoting his rear foot during the swing.

Abstract: A base, a home plate, and a pitcher's rubber for use on synthetic turf infill material for playing baseball includes an upper portion in the shape of the at least one of base, home plate, and a pitcher's rubber, and a lower portion comprising a plurality of downwardly-depending projections extending about ½ inch to about 1 inch below a bottom surface of the upper portion. The plurality of downwardly-depending projections is engageable with the synthetic turf infill material for playing baseball.

Abstract: A swing training apparatus includes a rotation mechanism and a wearable shoe attachment device. The rotation mechanism includes a first plate connected to a second plate so that the first plate rotates with respect to the second plate about a shared plate axis of rotation. The wearable shoe attachment device is connected to the first plate. The wearable shoe attachment device positions a shoe of an athlete so that as the athlete rotates a foot and the shoe enclosing the foot with respect to a part of the foot and about a foot axis of rotation, the foot axis of rotation and the plate axis of rotation coincide. The wearable shoe attachment device connects to the first plate so that the swing training apparatus moves with the foot while walking or running. The wearable shoe attachment device includes three straps that secure a shoe snuggly to the rotation mechanism.

Abstract: The invention is a training device for baseball batters and, more generally, is a training device for any athletic motion that utilizes a foot pivoting movement. The invention has a mat, pivot device and toe hold. The mat is approximately the size of baseball batters box. For baseball training, the mat is placed in the batters box such that the pivot device is facing the rear. The baseball player places his rear foot on the pivot device and his front foot in one of the toe holds. The baseball player trains by maintaining rear foot contact on the pivot, and pivoting his rear foot during the swing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various inventive methods and apparatus related to an apparatus and method for teaching bunting techniques to baseball or softball players. A bunting mat may be provided that contains a plurality of lines that aide a player in better understanding bunting techniques, including aiding a player with appropriately positioning their feet for a bunt.

Abstract: A stance and rotational swing training device is provided. The device comprises a base with a front foot stop adjustably attached to a top surface of the base for receiving a user's front foot. The user's back foot is received by a rotatable foot pedal rotatably attached to the top surface of the base. The rotatable foot pedal comprises a circular base with a peripheral toe stop that prevents the user's toes from sliding off the foot pedal. An angled riser is rigidly affixed to the top surface of the base adjacent to the foot pedal. The riser guides the heel end of the user's back foot and forces the heel to rise as the user swings a sporting implement, such as a baseball bat or golf club.

Abstract: When pitcher's push off the rubber, inexperienced pitcher's turn their foot sideways instead of pushing over their toes, losing power and crow hopping which is against the rules of softball. My invention which is called the “PowerPush” is a device that fits over the pitcher's rubber and provides a compartment to place the pitcher's push foot to provide direction in the forward direction. This device gives immediate feedback if the pitcher turns their foot sideways to early.

Abstract: A swing training apparatus includes a first plate, a second, plate, a moveable joint, and an angular resistance mechanism. The movable joint connects the first plate to the second plate so that the first plate can rotate with respect to the second plate and about a shared plate axis of rotation. The angular resistance mechanism is connected between the first plate and the second plate. It increases angular resistance between the first plate and the second plate as an angle of rotation about the plate axis of rotation is increased. A shoe of an athlete contacts the first plate. The shoe is positioned on the first plate so that, as the athlete rotates a foot and the shoe enclosing the foot with respect to a part of the foot and about a foot axis of rotation, the foot axis of rotation and the plate axis of rotation coincide.

Abstract: An electronic mat for monitoring a user's swing comprising: a mat; an plurality of sensors within the mat, where the sensors detect movement over the mat; a processor, where the processor provides a means to program the operation of the plurality of sensors; memory for storage of parameters associated with the operation of the plurality of sensors; and an indication means for providing a instantaneous indication of movement over the mat. In one particular embodiment, the mat indication means includes a red light and a green light, where the red light indicates movement inconsistent with the stored parameters and the green light indicates movement consistent with the parameters. The electronic mat may further include an input device for inputting the parameters.

