Abstract: Training balls are presented including: a solid sphere defining a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere; a tactile feature positioned along a first surface of the first hemisphere and substantially centered with the first hemisphere; a first grooved feature positioned along a second surface of the second hemisphere, where the first grooved feature includes a first body portion and a first pair of leg portions each extending from each end of the first body portion at a first congruent angle; and a second grooved feature positioned along the second surface of the second hemisphere, where the second grooved feature includes a second body portion and a second pair of leg portions each extending from each end of the second body portion at a second congruent angle.

Abstract: A swing trainer configured to draw the elbows of the player together by the cocking of the player's wrists. The swing trainer includes arm mounts configured to mount to a player's arms at an intermediate position; and a link with at least a portion connected to the mounts and extending therebetween and arranged such that the portion of the link between the arms is configured to shorten during a swing of a stroke to inhibit splaying of the elbows of the player during the stroke, the link being slidably connected to the one of the mounts so it may slide past. A corresponding method of swing training using said swing trainer is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a representation of orientation and movement of an item being moved in space by a user of the item. The user is wearing a wearable electronic device being physically separate from the item. The item comprises an item memory storing item defining data and a device communication unit. The wearable electronic device comprises an item communication unit, adapted to receive data from the device communication unit, and an orientation and movement detector. The method comprises retrieving, at the wearable electronic device, item defining data from the item; registering, at the wearable electronic device, orientation and movement of the wearable electronic device during user movement of the item; and computing, at a first processor, the representation of orientation and movement of the item based on the item defining data and the registered orientation and movement of the wearable electronic device.

Abstract: Apparatuses that facilitate training for proper, repeatable throwing technique in various sports. Embodiments may provide useful feedback to a user when that user deviates from proper techniques for throwing a football, baseball, or similar item. When proper technique is used, the user may experience no interference between the training apparatus and the ball or the user's throwing hand or arm. In contrast, the user's hand, arm, or a held ball may contact portions of the training apparatus in cases where the mechanics of the user's throwing motion deviate from the proper form, thereby providing immediate feedback. In certain embodiments, the training apparatus includes a body section and attachment portions. The attachment portions may receive an upper guide structure extending from a shoulder portion of the body section and a lower guide structure extending from a hip portion of the body section.

Abstract: An athletic training device for enabling and teaching proper athletic movements while executing various athletic exercises. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to an athletic training device that enhances neuromuscular control in connection with keeping an athlete's hands close to each other, and also close to his/her torso by providing a restricted range of motion while being easily wearable and removable. Generally, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to adjustable, comfortable, cuff-based training devices that securely encircle a user's wrists with cuff-based members flexibly bound together for use in connection with swing-based movements. A central connecting sub-section typically comprises attachments, which affix a resilient, flexible medium to either of the cuff-based members providing a limited-but not unduly rigid-range of motion during utilization.

Abstract: A fielding aid for a baseball or softball glove having an insert composed of a vibration dampening material for slowing or impeding the movement of a ball; the insert having an interior portion and exterior portion. In certain aspects, the interior portion has a convex shape that aids in fielding balls.

