Apparatus and method for improving athletic proficiency

Abstract

An apparatus and method for improving batting a baseball is provided. The apparatus includes at least one tube formed with a substantially uniform cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube. Also included is a handle removably attachable to one end of the tube. A grip knob is provided at one end of the handle for restraining hands during swinging. A compressible sleeve is slidably engageable with the handle for providing a hand grip. The apparatus and method for improving batting is used in combination with a training regimen to improve batting skills.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains generally to athletics. More particularly, the new and useful invention claimed in this document pertains to a system for improving athletic proficiency. The present invention is particularly useful for improving batting proficiency for baseball and softball players.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The desire to improve athletic proficiency is a universal gender neutral goal of millions of people. As a consequence, a significant variety of apparatus and methods have been promoted to improve athletic performance. For example, bean bags are kicked back and forth among soccer players, ring-blocks are placed over basketball rims to enable players to practice tap-ins, weights are employed by runners to increase muscle strength, and a seemingly endless array of devices have been advanced to improve golf strokes. In the fields of baseball and softball (collectively in this document, “baseball”), sports that enjoy international following, enhancing hand-eye coordination to more effectively and efficiently swing a baseball bat to contact a pitched ball has been an objective among hitters for decades, perhaps since Abner Doubleday purportedly proposed the game in Cooperstown, N.Y. in 1839.

[0003] A number of devices have been proposed or suggested for use in practicing baseball, or more specifically, for hitting a baseball with a bat (actions referred to in this document as “batting” or “hitting”). Hitting a round baseball with a tapered cylindrical bat is a daunting task. A baseball, traditionally made with a cork and rubber core with tightly wrapped yarn, is covered with white leather panels sewn together. Rules and regulations prescribe that the circumference of a baseball must be only 9 to 9.25 inches, and weigh between five and 5.25 ounces. Rules and regulations also require that a bat may not exceed 42 inches in length, or have a thickness at the barrel, or hitting end, greater than 2.75 inches. Baseball bats traditionally are manufactured from ash wood, primarily white ash and green ash, a form of ash unique to the United States (collectively in this document, “game-approved bats”). Just how difficult hitting can be is exemplified by a well known statistic: achieving a 0.333 batting average is considered excellent.

[0004] Suggestions for improving batting have included adding weight to conventional or game-approved bats, or otherwise modifying a game-approved bat to practice swinging. Other suggestions have included a variety of shapes, configurations, and materials combined to provide a baseball bat that can not be used during regulations play, but can only be used to practice hitting (collectively in this document, a “practice bat”).

[0005] The limitations of such prior suggestions for practice bats include the omission of a coordinated system and method, combined with the proper structure of a practice bat that can be used to improve athletic proficiency, particularly to improve hitting a baseball during game conditions with greater frequency, greater accuracy, greater predictability, and without inducing injury to a player's muscular system. Another limitation of prior approaches includes reliance for effectiveness on components that are not included on a game-approved bat, such as tips that must be inserted into the end of a bat used to make contact with a baseball. Still another limitation is found in those practice bats that mirror in shape and configuration a game-approved bat: the batter is not challenged during practice because the dimensions of the practice bats are not reduced from those of a game-approved bat, thus reducing the available surface for hitting. Yet another limitation of existing practice bats is the absence of a variety of interchangeable elements in the practice bat responsive to different ages, skill levels, and goals of the individual batter. Finally, earlier suggestions for improving batting did not present an apparatus that is designed to withstand batting without bending, breaking, or deforming due to the significant forces applied to a practice bat on impact with a baseball.