Abstract: A baseball swing training apparatus comprised of upper and lower platform members that are rotatably secured to one another by means of a bearing plate assembly. The platform members have a generally rectangular body with at least one side of each platform member formed as an extending finger portion. The extending finger portion of the upper platform member receives thereon a spring loaded foot mechanism. The spring loaded foot mechanism is comprised of a continuous cylindrical member having upper and lower U-shaped ends, the upper and lower ends being orthogonal to one another and forming an L-shaped continuous cylindrical member. A coiled spring member is secured to the upper platform member and to the upper U-shaped end by a hook shaped element. The coiled spring member is secured to the upper platform member by an elongated rod, the ends of which are received within apertures defined by the coiled spring. The ends of the rod are in turn received within an eye portion of spaced apart eyebolts.

Abstract: A batting technique tool to teach a user to bat properly may include a top platform having a top base portion and a top elongated portion, The base portion may have a rotatable platform to rotate in two directions to accommodate a traveling foot of the user, and the top elongated portion may have a movable foot support member to accommodate the forward foot of the user. The movable foot member may be slidably connected to the top elongated portion, and the rotatable platform may be connected to a limited travel rotating platform to limit the travel of the rotatable platform. The limited travel rotating platform may be connected to a turntable, and the batting technique tool may include an opposing bottom platform. The bottom platform may include a bottom base portion and the bottom platform may include a bottom elongated portion.

Abstract: This batting training device can be used by either a right handed or left handed batter. The player's rear foot will be placed on a pivot member that will permit free rotation of the player's back foot to a predetermined point. The device may be inclined to force the user to maintain his or her weight more on the back foot in order to achieve maximum bat speed that results in maximum power.

Abstract: Described is a swing training device comprising a first foot plate, a second of foot plate, a connector connecting the first foot plate to the second foot plate, a first foot pad pivotably mounted on the first foot plate, and a second foot pad pivotably mounted on the second foot plate. The swing training device may be useful for teaching balance and developing core muscles used while swinging a sporting device.

Abstract: A turf accessory placement device adapted for use with turf. The turf accessory placement device has a base. The base has a top, bottom and sides between the top and bottom. The turf accessory placement device has grip spikes extending from the bottom of the base which are adapted to grip the turf. The grip spikes have spike shanks projecting from the base in the same direction at an angle between one degree and eighty-eight degrees downward from a plane along the bottom of the base.

Abstract: A baseball swing training device includes a rear foot pivot limiting mechanism, wherein the rear foot pivoting mechanism includes a rotating element and a rotation limiting element. The rear foot pivot limiting mechanism may be adapted to limit the rotation of a user's pivot foot to a prescribed degree of rotation and communicate to the user when the prescribed degree of rotation has been completed. The baseball swing device may further include a foldable base including two positions at which the adjustable rear foot pivot limiting mechanism may be implemented, wherein the first position is adapted for use by a right handed hitter and the second position is adapted for use by a left handed hitter.

Abstract: The swing mat sports training aid which will hereafter be referred to as a foot positioning training aid. It is for preparation and instructing individuals in the proper positioning of their feet when engaged in various activities in which the position and movement of the feet are critical to accurate execution of desired functions. The training aid includes a generally rectangular panel which can be sustained on various supporting surfaces and is provided with a non-centered raised feature to position the feet and forms a barrier to movement in the direction required for the execution of desired functions. This raised feature does not fully restrict movement however.

Abstract: A device to teach the proper mechanics of a baseball swing is described. The device consists of a platform that the batter stands on. Set in the platform is a wheel that the batter puts his back foot on. The wheel turns 90 degrees when the batter takes his stride showing the batter the proper way to turn his back foot so that his hips and torso rotate. The batters' front foot is guided by marks to indicate the starting and the ending position of his front foot during the swing. Attached to the platform is a guide that guides the swinging bat along the proper path to make optimal contact with the ball. The guide and platform are reversible for left hand batters, adjustable for batters of different heights and adjustable for high or low and inside or outside pitched balls.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for training the overhand throwing motion. The apparatus comprises a first end having a first altitude relative to a throwing surface; an opposing second end having a second altitude relative to the throwing surface; and an unobstructed guiding surface interconnecting the first end to the second end and defining a slope there between.

Abstract: Baseball practice systems are provided. In this regard, a representative baseball practice system includes: a backstop; a ball; a suspension assembly operative to suspend the ball in a strike zone, the suspension assembly having a first cantilevered arm and a damping assembly, the damping assembly being operative to damp motions of the ball as the ball returns to a rest position after having been struck, the cantilevered arm supporting a portion of the damping assembly; and a tether assembly comprising at least one line operative to assist in establishing the rest position of the ball.