Abstract: The invention involves a device and method for training individuals a proper striking and throwing technique, through simulation, to increase the accuracy and consistency of strikes and pitches, as well as to strengthen muscles through resistance training in order to increase stamina and to reduce muscle fatigue and risk of injury. The system includes a sphere in the form of a game ball secured to each distal end of a resilient member so that a trainee may grip one of the spheres or handle in a desired manner to utilize his/her grip and snap the wrist in a desired manner work the forearm and hand muscles associated with a proper release of the ball for a desired pitch or proper strike of the game object. The dynamic action provided by the resilient member provides strengthening and muscle memory which can be repeated in a game situation.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide apparatuses configured for improving a ball throwing technique of a user thereof. The apparatuses generally comprise one or more body portions configured to at least partially surround at least a first portion of an arm of the user, and one or more flexible portions configured to at least partially surround and secure at least a second portion of the arm of the user, the second portion being oppositely positioned relative to the first portion. The apparatuses may further comprise at least one connector element configured to selectively attach the one or more flexible portions to the one or more body portions. Various embodiments still further incorporate a wedge portion that creates a gap between a user's palm and the ball being thrown. Still other embodiments comprise extension and rotation mechanisms for apparatus adjustments. Methods of using the various apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: Batting Sleeve Sensor is a device that slides over or couples to a bat in order to record the statistics of each hit made. The invention may allow a user to analyze his or her hitting and make adjustments faster. The device takes only a few seconds to slip over (or otherwise couple to) an existing bat before a user can swing away as per usual. The hits are recorded via sensing means and are displayable in real-time. Athletes who play in competitive sports may find use in the device to train themselves to hit reliably and accurately over extended periods.

Abstract: A bunt training device includes a shield with opposite ends which is mounted to a baseball or softball bat using one or more straps. The device is mounted on the bat in a position which allows a batter to slide his or her top hand to the end of the device adjacent the barrel of the bat for bunting practice. The shield protects the batter's top hand from a pitched ball and thereby eliminates or reduces the fear a batter may have when bunting. The device may be formed as a separate shield to be mounted on a conventional bat, or the shield and bat can be formed as a single unit for bunting practice.

Abstract: A hitting apparatus is provided, including a supporting unit, at least a linking unit, and an attaching device. The apparatus includes foldable supporting legs, an adjustable supporting rod, an adjustable hanging arm, an adjustable extension arm, connection elements, attaching elements and attaching ball. The adjustable extension arm is flexible, which can be adjusted at any direction by hand, or foreign force. The connections between connection elements are detachable and releasable upon hit by bat or other subjects. The hanging arm is engaged to the top of supporting rod, and adjustable in length and angles and easy to be detached from the support rod to become a hand held hitting training apparatus. The attaching parts of hook/loop, magnets, adhesive or rubbers holding the ball with minimum detaching releasable force required, The present invention can enhance the focus of the batter on the ball and have a clear hit on the ball.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the first blocking mechanics training system is configured to be worn by a user to develop blocking skills and counter a tendency toward improperly upwardly lifting the chin resulting in a potentially dangerous injury. In one embodiment, the first blocking mechanics training system includes a helmet and a resistance band configured to operatively connect to the helmet and the user. In one embodiment, the second blocking mechanics training system is configured to be worn by a user to develop blocking skills and counter a tendency toward improperly upwardly lifting the throwing hand resulting in a potentially dangerous injury. In one embodiment, the second blocking mechanics training system includes a mitt and a strap having a loop member configured to engage with the user's wrist.

Abstract: A flexible, semi-rigid hand accessory designed to harness power from relatively strong, tough areas of the hand and disperse stress away from weak, sensitive areas by means of anchors pressing into tough fleshy areas with connecting structure capable of bracing and leveraging a handle away from sensitive bony areas, relocating fleshy areas into supporting and insulating positions, preventing bone bruises, enhancing finger gripping and widening the effective grip of the hand for greater control while augmenting the hand's range of motion especially in swinging a baseball bat.

Abstract: A batting practice apparatus is arranged with a handle to be grasped by one person so a second person can practice hitting a ball, wherein the person grasping the apparatus positions the ball in a desired location and, when the second person strikes the ball with a bat, the kinetic energy associated with hitting the ball is dissipated, and the ball travels a reduced distance after being struck without having to pursue the ball a significant distance to retrieve it.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the first time a swing trainer having a sheath with a core end and a protective end, the core end of the sheath has a cover attached.

Abstract: A baseball training apparatus occludes peripheral vision of each eye across the nose region of a baseball player by creating a visual divide that extends from and immediately adjacent to the nose along the central sagittal plane. In various embodiments, the visual divide is extendible, removable and replaceable, pivotal, and may incorporate scribes to vary shape or geometry. The visual divide may further be mounted from a pair of glasses without lenses, though other embodiments with and without lenses are contemplated. The eye divider is used to align or confirm alignment of a baseball player properly with the pitcher, to ensure that the batter has both eyes facing the pitcher.