[0006] Therefore, a previously unaddressed need exists in the industry for a new, useful and improved apparatus and method for improving athletic performance, particularly for improving batting a baseball. Particularly, there is a significant need for a method and apparatus providing a coordinated system and method, combined with the proper structure and cooperation of structure, of a practice bat that can be used to improve hitting a baseball during game conditions with greater frequency, greater accuracy, and greater predictability, without inducing injury to a player's muscular system. A need also exists for an apparatus that presents a plurality of interchangeable heads that vary in weight, thus accommodating differing ages, sizes, skill levels, and objectives of a baseball player. A further need exists for a practice bat that is not in the shape, dimensions, or configuration of game-authorized baseball bats, so that a batter may encounter greater challenges during practice by reducing the available surface for hitting a baseball. However, a need also exists for a practice bat that includes an ergonomically designed handle that is consistent with the feel of a game-approved bat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Given the conventional solutions for attempting to solve the problems associated with improving athletic proficiency, particularly batting a baseball, it would be desirable, and of considerable advantage, to provide an apparatus that in combination with a training regimen can improve batting.

[0008] The present invention provides numerous advantages in connection with improving batting efficiency. At least one of the advantages of the present invention is that it provides a coordinated system and method, combined with the proper structure and cooperation of structure of a practice bat, for practicing the proper methods for swinging a baseball bat and making contact with a baseball. The present invention can be used to improve hitting a baseball during game conditions with greater frequency, greater accuracy, greater predictability, without inducing injury to a player's muscular system. The apparatus for improving batting also is a simple, easily assembled practice bat that does not require special additional components to be added to the apparatus for effectiveness. In addition, the present invention presents a plurality of interchangeable heads that vary in weight, thus accommodating differing ages, sizes, skill levels, and objectives of a baseball player. A further advantage of the apparatus for improving batting is that the head of the practice bat is of a smaller diameter than that of game-authorized baseball bats, so that a batter may encounter greater challenges during practice by reducing the available surface for hitting a baseball. The handle of the present invention is ergonomically designed to mirror the feel of a game-approved bat. Yet another advantage of the present invention is an apparatus for improving batting, and a method for using the present invention, that respectively are easy to use and to practice, and which are cost effective for their intended purposes.

[0009] These and other advantages are achieved in the present invention by providing in a preferred embodiment an apparatus for improving batting that includes at least one tube, or head. The tube, or head, is substantially uniform in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head. A partially tapered handle is provided. One end of the partially tapered handle is removably attachable to one end of the head. A grip knob is connected to the other end of the partially tapered handle. A sleeve of compressible material is engaged with the handle for gripping the handle.

[0010] The present invention is designed to facilitate a training regimen to improve batting. At least one aspect of the training regimen includes application and use of the overload principle. The overload principle has been found to be useful for improving batting by using a heavier weight than normally is used in game conditions when using a conventional aluminum or wooden bat. By using the present invention instead of an aluminum or wooden bat for practice drills, both the increased weight of the present invention, and the ability to step-increase the weight of the apparatus either upward or downward by use of variously weighted heads that are interchangeable on a handle, will help develop greater bat speed, better bat control, better body efficiency, better muscle memory, and enhanced hand-eye coordination, all of which in turn help develop a positive hitting attitude.

[0011] A second feature of the present invention that, in conjunction with the training regimen, leads to enhanced batting skills is the decreased hitting surface or area of the head. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interchangeable and removable heads are one inch in exterior diameter. Accordingly, the head of the present invention presents approximately 160 percent less hitting or ball contact area than a typical baseball bat used in game conditions. As will be evident to those skilled in the art, use of a smaller diameter head in hitting drills will develop greater hand-eye coordination, and contributes to making the present invention an ideal tool for bunting drills.

[0012] Overload training in combination with the present invention allows a user to place greater emphasis on the path of the hands through the hitting zone. As a user learns to control the additional weight of the present invention, greater emphasis automatically and reflexively is placed on proper linear movement of hands through the hitting zone. As the same time, better overall body control results, with a more fluid motion and follow through.

[0013] In addition, use of the apparatus for improving batting generates greater awareness of the importance of overall physical conditioning body coordination by encouraging increased body and bat leverage as the user resists additional centrifugal forces sensed during use of the practice bat. All muscles generally exercised during a baseball game are used and challenged when using the present invention.

