BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL TRAINING DEVICE
The baseball and softball training system includes a home plate, a first base, a second base and a third base positionable relative to one another in order to practice base running and defensive baseball or softball skills. In this regard, the first base includes three indicia comprising a baseline section, a corner section and a leadoff section while the second base and the third base each include two indicia comprising a corner section and a leadoff section. The aforementioned indicia emphasize a contact location on each respective base depending on the baseball or softball game situation.
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The present invention relates to a baseball and softball training device. More particularly, the invention relates to a training device capable of teaching the proper technique of running the bases in baseball or softball.
Baseball and softball fields have similar rules and, as a result, have similar field layouts. That is, both sports have a home plate where a batter attempts to strike a ball thrown by a pitcher. The batter becomes a base runner after hitting the ball into play, receiving a base on balls or otherwise being hit by a pitch during the at-bat. The objective of the batter is to get on base and score a run by crossing home plate. Points are scored in baseball and softball when the batter runs around the infield and touches each base sequentially, i.e. first base, second base, third base and then home plate. The base runner must touch each base without being “forced” out or otherwise “tagged” out with the ball. Hence, effective base running is important to successfully winning a baseball or softball game. Even at the Major League Baseball level, effective base running can result in additional runs and thereby determine the game winner.
The bases themselves are typically square and have a somewhat uniform thickness. On a standard baseball field or softball field, the bases are oriented toward one another. The bases are often white and have no visual cues that communicate to the base runner the optimum way to run the bases. But, the bases may include padding or other cover material capable of withstanding metal cleats. The base runner may strike any portion of the base when running the bases. In this regard, the location the base runner strikes the base is important both fundamentally and physically. Fundamentally sound base running enables the base runner to strike the base and move to the next base with the greatest amount of momentum. Physically, striking the base awkwardly can cause the base runner to trip over the base, roll an ankle or otherwise collide with the defensive player, thereby causing injury. Therefore, the base runner should know where to strike the base depending on the game situation in order to maximize base running skills and prevent injury.
In one scenario, the batter may strike the baseball or softball thrown by the pitcher. Assuming the ball is put into fair territory and hits the ground at least once, the defense can force out the batter by touching first base with the ball before the batter. Most commonly, one of the infielders will pick up the ball and throw it to the first baseman, who is touching first base. Here, the base runner may run through first base in an effort to beat the throw. That is, the base runner may touch first base and allow momentum to carry the base runner down the first baseline while attempting to stop. Oftentimes, the base runner and the first baseman are both at first base at the same time. On one hand, the base runner must be careful not to step on the foot or heel of the first baseman receiving the throw. On the other hand, the first baseman should occupy the inside corner of the base when receiving the throw from another defensive player so as to avoid obstructing the base runner. Hence, the base runner and first baseman should touch first base at different places so as to prevent collision.
Alternatively, the batter may hit the baseball or softball into the outfield gap such that there is no chance the defense can pick up the ball and throw it to the first baseman before the base runner reaches first base. In this scenario, the base runner may want to try and reach second base before the ball is returned to the infield. Here, the base runner wants to round first base toward second base in stride. Instead of running through first base, the runner will swing slightly to the right of the first baseline and lean into first base in an attempt to turn to second base while maintaining maximum running speed. The base runner must get to the next base, second base, before the defense tags the base runner with the ball.
The batter is otherwise awarded first base by receiving a base on balls or by being hit by a pitch. The batter must then know how to properly occupy first base in order to maximize getting to second base without being tagged out. Of course, proper base running techniques ensure that the base runner has proper foot placement when rounding the bases in order to limit susceptibility of turning/rolling an ankle or otherwise losing balance, both which could cause loss of momentum or injury.
Optimum base running involves running at top speed while maintaining maximum momentum and balance when rounding each base. In the first scenario described above, the top speed is best maintained by the base runner by striking the outer half of the first base so as to avoid stepping on heel of the first baseman touching first base. In the second scenario, the top speed is best maintained by the base runner by striking the raised portion at the inside corner of first base. The first baseman should not be standing in the way of the base runner in this scenario because there is presumptively no play at first base, i.e. the defense has no chance of getting the ball to first base before the base runner touches first base. Accordingly, the base runner should lean inward and strike the inside corner of first base at maximum speed. The base runner uses the inside base corner as a foot plant to support an aggressive left turn towards second base.
