Abstract:
A foot positioning training device with a mat having a transmitter and receiver to establish an electric eye. The electric eye is tied to an alarm that indicates when a batter has taken an improper stride while swinging the bat.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to sports training devices and specifically to a foot position training device suitable for baseball or fast pitch softball. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Children begin learning how to bat a ball almost as soon as they are able to hold a bat. In fact, children begin learning to play the game of baseball as early as kindergarten, usually by hitting a ball off a tee (Tee Ball). Teaching proper hitting technique, including batting stance, is important at a young age as bad habits may be difficult to correct. A significant problem with young batters is their tendency to move their front foot away from the plate while swinging a bat. The problem is referred to as “bailing out” or “stepping in a bucket.” If the stride is away from the plate, the batter&#39;s plate coverage is lost and it is very difficult to make contact with the pitched ball. 
   Accordingly, there is a need for a training device that addresses this problem. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention meets the above-described need by providing a foot position training device that provides a visual or audible alarm when the front foot of a batter moves too far away from the plate during the batting stride. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention is illustrated in the drawings in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures of which: 
       FIG. 1  is a plan view of the device of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the device; and 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the control system for the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   In  FIG. 1 , a foot position training device  10  is shown in position next to a standard home plate  13  for use in batting practice for baseball or fast pitch softball. The device is shown in position for a left handed batter. In order for use by a right handed batter the device is simply rotated 180 degrees, and moved to the other side of the plate. Typically, a pitching machine (not shown) will deliver balls across the plate  13  from right to left in the direction of arrow  14  to simulate live pitching. The batter typically hits off of the machine in batting practices where each batter takes turns hitting a succession of ten to twenty balls delivered to the plate  13  by the machine. 
   The device  10  includes a substantially planar mat  16  for the batter to stand on. The mat  16  is provided with indicia such as foot diagrams  19  as shown. Other types of indicia such as lines may also be provided. During the batting stroke, the back foot of the batter should remain in the same position except for pivoting. With respect to a horizontal axis  22  which is determined by the original position of the batter&#39;s feet in the relaxed state, the movement of the front foot of the batter should be in a plane either parallel to the back foot as shown in broken lines in the diagram or inward toward the plate  13 . 
   An electric eye is established behind the feet of the batter such that a transmitter  25  and receiver  28  are aligned to transmit a beam  31  extending approximately parallel to axis  22 . If the batter moves his or her front foot too far away from the plate  13 , the beam  31  is broken and an alarm  33  is triggered by the device  10 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , the transmitter  25  and receiver  28  may not have to be positioned very high above the mat  16 . Because the device  10  is primarily intended for batting practice, the profile of the transmitter  25  and receiver  28  is not critical. Accordingly, the height of the transmitter  25  and receiver  28  may be adjusted. If the beam  31  is lower it may detect the foot of the batter, and if it is positioned higher it may detect the leg of the batter when the stride is too far from the plate  13 . Also, the mat  16  can be made of suitable materials such as plastic, rubber, or the like in varying sizes with regard to width, length and thickness. 
   Turning to  FIG. 3 , the device  10  includes a control system  34  having a power supply  37 . The power supply  37  is a battery, however, other power supplies including, but not limited to, a 110 V AC power supply may also be utilized. The control system  34  controls the transmitter  25  and receiver  28  and receives input if the beam  31  is broken. If the beam  31  is broken, the system  34  activates the alarm  33 . The alarm  33  may be either audible or visual or both. The audible alarm includes, but is not limited to, a beep, a buzzer, or a pre-recorded message. The visual alarm includes but is not limited to, a light or beacon alarm. Other types of alarms capable of alerting the batter or batting instructor that the beam  31  has been broken would also be suitable. 
   While the invention has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth, but, on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.