[0014] Successful hitting requires mental, as well as physical, conditioning. Following use of the present invention as a practice tool, in combination with a proper training regimen, as a user progresses from the smaller diameter head to the larger diameter of a conventional baseball bat, chances increase to make successful contact with a pitched baseball. In addition, progressing from the heavier weights provided by the apparatus for improving batting, to the lighter bat heads of conventional game bats, causes greater bat speed. Both results lead to greater success as a hitter. Practice with the present invention will cause hitters to trust reactions to a pitch, and to have confidence to instinctively hit the ball.

[0015] The present invention is designed to provide an array of tools needed to become a better hitter. At least one of the advantages of the present invention over earlier suggestions for improving batting is that fewer swings are required for a successful hitting workout. In addition, the portability of the system for improving athletic proficiency allows users to move rapidly and comfortably between teamwork, cage work, on-deck drills, and batting practice.

[0016] The advantages and other objects of the present invention, and features of such an apparatus for improving batting, and method for using the apparatus, will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying following description, drawing figures, and appended claims.

[0017] An apparatus for improving batting, according to the present invention, includes at least one tube. Each tube has a distal end and a proximal end. The tube is formed with a substantially uniform cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube between the proximal end and the distal end. Also included is a partially tapered handle. One end of the partially tapered handle is removably attachable to the proximal end of the tube. A grip knob is connected to the other end of the partially tapered handle. A sleeve of plastic material is provided that is slidably engageable with the handle.

[0018] Thus, it is clear from the foregoing that the claimed subject matter as a whole, including the structure of the apparatus, and the cooperation of the elements of the apparatus, as well as the method for the apparatus, combine to result in a number of unexpected advantages and utilities of the present invention.

[0019] The foregoing has outlined broadly the more important features of the invention to better understand the detailed description which follows, and to better understand the contribution of the present invention to the art. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in application to the details of construction, and to the arrangements of the components, provided in the following description or drawing figures. The invention is capable of other embodiments, and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology employed in this disclosure are for purpose of description, and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0020] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the conception on which this disclosure is based readily may be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the purposes of the present invention. The claims, therefore, include such equivalent constructions to the extent the equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the abstract associated with this disclosure is neither intended to define the invention, which is measured by the claims, nor intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

[0021] The novel features of this invention, and the invention itself, both as to structure and operation, are best understood from the accompanying drawing, considered in connection with the accompanying description of the drawing, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the unassembled apparatus for improving batting;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the tube, or head, of the present invention; and

[0024] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the handle of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Briefly, the present invention provides an apparatus for improving batting that includes at least one tube. Each tube has a distal end and a proximal end. The tube is formed with a substantially uniform cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube between the proximal end and the distal end. Also included is a partially tapered handle. One end of the partially tapered handle is removably attachable to the proximal end of the tube. A grip knob is connected to the other end of the partially tapered handle. A sleeve of plastic material is provided that is slidably engageable with the handle.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus for improving batting, and shows the major elements of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for improving batting 10 includes at least one tube 12. Tube 12 is formed with a distal end 14 and a proximal end 16. In addition, tube 12 is formed with a substantially uniform cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18 through the axial length of tube 12 between proximal end 16 and distal end 14. In at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, tube 12 of apparatus for improving athletic proficiency 10 is substantially solid. In an alternative embodiment, tube 12 is formed with a hollow chamber 20 and is therefore substantially hollow.

[0027] While tube 12 in a preferred embodiment and in an alternative embodiment is described as either substantially solid or substantially hollow, in at least one commercial embodiment of the system of the present invention, three interchangeable tubes 12 are provided as part of the system. One tube 12 of the three tubes 12 is substantially solid, and two are substantially hollow. Apparatus for improving batting 10 also is easily assembled into a practice bat that using any of the plurality of interchangeable tubes 12. In part because tube 12 may be either substantially solid or substantially hollow, tubes 12 vary in weight. Various configurations of tube 12 also vary in weight due to selection of different compositions of materials to make tube 12. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, substantially solid tubes 12 are manufactured from durable steel, and substantially hollow tubes 12 may be made of molysteel, although the precise material and compositions of materials are not a limitation of the present invention. The different weights of tube 12 accommodate differing ages, sizes, skill levels, and objectives of a baseball player following a training regimen. Also, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each tube 12 has a diameter of approximately one (1) inch, and are color coded by weight. Further, the weight of various tubes 12 are stamped on an end cap 22 insertable into distal end 14 of tube 12. The diameter of tube 12 therefore is significantly less than a game-approved bat. The smaller diameter of tube 12 is a further advantage of the present invention in its use as a practice bat, requiring the user to more accurately swing the practice bat, which transfers to a more accurate swing with a game-approved bat.