The base runner should employ a similar technique when rounding subsequent bases (i.e. second base and third base). That is, a base runner endeavoring to efficiently round second base or third base en route to third base or home plate, respectively, should endeavor to strike the raised portion at the inside corner of each respective base, as described above with reference to rounding first base. In this way the base runner can properly plant and push off the inside corner of the base to more aggressively turn toward the next respective base without losing speed. A base runner capable of effectively using the inside corner of each base is able to reach the next, subsequent base, most efficiently, i.e. in the shortest amount of time.
Like many other skills in baseball and/or softball, the subtleties of effective base running take time to master. Unfortunately, most instructional time, especially at the youth level, is spent teaching other basic skills such as batting, fielding, catching and throwing. As a result, little time is spent coaching base running techniques. Regardless, learning to effectively run the bases requires practice. Consequently, it is important to frequently and correctly repeat efficient base running skills.
Thus, there exists a significant need for a baseball and softball base running training device. Such a baseball and softball base running training device should include a set of bases (i.e. first base, second base and third base) having a plurality of markings thereon that identify the correct place to strike the base when running the bases. Moreover, such a training device may include home plate and a tee selectively attachable thereto. Such a training device should also be capable of quickly and efficiently demonstrating the proper and efficient placement of striking the respective bases when running the bases. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe baseball and softball training system disclosed herein generally includes a home plate, a first base, a second base and a third base having a plurality of indicia thereon. For example, the first base includes three indicia comprising a baseline section, a corner section and a leadoff section. The second base includes two indicia comprising a corner section and a leadoff section and the third base, similarly, includes two indicia comprising a corner section and a leadoff section. The indicia on each base preferably comprise a distinct color such that different indicia on the first base, the second base and the third base are visually distinguishable from one another. Accordingly, like indicia of the first base, the second base and the third base should comprise like colors.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the baseline section of the first base is located generally along an outer third of the base, opposite the leadoff section. Moreover, the corner sections of the first base, the second base and the third base are preferably located generally along an inner third of each respective base, below the respective leadoff sections. Similarly, the leadoff sections of first base, the second base and the third base are preferably located generally along an inner third of each respective base, above the respective corner sections. The aforementioned positioning of the indicia emphasize a contact location on each respective base such that the home plate, the first base, the second base and the third base are positionable relative to one another in order to practice base running and defensive baseball or softball skills on a baseball or softball field. In this regard, the first base, the second base and the third base may further include a neutral area designating a non-contact location of each base. This neutral area should contrast the visual appearance of the indicia such that a base runner does not immediately identify the neutral area as a potential contact location when practicing base running and defensive baseball or softball skills.
In an alternative embodiment, the baseball and softball training system may further include a batting tee selectively attachable to the home plate. The batting tee preferably selectively telescopes such that a ball holder associated with the batting tee may be vertically positioned according to the height of the batter using the batting tee of the baseball and softball training system disclosed herein.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:
As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention for a baseball and softball base running training device is referred to generally by the reference number 10. In
The base running training device 10 is designed specifically to enhance the base running skills of a base runner in a baseball or softball game. In this regard, the bases 14, 16, 18 provide base runners with immediate visual aid in locating the desired position of striking the corresponding base 14, 16, 18 when running the bases. Each of the bases 14, 16, 18 includes a plurality of visual cues. As shown in
Accordingly, like sections 22, 24, 26 are preferably identical in color on each of the bases 14, 16, 18. That is, the corner section 24 of the first base 14 is preferably the same color as the corner section 24′ on the second base 16 and the corner section 24″ of the third base 18. Likewise, the leadoff section 26 of the first base 14 is preferably the same color as the leadoff section 26′ of the second base 16 and the same color as the leadoff section 26″ of the third base 18. This enables the base runner 44 to immediately identify on each respective section 22, 24, 26 on the bases 14, 16, 18 for striking, depending on the corresponding situation. Moreover, the color of each section 22, 24, 26 preferably contrasts from one another so that there is less of a chance one section is confused with another section.
Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A baseball and softball training system, comprising:
- a home plate;
- a first base having three indicia comprising a baseline section, a corner section and a leadoff section;
- a second base having two indicia comprising a corner section and a leadoff section; and
- a third base having two indicia comprising a corner section and a leadoff section;
- wherein the indicia emphasize a contact location on each respective base such that the home plate, the first base, the second base and the third base are positionable relative to one another in order to practice base running and defensive baseball and softball skills.
2. The training system of claim 1, wherein the baseline section of the first base is located generally along an outer third of the base, opposite the leadoff section.
3. The training system of claim 1, wherein the corner sections of the first base, the second base and the third base are located generally along an inner third of each respective base, below the respective leadoff sections.
4. The training system of claim 1, wherein the leadoff sections of the first base, the second base and the third base are located generally along an inner third of each respective base, above the respective corner sections.
5. The training system of claim 1, wherein the indicia on each base comprises a distinct color.
6. The training system of claim 5, wherein like indicia of the first base, the second base and the third base comprise like colors.
7. The training system of claim 1, wherein different indicia of the first base, the second base and the third base are visually distinguishable from one another.
8. The training system of claim 1, wherein the first base, the second base and the third base include a neutral area designating a non-contact location of each base.
9. The training system of claim 8, wherein the visual appearance of the neutral area contrasts the visual appearance of the indicia.
10. The training system of claim 1, including a batting tee selectively attachable to the home plate.
11. The training system of claim 10, wherein the batting tee selectively telescopes.
12. The training system of claim 10, including a ball holder associated with the batting tee.
13. A baseball and softball training system, comprising:
- a home plate;
- a batting tee selectively attachable to the home plate;
- a first base having three indicia comprising a baseline section, a corner section and a leadoff section, wherein the baseline section is located generally along an outer third of the base, opposite the leadoff section;
- a second base having two indicia comprising a corner section and a leadoff section; and
- a third base having two indicia comprising a corner section and a leadoff section;
- wherein the indicia emphasize a contact location on each respective base such that the home plate, the first base, the second base and the third base are positionable relative to one another in order to practice base running and defensive baseball and softball skills.
14. The training system of claim 13, wherein the corner sections of the first base, the second base and the third base are located generally along an inner third of each respective base, below the respective leadoff sections and the leadoff sections of the first base, the second base and the third base are located generally along an inner third of each respective base, above the respective corner sections.
15. The training system of claim 13, wherein the indicia on the first base, the second base and the third base comprise a distinct color such that like indicia comprise like colors and different indicia are visually distinguishable from one another.
16. The training system of claim 13, wherein the first base, the second base and the third base include a neutral area designating a non-contact location of each base that contrasts the visual appearance of the indicia.
17. The training system of claim 13, including a ball holder associated with the batting tee, wherein the batting tee selectively telescopes.
18. A baseball and softball training system, comprising:
- a home plate;
- a batting tee selectively attachable to the home plate;
- a first base having a neutral area and three indicia comprising a baseline section, a corner section and a leadoff section, wherein the baseline section is located generally along an outer third of the base, opposite the leadoff section;
- a second base having a neutral area and two indicia comprising a corner section and a leadoff section; and
- a third base having a neutral area and two indicia comprising a corner section and a leadoff section, wherein the neutral areas of the first base, the second base and the third base designate a non-contact location of each base that contrasts the visual appearance of the indicia;
- wherein the indicia comprise a distinct color such that like indicia comprise like colors and different indicia are visually distinguishable from one another in order to emphasize a contact location on each respective base such that the home plate, the first base, the second base and the third base are positionable relative to one another in order to practice base running and defensive baseball and softball skills.
19. The training system of claim 18, wherein the corner sections of the first base, the second base and the third base are located generally along an inner third of each respective base, below the respective leadoff sections and the leadoff sections of the first base, the second base and the third base are located generally along an inner third of each respective base, above the respective corner sections.
20. The training system of claim 18, including a ball holder associated with the batting tee, wherein the batting tee selectively telescopes.
Type: Application
Filed: May 6, 2009
Publication Date: Nov 11, 2010
Applicant: BORG UNLIMITED INC. (Monterey Park, CA)
Inventor: Ricardo Gamboa (Monterey Park, CA)
Application Number: 12/436,345
International Classification: A63B 69/00 (20060101);