Patent ID: 9033828
Filing Date: 2015-05-19
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A ball hitting training device comprising: a stand; a moveable ball holder supported by the stand; an electronic controller, the electronic controller being configured to move the ball holder side-to-side horizontally, in a swinging motion vertically, inward and outward horizontally, and/or up and down with respect to the stand; a vacuum pump supported by the stand, the vacuum pump configured to create a suction force; a suction line attached between the vacuum pump and the ball holder, the suction line being attached to the vacuum pump at one end and having a suction cup supported on the ball holder at the other end such that during use the suction force created by the vacuum pump can support a ball at the suction cup; and a computer including memory and a program configured to determine a three dimensional baseball strike zone personalized for a player based on inputs as to at least the player's shoulder height, the three dimensional strike zone being as defined in relation to the player's height and shoulder location by the Major League rule book, wherein the electronic controller directs the moveable ball holder to move the ball through the determined three-dimensional strike zone at various heights during a batting training session to mimic game situations and train the hand-eye movement of a batter to hit the ball at varying locations within the determined three-dimensional strike zone.