[0028] As best shown in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for improving batting 10, tube 12 includes a monolithic collar 24 formed with a fore end 26, an aft end 28, and a surrounding surface 30. Monolithic collar 24 extends from proximal end 16 of tube 12. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, monolithic collar 24 extends approximately 1.5 inches from proximal end 16 of tube 12, but as will be evident to those skilled in the art, the distance that monolithic collar 24 extends from proximal end 16 of tube 12 is not a material limitation of the present invention. Also in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, monolithic collar 24 is tapered between fore end 26 and the aft end 28. The tapering decreases toward aft end 28, with the result that fore end 26 has a smaller circumference than aft end 28. In addition, exterior threads 32 are formed on surrounding surface 30 for attachment of tube 12 to a partially tapered handle 34 described below and shown in FIG. 3. The fact that monolithic collar 24 is tapered between fore end 26 and the aft end 28, and that exterior threads 32 taper toward fore end 26 improves the holding power between tube 12 and partially tapered handle 34 despite repetitive and frequent use of apparatus for improving batting 10 to impact a baseball impacting the exterior surface 36 of tube 12 at velocities often approaching 90 miles per hour (“mph”). The tapering of monolithic collar 24 provides a mechanical advantage not found in other apparatus suggested for improving hitting proficiency. In combination with the complementary tapering exterior threads 32 of tube 12, and the internal recessed threads 50 on internal face 46 of partially tapered handle 34 described below, the tapering causes tube 12 and handle 34 to continuously self-adjust when threaded together despite thread wear that may be caused by use during batting practice or by assembling and disassembling tube 12 from handle 34. If the respective threads wear, the tapering causes the respective threads of tube 12 and handle 34 to reseat without loss of any capabilities of apparatus for improving athletic proficiency 10. Additionally, tube 12 of the present invention includes a head plug 33 as best shown in FIG. 2. Head plug 33 is fixedly insertable into hollow chamber 20 of tube 12 adjacent fore end 26 of tube 12. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, head plug 33 extends approximately 2 inches from fore end 26 into hollow chamber 20. Head plug 33 provides an additional mechanical advantage not found in other apparatus for batting practice. As indicated, the velocity of a baseball making contact with apparatus for improving athletic proficiency 10 may approach 90 mph. On impact, significant forces, in a variety of vectors, including leverage forces between a point of impact of a ball on exterior surface 36 of tube 12, between the point of impact and grip knob 64, as discussed below, are applied to apparatus for improving athletic proficiency 10. Head plug 33, however, absorbs such forces, and strengthens the gripping power of both internal recessed threads 50 on internal face 46 of partially tapered handle 34 as well as exterior threads 32 of tube 12. Head plug 33 also contributes to providing the comforting and desirable sound of a ball hitting a wood bat, although a preferred embodiment of the present invention is metal. Also, because an assembled embodiment of the present invention, particularly tube 12, is not shaped or configured as a game-approved baseball bat, a batter using the present invention during a training regimen will encounter greater challenges during practice by reducing the available surface for hitting a baseball.