Abstract: A baseball training apparatus includes a bat mounting portion mountable on a barrel of a baseball bat, and a glove mounting portion attachable to a baseball glove. The glove mounting portion is connected to the bat mounting portion. The bat mounting portion may include an elongated, flexible, mounting strap including a hook-and-loop fastener. The glove mounting portion may include at least one elongated, flexible connector strap extending outwardly from opposite edges of the mounting strap and including a hook-and-loop fastener. The baseball training apparatus mounts the baseball glove on the baseball bat.

Abstract: A ball training system for pitchers for effectively improving the pitching abilities of a baseball or softball pitcher. The ball training system for pitchers generally includes a ball training device including a core having a first side and a second side, an exterior cover surrounding a portion of the core, a plurality of seams attached to the exterior cover, a first cover attached to the first side of the core, and a second cover attached to the second side of the core. The first side and the second side of the core are each preferably planar and parallel to one another. When the ball training device is properly thrown by a pitcher, the ball training device's flight is substantially smooth and if the improperly thrown the ball training device will wobble inflight.

Abstract: An athletic training device for enabling and teaching proper athletic movements while executing various athletic exercises. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to an athletic training device that enhances neuromuscular control in connection with keeping an athlete's hands close to each other, and also close to his/her torso by providing a restricted range of motion while being easily wearable and removable. Generally, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to adjustable, comfortable, cuff-based training devices that securely encircle a user's wrists with cuff-based members flexibly bound together for use in connection with swing-based movements. A central connecting sub-section typically comprises attachments, which affix a resilient, flexible medium to either of the cuff-based members providing a limited-but not unduly rigid-range of motion during utilization.

Abstract: A baseball/softball training pouch is a training device for perfecting the mechanics and kinetics needed for effective pitching and throwing of a baseball or softball. The training device is adapted to be worn on the wrist of the throwing hand of a user. Fabricated from an elastic material, the device is configured as a pouch having an open end and a closed end. An observation member is provided to allow a user or coach to view the inside of the pouch during a practice session to analyze the user's gripping and finger placement techniques.

Abstract: A batting swing aid for batting practice is provided having an arm encircling strap engaged to a planar base. The base is held against the torso of a user and provides a mount for the strap to hold an encircled arm of the user adjacent to the user's torso during a swing of the bat. The attachment of the base to the strap may be elastic to allow for movement of the arm away from the torso during a swing, or may be detachable and make an audible noise to signal deviation from optimal body positioning during a swing.

Abstract: A leg strap with preferably horizontal handles attached at each end of each handle, is used to aid in lifting a jumping player, especially for lineouts in Rugby Union. The handles are preferably made of elastic bands with contract to provide a tight fit on the leg of the jumper and when jumping allow for secure grasp by lifters. The simple, reusable, easy to use leg straps provide a level of effectiveness, comfort, convenience, and safety not provided by conventional methods. To use, leg straps are applied to one or more legs of a jumper. When the jumper jumps, one or more lifters grip the leg device. The lifters lift the jumper higher, support the jumper in the jump while the jumper attempts to intercept a ball, and safely lower the jumper.

Abstract: A pitching training device includes a connecting element and a pocket. The connecting element alternatively attached to the wrist of a throwing hand of a thrower. The pocket includes open and closed ends disposed at two opposite ends thereof. The open end of the pocket is connected with the connecting element and allowing the throwing hand and a ball gripped in the palm of the throwing hand into the pocket. The closed end of the pocket limits the thrown ball that cannot move to outside of the pocket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a visual representation of and unique, universal definition for a strike zone, said strike zone having a plurality of sub-zones. The strike zone representation allows for a signaling methodology to be developed in which a coach may discretely communicate signals during a game to his pitcher (ex.—baseball or softball pitcher) which request both a specific type and location for a particular pitch, based upon the game situation. Further, implementation of said signaling methodology based upon said strike zone representation allows for a performance factor to be determined for the pitcher. The performance factor may be determined based on results generated through use of the signaling methodology and may provide a universally-recognized gauge or measure of a pitcher's command of his pitches.

