COLLAPSIBLE BACKSTOP
First Claim
1. A method for evaluating pitching proficiency, comprising:
- selecting a pitching backstop with a plurality of target regions and a plurality of baskets adjacent the plurality of target regions to capture balls thrown through at least some of the target regions;
selectively throwing a plurality of balls through the plurality of target regions based on pitching instructions provided by the plurality of balls;
tracking balls retrieved from the plurality of baskets; and
determining a proficiency of thrown pitches based on results of the tracking and the pitching instructions provided by the plurality of balls.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and kits for practicing pitching and evaluating pitching proficiency using a backstop are provided herein. In various embodiments, the backstop may include a target-defining assembly to define a plurality of target regions. In various embodiments, a pitcher may selectively throw balls through the plurality of target regions, e.g., based on pitching contexts provided by the balls. In various embodiments, a plurality of baskets may be mounted adjacent the plurality of target regions, to allow a pitcher to track pitches and evaluate pitching proficiency. In some embodiments the pitching contexts provided by the balls are pitching instructions provided directly on the balls.
17 Citations
15 Claims
-
1. A method for evaluating pitching proficiency, comprising:
-
selecting a pitching backstop with a plurality of target regions and a plurality of baskets adjacent the plurality of target regions to capture balls thrown through at least some of the target regions; selectively throwing a plurality of balls through the plurality of target regions based on pitching instructions provided by the plurality of balls; tracking balls retrieved from the plurality of baskets; and determining a proficiency of thrown pitches based on results of the tracking and the pitching instructions provided by the plurality of balls. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
-
-
6. A pitching practice kit comprising:
-
a backstop comprising a peripheral frame and flexible netting mounted on the peripheral frame to capture balls thrown through the peripheral frame; a target-defining assembly to define a plurality of target regions on one side of the netting; and a plurality of balls, wherein each ball includes instructions for selectively throwing the ball through one or more of the plurality of regions. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
-
-
14. A collapsible backstop for stopping and collecting balls, comprising:
-
a rigid, collapsible, structure including a plurality of substantially straight frame members that can be snugly and removably fit to each other and thereby form the structure; a net formed of flexible netting; a plurality of engagement members for removably mounting the net to the structure at a plurality of points to form the backstop; at least one flexible cord that extends through at least some of the frame members so that when the at least some of the members are disassembled, they remain interconnected to facilitate reassembly; a strap assembly configured to be removably mounted to the substantially rectangular structure to define a plurality of target regions; and a plurality of baskets secured to the strap assembly to capture balls projected through at least some of the plurality of target regions; wherein when the net is mounted to the structure, the net includes additional netting so that the net is not taut between the structure at all points and the additional netting absorbs the force from a ball being projected into the net, and permits the additional netting to collect balls that are projected into the net through one or more of the plurality of target regions that do not include baskets. - View Dependent Claims (15)
-
Specification