Abstract: A training mat for teaching controlled directional hitting of a ball. The mat consisting of a home plate zone, a plurality of equally spaced pitching lanes defined by a plurality of lines extending longitudinally through home plate. The pitching lanes including at least an inside lane defining the ball path of an inside pitch and at least an outside lane defining the ball path of an outside pitch. Each lane having a predetermined ball contact location defined by a marking indicia s the respective lane. The ball contact locations being configured and arranged to facilitate hitting of a baseball to a predetermined field location.

Abstract: A pitching training aid includes a mat, a pitching rubber attached to the mat and indicia displayed on the mat to instruction a baseball player on how to pitch a baseball. The indicia includes the steps of “start,” “rocker,” “pivot/balance” and “step/release.” The indicia also includes a series of arrows which instructs the baseball player on the sequence of the steps. A straight line extends from the pitching rubber down a center of the mat to show where the “step/release” position should be. A top surface of the mat has an artificial grass surface and a bottom surface of the mat includes a nonskid material to prevent the mat from sliding during use. The mat may include two pitching rubbers and two sets of indicia on opposites ends thereof with one pitching rubber and indicia being used to instruct right hand pitchers and the other pitching rubber and indicia being used to instruct left handed pitchers.

Abstract: A foot positioning aid is disclosed for guide proper positioning of a player's feet for a sport stance. The aid has two foot targets each with a top side, an underside, and a perimeter edge. The foot targets are separate from one another for independent positioning and placement on a playing surface. A securement device on the underside of each of the foot targets is configured to removably retain the foot targets in a selected location on the playing surface during use. The player places their feet on the top sides, one on each of the foot targets during use.

Abstract: The batter training device attaches an ankle strap on the batter's forward ankle to a weighted sack on the side of home plate opposite to the batter. A cable placed over home plate connects the sack to the ankle strap. As a fast ball is pitched through the strike zone the weight attached to the batter's ankle inhibits the batter's involuntary reflex to draw away from the ball and ruin the batter's swing. Repeating this training with the device enables the batter to overcome or cope with this undesirable involuntary reflex. The weight in the sack, however, is not so great that it will prevent the batter from ducking away from a wild pitch outside of the strike zone in order to avoid injury.

Abstract: The batter training device attaches an ankle strap on the batter's forward ankle to a weighted sack on the side of home plate opposite to the batter. A cable placed over home plate connects the sack to the ankle strap. As a fast ball is pitched through the strike zone the weight attached to the batter's ankle inhibits the batter's involuntary reflex to draw away from the ball and ruin the batter's swing. Repeating this training with the device enables the batter to overcome or cope with this undesirable involuntary reflex. The weight in the sack, however, is not so great that it will prevent the batter from ducking away from a wild pitch outside of the strike zone in order to avoid injury. The device also can be used to restrain the batter's rear ankle, or the weighted sack can be attached to restrain both of the batter's ankles.

Abstract: Described is a swing training device comprising a first foot plate, a second of foot plate, a connector connecting the first foot plate to the second foot plate, a first foot pad pivotably mounted on the first foot plate, and a second foot pad pivotably mounted on the second foot plate. The swing training device may be useful for teaching balance and developing core muscles used while swinging a sporting device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pitcher's aid for strike zone accuracy that serves the purpose of guiding a pitcher's body to the left or right side, inside/outside, of home plate in order to provide familiarity with how their body can be used to locate a pitch to the desired target. The new and unique invention utilizes a lightweight, rugged material and a small size to stay portable and provide the pitcher with an invention that can be used anywhere and anytime he wishes to practice. Practicing with this invention gives a pitcher confidence when pitching to either side of home, which in turn provides them with more confidence in their pitches, and provides them with the knowledge that they can get the outs needed when called upon by their coach.

Abstract: A sports training aid for improving the mechanics of a sports player conducting a sports movement is disclosed. The sports training aid may comprise a foot placement surface or area that is simultaneously inclined in two directions. The sports training aid may be inclined from both the front to the back of the sports training aid and from one side of the sports training aid to the other side of the training aid. When positioning a player's foot on the sports training aid, the toes of the player's foot are raised above the heel of the player's foot and the outsole of the player's foot is raised above the insole of the player's foot. A method for training a sports player using the sports training aid is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for training the overhand throwing motion. The apparatus comprises a first end having a first altitude relative to a throwing surface; an opposing second end having a second altitude relative to the throwing surface; and an unobstructed guiding surface interconnecting the first end to the second end and defining a slope there between.