Patent ID: 6988966
Filing Date: 2006-01-24
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A method of training a batter to retain a rear foot in a planted position, said method comprising the steps of: providing a flexible panel having a top side, a bottom side and a peripheral edge, said peripheral edge including a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, said front edge having an arcuate notch therein, said notch being substantially centered between said first and second side edges, said panel having a pair of apertures extending therethrough, each of said apertures being positioned generally adjacent to one of said first and second side edges and between said front and back edges; providing a pair of reinforcement rings, each of said rings being attached to a peripheral edge of one of said openings; providing a pair of elongated rods each having a first end and a second end, each of said first ends being pointed; providing a pair of handles, each of said handles being attached to one of said second ends of said rods; extending each of said rods through one of said rings such that each of said first ends of said rods extends away from said bottom side of said panel; positioning a rear foot of the batter beneath said panel such that the ankle of the rear foot is positioned in the notch; and extending each of said first ends of said rods into a ground surface so that lifting of the rear foot from the ground surface is restricted when the batter swings at a pitch.