[0029] In addition to tube 12, as previously indicated, the present invention includes partially tapered handle 34 best shown in FIG. 3. Partially tapered handle 34 is formed with a leading end 38, a following end 40, and a hollow passage 42 along the longitudinal axis 44 of partially tapered handle 34. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, hollow passage 42 is formed to include one or more spaced tiers 46 in internal face 48 of hollow passage 42 adjacent leading end 38 of partially tapered handle 34. As also shown in FIG. 3, partially tapered handle 34 is formed with internal recessed threads 50 that are included in hollow passage 42 adjacent to leading end 38 of partially tapered handle 34. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, internal recessed threads 50 are formed to taper along longitudinal axis 44 between a lower edge 52 of a recessed lip 54 formed in leading end 38 of partially tapered handle 34. Internal recessed threads 50 extend into hollow passage 42 of partially tapered handle 34 a distance exemplified by D1 as shown in FIG. 3. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, internal recessed threads 50 extend into hollow passage 42 of partially tapered handle 34 approximately 1.50 inches from lower edge 52 of recessed lip 54 formed in leading end 38 of partially tapered handle 34, but the measurement is not a material limitation on the present invention. Internal recessed threads 50 are tapered along longitudinal axis 44 of partially tapered handle 34 to substantially mirror the taper of exterior threads 32 formed in monolithic collar 24 of tube 12 for threadable engagement of tube 12 with partially tapered handle 34.

[0030] As best shown in FIG. 3, partially tapered handle 34 also is formed with a first extension 56 and a tapered extension 58 that monolithically extends from first extension 56. First extension extends from a rear end 60 toward leading end 38 of partially tapered handle 34 approximately to a forward end 62, and tapered extension 58 extends from approximately forward end 62 toward leading end 38. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, first extension 56 is approximately 0.750 inch in diameter, and tapered extension 58 tapers to a maximum diameter of approximately 1.490 inches, but neither the location of forward end 62, nor the dimensions given are material limitations of the present invention.

[0031] As also shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 1 and 3, the present invention includes a grip knob 64. Grip knob is fixedly connected to following end 40 of partially tapered handle 34. Grip knob 64 precludes slippage of the assembled apparatus for improving batting 10 from the hands of a user during use of the present invention. In addition, a compressible sleeve 66 is provided. Compressible sleeve 66 is slidably engageable with first extension 56 of partially tapered handle 34, and aids in gripping the assembled apparatus for improving batting 10 during a training regimen.

[0032] While apparatus for improving batting 10 shown in drawing FIGS. 1 through 3 includes at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is not intended to be exclusive, and is not a limitation of the present invention. While the particular apparatus for improving batting 10 as shown and disclosed in detail in this instrument is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages stated, this disclosure is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and no limitations are intended in connection with the details of construction, design or composition other than as provided and described in the appended claims.

OPERATION

[0033] In operation, the present invention provides numerous advantages in connection with improving batting efficiency. The present invention provides a coordinated system and method, combined with the proper structure and cooperation of structure provided by apparatus for improving batting 10 for practicing the proper methods for swinging a baseball bat and making contact with a baseball. By selecting the differently weighted tubes 12 that provide a consistent hitting surface, to use in assembled form with partially tapered handle 34, the present invention improves hitting a baseball during game conditions. Apparatus for improving batting 10 is easily assembled and disassembled, and one or more interchangeable tubes 12 are available. By presenting a plurality of interchangeable heads 12′ that vary in weight, bat swinging exercises in a training regimen may devised to accommodate different ages, sizes, skill levels, and objectives of a baseball player.

[0034] Following a training regimen that includes swinging apparatus for improving batting 10 through a variety of stances, improved proficiency in batting is achieved in part because head 12′ is shaped differently than game-approved bats. Accordingly, a batter encounters greater challenges during practice by reducing the available hitting surface. Partially tapered handle 34 of the present invention, however, is ergonomically designed to mirror the feel of a game-approved bat.

[0035] The present invention is designed to facilitate a training regimen to improve batting. At least one aspect the training regimen includes application and use of the overload principle. The overload principle has been found by the inventor to rapidly improve batting because of the heavier weight of apparatus for improving batting 10 as compared with a game-approved bat. The inventor has established that use of the present invention instead of an aluminum or wooden bat for practice drills, with the capability of increasing or decreasing the weight of heads 12′, helps develop greater bat speed, better bat control, better body efficiency, better muscle memory, enhanced hand-eye coordination, which in turn help develop a positive hitting attitude.