Abstract: A leg glove having downward facing diagonal pockets for lifting a person who is jumping or being lifted, especially for lineouts in Rugby Union. A single piece of flexible, elastic material has a base layer formed in a conical section and a partially overlapping pocket layer that is folded back over the base layer and attached to form a pocket between the base layer and the pocket layer.

Abstract: Training devices of the present disclosure may be mounted to a user's hand, wrist and/or forearm, and be used to prevent or substantially restrict motion of the hand or wrist in one or more defined degrees or ranges. The devices may include planar elements that may be joined with a linkage that permits the movement or rotation of the hand and/or wrist within the one or more defined degrees or ranges. The devices may further be strapped, attached or otherwise mounted to a user's hand, wrist and/or forearm using one or more straps or like features. In a preferred embodiment, the training device may be worn by a baseball pitcher, and used to physically guide the pitcher through the proper motion for throwing a curveball.

Abstract: A baseball training apparatus occludes peripheral vision of each eye across the nose region of a baseball player by creating a visual divide that extends from and immediately adjacent to the nose along the central sagittal plane. In various embodiments, the visual divide is extendible, removable and replaceable, pivotal, and may incorporate scribes to vary shape or geometry. The visual divide may further be mounted from a pair of glasses without lenses, though other embodiments with and without lenses are contemplated. The eye divider is used to align or confirm alignment of a baseball player properly with the pitcher, to ensure that the batter has both eyes facing the pitcher.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the first blocking mechanics training system is configured to be worn by a user to develop blocking skills and counter a tendency toward improperly upwardly lifting the chin resulting in a potentially dangerous injury. In one embodiment, the first blocking mechanics training system includes a helmet and a resistance band configured to operatively connect to the helmet and the user. In one embodiment, the second blocking mechanics training system is configured to be worn by a user to develop blocking skills and counter a tendency toward improperly upwardly lifting the throwing hand resulting in a potentially dangerous injury. In one embodiment, the second blocking mechanics training system includes a mitt and a strap having a loop member configured to engage with the user's wrist.

Abstract: A sports training device is worn by the trainee for developing skill and minimizing risk of injury in pitching, passing, swinging, kicking, and other such sports-related body movements. An illustrative embodiment includes an anchor member adapted for wear on the torso of a trainee, and elongate member coupled between the anchor member and a forearm or thigh of the trainee, the elongate member being resiliently bendable along its length, inelastic relative to its longitudinal axis, and freely movable relative to the anchor member upon movement of the trainee's arm or leg.

Abstract: A fielding aid for a baseball or softball glove having an insert composed of a vibration dampening material for slowing or impeding the movement of a ball; the insert having an interior portion and exterior portion. In certain aspects, the interior portion has a convex shape that aids in fielding balls.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a baseball bat swing are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an upper arm portion, a lower arm portion, a light source, and a pinch gear. The upper arm portion can be pivotably connected to the lower arm portion and a pinch gear can adjust an angle between the upper arm portion and the lower arm portion. A mounting device can releasably secure the upper arm portion to a user's arm. The system can be employed to train the user to achieve a consistent baseball bat swing.

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: An Electronic Basketball Shooting Coach device is used to recondition the mind helping people maintain the proper elbow angle range when shooting a basketball. The self-contained device is worn on either arm below the elbow of a user. The ergonomically designed device is contained in the specially designed pocket of the sleeve before it can be attached below the elbow. The sleeve wraps around the upper-arm below the elbow and is held in place by hook-and-loop materials. The device has no internal movable parts. The device will articulate a phrase when the programmed non-adjustable trip point range. The device has a sleep mode to save on the common single cell's power and is reactivated by movement. The non-adjustable knob must be positioned up towards the fingers and aligned with the thumb or little finger. Two single cell sources must be added to energize the invention.

