OVERHAND THROWING TRAINING SYSTEM AND METHOD

• US 20140094325A1
• Filed: 10/01/2012
• Published: 04/03/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fernando Arroyo
• Original Assignee: Fernando Arroyo
• Inventors: Arroyo, Fernando
• Granted Patent: US 8,894,513 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 473/422
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/0006 for pitching
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/0008 for batting
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/024 with screws or pins in the earth
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0602 Non-electronic means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0655 Tactile feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0694 Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0204 Standing on the feet
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/12 specially adapted for children
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/00 Targets or goals for ball games golf cups A63B57/40
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/007 Target zones without opening defined on a substantially horizontal surface
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/00 Training appliances or apparatus for special sports training of parachutists B64D23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0002 for baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0619 Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills

Abstract

Systems and methods for training and improving overhand throwing. A first embodiment of a system includes at least one upper arm that extends from a central body. A pathway marked by indicia extends down the upper arm curving to indicate the correct motion for a desired overhand throw. A flexible slap card may be located along the pathway for use in a first training exercise. The body may include a hole for positioned and sized for use as a target for a second training exercise. Support structures for maintaining the system in a desired position may be included. Methods for training with overhand throwing exercises using the systems are also included.

Claims

1. A method for training and improving overhand throwing, comprising

performing a first exercise wherein a user is positioned in a throwing position before a front surface of a system for training to perform an overhand throw, wherein the system includes indicia that indicates at least a first pathway the user'"'"'s throwing hand should follow when performing a overhand throw;

performing the motions of an overhand throw while tracking the at least a first pathway with the user'"'"'s throwing hand; and

contacting a flexible slap card that protrudes from the front surface of the system to indicate the motions of the overhand throw are correctly performed.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the exercise of claim 1, wherein contacting a flexible slap card comprises contacting the flexible slap card with the user'"'"'s hand.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein contacting the flexible slap card with the user'"'"'s hand comprises contacting the flexible slap card disposed along the at least a first pathway at a point which indicates the correct position for releasing a ball.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein performing the motions of an overhand throw while tracking the at least a first pathway comprises tracking an at least first pathway that is disposed on at least one upper arm that rises from a central body of the system.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing a second exercise wherein a user is positioned in a throwing position before a front surface of the system at a suitable throwing distance therefrom;

performing the motions of an overhand throw while tracking the at least a first pathway with the user'"'"'s throwing hand with a ball held in the user'"'"'s hand;

and releasing the ball while aiming at a target hole disposed in the system, such that a successful throw is indicated by the ball passing through the target hole.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the user is positioned in a throwing position before a front surface of the system at a suitable throwing distance therefrom by being positioned at a distance equivalent to the distance between a pitcher'"'"'s mound and a home plate in a baseball game.

4. The method of claim 4, wherein contacting a flexible slap card with the user'"'"'s hand comprises moving the hand by flexing a user'"'"'s wrist to simulate releasing a ball in order to contact the flexible slap card with the user'"'"'s hand.

8. A system for training and improving overhand throwing, comprising:

a body;

at least a first pathway indicated on the body by indicia which indicates a course a user'"'"'s throwing hand should follow when correctly performing a overhand throw;

at least a first slap card assembly disposed on the body such that a flexible slap card is disposed along the at least a first pathway;

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a target hole disposed through the body, sized for passage of a ball therethrough

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the body further comprises at least a first upper arm raising from a lower portion of the body adjacent a first side thereof and an upper portion of the at least a first pathway is disposed on the at least a first upper arm.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the body further comprises a second upper arm raising from a lower portion of the body adjacent a second side thereof opposite the first side with an upper portion of a second pathway indicated by a second set of indicia which indicates a course a user'"'"'s throwing hand should follow when correctly performing a overhand throw disposed on the second first upper arm.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the body is formed of two symmetrically opposite sections which fold along a center line which defies a vertical axis of a front face of the system.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the body further comprises at least a lower leg extending downwards from a lower portion of the body adjacent a second side thereof opposite the first side and a lower portion of the at least a first pathway is disposed on the at least a first lower leg.

14. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least a first slap card assembly comprises a flexible planar member defining a slap card attached to a generally orthogonal base and is disposed along the at least a first pathway by insertion of the slap card through a slot from a rear surface of the system.

15. The system of claim 8, further comprising at least a first support leg comprising a member extending from a proximal end which is attached to a rear surface of the system with a hinge to a distal end for contacting the ground.

16. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least a first support leg is adjustable in length.

17. The system of claim 8, further comprising a second support leg comprising a member extending from a proximal end which is attached to a rear surface of the system with a hinge to a distal end for contacting the ground.

18. The system of claim 8, further comprising at least a first ground spike slidably attached near a lower end of the system, the at least a first ground spike comprising a stake having a tapered distal end for insertion into the ground to secure the system.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the at least first ground spike is slidably attached by insertion of at least first bolt passing therethrough and through a vertical slot in the system, such that the at least a first bolt can move vertically in the vertical slot.

20. The system of claim 8, wherein at least a first pathway indicated on the body by indicia comprises at least a first pathway indicated by indicia comprising indentations formed in the front surface of the system.