[0036] A regimen of practice swinging of apparatus for improving batting 10 also leads to enhanced batting skills because of the limited hitting area presented by exterior surface 36 of head 12′. As previously indicated, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the interchangeable and removable heads 12′ are one inch in exterior diameter. Accordingly, head 12′ presents approximately 160 percent less hitting or ball contact area on exterior surface 36 than a game-approved bat. As will be evident to those skilled in the art, use of a smaller diameter head 12′ in hitting drills of a training regimen will develop greater hand-eye coordination, and contributes to making the present invention ideal tool for bunting drills.

[0037] In application of a training regimen, overload training in combination with the present invention allows a user to place greater emphasis on the path of the hands through the hitting zone. As a user learns to control the additional weight of the present invention, greater emphasis automatically and reflexively is placed on proper linear movement of hands through the hitting zone. As the same time, better overall body control results, with a more fluid motion and follow through.

[0038] An exemplary training specimen may include, but is not limited to, a hitting progression. In each hitting progression, different tubes 12 may be used, thus altering the weight being manipulated by the trainee. The batter may begin with a wide pre-stride stance, legs approximately 12-18 inches wider apart than a normal stance. No stride is taken, but the batter swings the apparatus for improving batting 10 several times. In addition, or alternatively, the batter assumes a narrow pre-stride stance. Again, the batter takes no stride, but swings the apparatus for improving batting 10 several times. The batter may then change heads 12′ to practice a front hand overload drill in which the front hand, or hand closest to where a pitcher would be, is held close to the bottom of handle 34, a regular batting stance is assumed, the other hand is placed under the arm of the front hand, and the batter practices swinging apparatus for improving batting 10 to achieve body control, follow through, and finish. In addition, or again alternatively, a batter may switch hands from the front hand overload drill to practice a back hand overload drill. Another remarkably useful drill to include in the training regimen is inversion: after gripping the practice bat in a normal way, the top hand is inverted so that the thumb of the top hand will be in contact with the top of the bottom hand. when striding and striking a ball in this stance, the top hand will be released from handle 34 on contact with a baseball and pushed through the hitting zone. Body and bat control are enhanced. Of course, regular batting also may be practiced. The present invention is very useful in improving bunting.

[0039] In addition, use of the apparatus for improving batting 10 generates greater awareness of the importance of overall physical conditioning body coordination by encouraging increased body and bat leverage as the user resists additional centrifugal forces sensed during use of the practice bat. All muscles generally exercised during a baseball game are used and challenged when using the present invention. In addition, progressing from the heavier weights provided by the apparatus for improving batting 10, to the lighter bat heads of conventional game bats, causes greater bat speed. Both results lead to greater success as a hitter. Practice with the present invention will cause hitters to trust reactions to a pitch, and to have confidence to instinctively hit the ball. Accordingly, the present invention promotes athletic proficiency rapidly and comfortably as a user moves between teamwork, cage work, on-deck drills, and batting practice.

Claims

1. An apparatus for improving batting, comprising:

at least one tube having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the at least on tube is formed with a substantially uniform cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least one tube between the proximal end and the distal end;

a partially tapered handle removably attachable to the proximal end of the at least one tube;

a grip knob fixedly connected to the following end of the partially tapered handle; and

a compressibly clutchable sleeve slidably engageable with the partially tapered handle.

2. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one tube is solid.

3. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one tube is formed with a hollow chamber.

4. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one tube further comprises a monolithic threaded collar extending from the proximal end of the at least one tube, and having a fore end and an aft end.

5. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 4, wherein the monolithic threaded collar is tapered between the fore end and the aft end, and wherein the fore end has a smaller circumference than the aft end.

6. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 1, wherein the partially tapered handle has a leading end, a following end, and is formed with a hollow passage along the longitudinal axis of the partially tapered handle.

7. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 6, wherein the hollow passage includes one or more spaced tiers formed in the internal face adjacent the leading end of the handle.

8. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 1, wherein the partially tapered handle further comprises internal recessed threads in the hollow passage adjacent the leading end of the partially tapered handle, and wherein the internal recessed threads complemetarily mate with the monolithic threaded collar of the at least one tube.

9. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 8, wherein the internal recessed threads are tapered for threadable engagement with the monolithic threaded collar.

10. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 1, wherein the tube includes a head plug for eliminating damage to the apparatus from impact forces.

11. A system for improving athletic proficiency, comprising:

one or more substantially uniform shaped heads having a distal end and a proximal end;

a collar monolithically extending from the proximal end of the one or more substantially uniform shaped heads;

a handle removably attachable to one end of the one or more substantially uniformly shaped heads;

means for attaching the handle to the one for more substantially uniformly shaped heads to form a practice bat for use with an athletic regimen.

12. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim 11, wherein the one or more substantially uniform shaped heads is formed with a substantially uniform cross-section along the longitudinal axis of the one or more substantially uniform shaped heads.

13. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim 11, wherein at least one of the one or more substantially uniform shaped heads is solid.

14. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim 11, wherein the at least one of the one or more substantially uniform shaped heads is hollow.

15. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim 11, wherein the one or more substantially uniform shaped heads is approximately 1.00 inch in diameter.

16. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim 11, wherein the collar has a fore end, an aft end, and a surrounding surface between the fore end and aft end.

17. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim 16, further comprising threads formed in the surrounding surface.

18. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim 11, wherein the handle is formed with a hollow passage.

19. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim 11, wherein the handle further comprises internal recessed threads in the hollow passage.

20. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim 11, wherein the means for attaching the handle to the one for more substantially uniform shaped heads include engaging the recessed threads and the threads formed in the surrounding surface.

21. A device for practicing batting, comprising:

a plurality of heads having different weights;

a collar monolithically extending from one end of the plurality of heads; and

a handle removably attachable to the collar.

22. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 21, wherein the plurality of heads are formed with a substantially uniform cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of heads.

23. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 22, wherein the cross-section of the plurality of heads is substantially circular.

24. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 21, wherein each of the plurality of heads is weighted differently.

25. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 21, wherein the plurality of heads have a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the collar is formed in the proximal end of the plurality of heads.

26. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 21, wherein the handle includes a first extension formed with a substantially uniform cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis through the handle.

27. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 21, wherein the handle includes a tapered extension.

28. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 21, wherein the collar includes a tapered annular surface.

29. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 22, wherein the tapered annular surface is further formed with threads.

30. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 21, wherein the handle is attachable to the collar by engaging the threads formed on the annular surface of the collar with threads formed in one end of the handle.

31. A method for improving batting, comprising:

selecting one of a plurality of heads having different weights;

attaching one end of the one of one of the plurality of heads to a handle to form a practice bat; and

using the practice bat in conformance with one or more exercises in a regimen for improving batting.

32. A method for improving batting as recited in claim 31, wherein the selecting step includes the substeps of:

selecting at least one tube having a distal end and a proximal end;

inserting a head plug into the proximal end of the at least one tube;

shaping the at least one tube to be substantially uniform cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least one tube between the proximal end and the distal end; and

further configuring one or more of the at least one tube to include a hollow chamber between the proximal end and the distal end.

33. A method for improving batting as recited in claim 31, wherein the selecting step further includes the substeps of:

forming a monolithic collar at one end of the plurality of heads;

tapering the monolithic collar; and

fitting the monolithic collar with threads.

34. A method for improving batting as recited in claim 31, wherein the attaching step includes the substeps of:

forming a hollow passage along the longitudinal axis of the handle having a leading end and a following end, the hollow passage having an internal face;

shaping in the internal face with one or more spaced tiers ascending toward the leading end of the handle; and

inserting internal recessed threads in the internal face of the hollow passage for threadable engagement with the monolithic collar.

35. A method for improving batting as recited in claim 31, wherein the using step includes at least the substeps of:

applying the overload principle;

alternating application of the regimen among the plurality of heads having different weights; and

practicing control of the plurality of heads having different weights.