Abstract: A training method for measuring detrimental movements to more accurately deliver a bat to a ball, including positioning a stiff and straight leading or front leg at the start of and during the process until after contact with the ball, pointing and planting the leading or front foot at least partially in the direction from which the ball is traveling, positioning the hands and the bat such that the distal end of the bat is below the shoulders and the bat is held substantially parallel to the ground at the start of the process, delivering the bat directly forward in the same plane as the ball is traveling, and utilizing pivoting of the torso and hips about an axis to deliver the bat to a ball with little or no forward or lateral movement of the body.

Abstract: A football training device and system is presented that simulates game-time conditions wherein players of the opposite team attempt to strip the ball carrier of the ball. The football training device has a football with at least one cord attached to each end of the football. The cord is connected to a housing which is attached to the player's body by a strap. As the player carries the football a remote control device is used to activate the housing to retract the cord which acts to strip the football from the players hands.

Abstract: A pitching movement training device includes a ball, a plurality of pegs selectively secured at predetermined locations about the surface of the ball, and at least one band secured between adjacent pegs. The ball has a seam and at least one of the pegs being positioned adjacent the seam. The ball allows one to teach athletes proper hand positioning upon a ball while throwing specific pitches. The method includes providing the plurality of pegs and the ball, securing the pegs to the ball at predetermined locations about the outer surface of the ball, positioning a user's fingers relative to the pegs; and instructing the user to throw a pitch with a specific hand motion.

Abstract: An apparatus aids an athlete, such as, for example, a basketball player, in developing skills, such as dribbling, passing and shooting. Specifically, an interconnected glove portion and sleeve portion comprise a plurality of components designed to aid a basketball player in developing muscles to enhance the player's basketball skills including, for example, dribbling, passing and/or shooting. These components include, generally, a palm interfering portion to force a basketball player to utilize the fingertips on the ball during dribbling, passing and/or shooting, tension bands to strengthen muscles associated with the fingers and wrist to enhance proper handling, passing and/or shooting techniques, and one or more weights disposed in various locations on the apparatus to provide resistance training to aid in developing muscles involved with handling, passing and/or shooting a basketball.

Abstract: The present invention is a sport swinging, hitting and throwing assistance device that includes a cumber bun base belt that is wrapped around and secured to an athlete's waist and chest area while the athlete is swinging, hitting or throwing a piece of sports equipment, an arm loop that is attached to the cumber bun base belt by an expandable guide arm and receives the athlete's middle arm area that is inserted through the arm loop and a buckle. The device can also be a vest style base device that is wrapped around and secured to an athlete's torso or a panty style base device that is wrapped around and secured to an athlete's torso while the athlete is swinging, hitting, or throwing a golf club or other piece of sports equipment.

Abstract: A method and a system of enhancing ganglion cell function using a gaming environment corresponding to a physical activity. The method and system may be used to implement one or more processes to improve a person's visual processing profile. In particular, the method and system may be used to improve a player's skill in the corresponding physical activity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a throwing trainer comprising first and second bands configured to be removably attached to right and left forearms of a user, and an elongated, flexible, adjustable-length connector mounted to the first and second bands, the length of the connector being configured to limit the separation distance between the forearms of the user during wind-up for an overhand throw. A device assembly including a measuring tool and a method of practicing throwing also are disclosed.

Abstract: A sports training device is worn by the trainee for developing skill and minimizing risk of injury in pitching, passing, swinging, kicking, and other such sports-related body movements. An illustrative embodiment includes an anchor member adapted for wear on the torso of a trainee, a first tension device coupled between a trainee's arm and the anchor member, and a second tension device coupled between a trainee's leg and the anchor member. The first tension device may include a bendable rod and elastic cord, the bendable rod selectively rotatable to adjust the rod and cord relative to a trainee's shoulder.

Abstract: A baseball training system to teach proper swing technique comprising a first tee adapted to support a baseball and a second tee adapted to support a baseball, a tee support configured to hold the first tee and a second tee vertically and separated from each other by a horizontal distance, d, a rod, and a belt configured to be worn around a user's stomach and to hold the rod in an approximate horizontal position across the front of the user's stomach.

Abstract: The disclosure presents an innovative apparatus for use in instructing hitters how to focus one's field of vision into a preselected angular field; the invention is also a method of providing this instruction. The apparatus includes a helmet and a shroud configured to engage the helmet. An elongate opening is formed on the shroud to restrict a wearer's field of vision to a preselected angle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a baseball bat swing are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an upper arm portion, a lower arm portion pivotably connected to the upper arm portion, and at least one releaseable attachment device carried by the upper arm portion and positioned to releasably attach to the user's arm. The system can further include an adjustment element operatively coupled to the upper arm portion and the lower arm portion, with the adjustment being manipulatable to control an angle between the upper arm portion and the lower arm portion. The system can be employed to train the user to achieve a consistent baseball bat swing.

Abstract: A glove made from narrow strap material. Glove advantages when used with a striking tool: improved control, improved striking force, improved tool head acceleration, improved energy transfer, reduced hand fatigue, improved grip, and reduced vibration shock. It can be configured for 1, 2, 3 or 4 fingers plus the thumb. The glove forms a web between the thumb and fingers. The width of the web and the tightness of fit on the thumb and fingers is controlled by a single pull-tab type of adjustment. The adjustment is secured by a contact friction loop which increases in friction during impact force use. The glove can be worn on a bare hand or over the top of a more conventional type of glove while still providing the same advantages.

Abstract: A system and training method adapted to assist an individual in improving his or her basketball shooting skills and accuracy. The system includes an apparatus and glove that can be used independently or together. The apparatus is adapted for mounting to a basketball rim and includes flexible paddles for mounting to the rim so that the paddles project upwardly from the rim. The glove is adapted to be worn on the shooting hand and includes fingers, wrist and backhand portions. The fingers portion has three separate sleeves interconnected by elastic webs therebetween. The backhand portion interconnects the fingers portion to the wrist portion. The glove is configured so that the three middle fingers of the shooting hand are individually inserted into the sleeves and elastically held together by the webs, while allowing the thumb and outer finger of the shooting hand to spread outward and support the basketball during shooting.

Abstract: A sport instruction system for use in training for a sport requiring use of equipment having a gripping handle comprises a plurality of flexible equipment handle cue bands, each cue band displaying a unique visual cue, each cue band sized for securement to the gripping handle of the equipment in a location visible to the player of the sport when holding the gripping handle of the equipment, a plurality of sport specific instruction cards, each card having training theme indicia corresponding to one of the visual cues on the equipment handle cue bands, performance problem indicia related to the training theme indicia, and training instruction indicia related to the performance indicia, such that viewing the visual cue on one of the cue bands during training focuses the players attention on training instructions conveyed by the training instruction indicia on the instruction card having training theme corresponding to the visual cue.

Abstract: The present invention is a training baseball. The training baseball includes elongated fins that cause the training baseball to have a curved flight when thrown in a straight-throw motion. The present invention also includes a method for using the training baseball.

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: A device which aids the training of football carriers, specifically backfield players, in the desired ball carrying and retaining posture, comprising a belt worn around the waist of the player, an attached cradle or flap hanging from the belt, and a football supported by the cradle or flap, which in combination assist in teaching a player to assume a crouching posture when running while carrying the football towards opposing players, and to protect the football from opposing players in a pocket formed by the player's arms. The training aid also encourages the player to hold the shoulders squared in a horizontal orientation, to form and maintain the protective pocket for the football in the most effective manner.